Shimano Auto Shift Q&A |

In this month's #AskEMBN Tech Clinic, Steve Jones takes a look at some questions and comments from the EMBN Community about Shimano's Auto Shift system, gearboxes, drivetrain durability and more! To learn more about the Shimano Auto Shift and Free Shift system, watch Steve's original video here: embn.me/AutoShift
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[@ianferch7970]

I’ve been mountain biking for over 40 years and for the past year I’ve been riding a full suspension gearbox bike . Yeah I can’t shift under load but I can shift when stopped, without pedalling and as many gears up or down in one motion. The rear wheel has way less unsprung weight suspension works better and not dished so it’s a lot stronger. The gears aren’t exposed to the elements, no vulnerable rear derailleur and chain or belt not subjected to shifting stresses. Trekking cyclists have tens of thousands of kilometres on Pinion gearboxes. The electric one negates the criticisms of any extra drag, shifting under load and a little additional weight with the assistance of a motor. The Shimano auto shift may reduce stress on the components but they still remain vulnerable high wear items in comparison to the gearbox. I own a hardtail fat bike e-bike 27.5/29+ for winter fun and chainsaw carrying assistance but I will definitely wait for a Pinion MGU equipped full suspension e-bike.

[@MTBPerspective]

I'm just thrilled every time I finish a ride on my Trance E+ and I've had more fun than in my previous 50+ years of riding! 2-4x longer rides and knees ready to go again the next day!!! I give the tech time to sort out a bit (didn't get my Trance E+ until Nov 2022) so new stuff always is interesting to me but I'm not hopping on the bleeding edge versions of things (bikes or other tech). A little patience on getting the latest/greatest gives time for the bugs to get sorted out and the price to normalize. I very much enjoy watching embn test this stuff out in real world conditions, especially by a tester in my age bracket!

[@rickbunch3146]

Fascinating that we whose 8 to 10 speed automatic cars shifted during the hills on the way to the trails say we don’t need this. I think it’s in our DNA with pre-shifting thousands of times before hills.

[@bradsanders6954]

The park here in Chico , nor cal. It is always said if you can ride the park, you can ride anything. It is rocks on rocks on lava cap with vertical drops leading to near vertical climbs......I put the Canyon e bike in boost mode and just blast it as hard as can be. I can do 3 hours or more in boost. -------------------- People, online mostly, are wound so tight over the coming gearbox, and they havent even ridden one. A derailleur obviously can work fine, if your extra clumsy you can wreck anything. Its just bicycle riding people, go have fun on what you have.

[@1986Gazj]

Aren't we still waiting 2 years later for linkglide to actually be in shops in the UK? Media can get them but the public can't and it's getting boring waiting

[@matt45540]

Yeah companies rush to market even if they can't produce. What's the point of marketing if you can't sell

[@teabagNBG]

im in germany and when i type it in google i get a ton of shops...

[@gardenogauge]

I had no issues buying a full drive train in the UK

[@barryholt3526]

I got mine off eBay straight after the first embn video on it. Maybe one that had been sent out for media but not used. Saying that my brother in-law just got one from our LBS a month ago.

[@Youtuberkt]

The EP8 (EP801) is compatible with the precise electronic gear-shifting technology of DEORE XT Di2 enabling FREE SHIFT & AUTO SHIFT capabilities. Also choose from a wide variety of crank, chain and chainring options. DEORE XT Di2 comes two options: • Quick and lightweight shifting with HYPERGLIDE+ for 12-speed drivetrains with FREE SHIFT • Smooth and durable shifting with LINKGLIDE tech for 11-speed drivetrains with FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT

[@bradsanders6954]

Its funny, I do a 3 hour ride, and shifting happens automatically doing it myself. Its not hard if you have years on bikes. Shift before you need it is the same on amish bikes or E bikes. I hate auto shifting on motorcycles, Honda has tried to sell it and most dont like it. The gearbox thing, I will for sure let that sort itself out before thinking about it. Dont want a heavier more expensive bike.

[@jonathanpickles5369]

That was very useful. Thanks

[@ianharding3044]

I think auto shift is a great idea. It takes away thinking about shifting. You can concentrate on enjoying the ride more especially tricky technical terrain. A comparison between Shimano auto shift and the pinion mgu would be interesting. Great show 👍

[@danielcedolin2034]

New tech is always good but we are mountain bikers and can cope with clicking i gear shifter it’s not hard the one thing that has not moved forward fast enough is braking . I have great brakes on my EMTB but after a long descent or multi short downs my fingers and hands ache. Compeared to my light acoustic bike . Electric brakes now that’s the future 🤔

[@tomquimby8669]

We don't push things on people that we know is subpar. considering you don't do any any maintenance how would you know. I tried Peaty's lube, what a waste of money. Linkglide is ok but only works with shimano chains as the chain cutaways are specific. Endless mentions of Maxxis arseguys. Whereas Vittoria Mezcals are so much better for mixed terrain. If I could get ABS without buying Bosch I would as for another push Bosch SX 120 rpm is ridiculous.

[@ultimateactiontv8645]

Great review thank you

[@karlwilliams8208]

Excellent video. I believe the future will eventually be intergraded motor/gearbox. I do think vested interests do come into play as no manufacturer wants to lose their business. A case in point, all ride soft-ride revolutionized triathlons but rather than the industry adapting the governing body banded it thereby protecting major companies from having to compete.

[@porroco]

I own shimano ep8 motor and its customer support sucks. There is no way to send email for question support to get light switch on

[@Dannyjones1]

I'm a technical climber and would class myself quite adept in that area, and I'm not sure autoshift would be for me. I feel I know exactly what gear I need to be in to give me the correct cadence for the terrain I'm climbing. How good is it? I'll need to try it.

[@xavierhulbert5849]

One of the major benefits of auto shifting that seemed to go missed. This is something that would allow people with low hand motor controls to ride with more ease. If this system could be integrated into an adaptive mtb, this could really increase the number of people who can enjoy the sport.

[@vashon100]

I'd just like a damn gear number display for my shifter. LOL

[@decreasingmass4577]

maybe embn should do a video on how the right cadence can be effective for getting up hills and saving battery.. just saying

[@Tony_P]

You need instuction on how to pedal at a target cadence ? Really ?

[@InfiniteMishaps]

Please do a video on what bikes have this available from the dealer. There is little to no information out there to be able to tell which bikes come equipped with this tech or not. Auto shifting is nowhere to be found on the canyon spectral on ebike web page. I love the tech, but finding a bike with it requires some serious digging into specs.

[@barryholt3526]

Hi Steve, it's funny that I've just seen this having just snapped my first 10spd linkglide chain that I've been running on my Levo Comp Alloy. This has just backed up my previous comment for me as this has no way of telling where on the cassette the auto feature is demanding the gear change. The opposite is true on the t-type where you can ask for the gear to change but it won't do it until it's at the correct orientation on the cassette for a smooth shift. Hence my comment, this plus the SRAM tech, namely the ability to choose where on the cassette it changes, would be fantastic. Just making the cassette stronger and then grinding the gears doesn't really cut it as something will prove to be a weak link which will likely be the chain. I'm not sure I can muster up the £1200 to try out the gx t-type for myself right now but I sure am keen, a lot keener than I would be to try Shimano's autoshift that is for sure.

[@barryholt3526]

I'll just add, that although the linkglide is 300% longer lasting than hyperglide that is under good shifting. The poor shifting practices that auto will do is going to diminish that figure somewhat. What is the percentage of benefit when comparing manual hyperglide, manual linkglide and auto linkglide.

[@barryholt3526]

Are you saying that the linkglide system life is equal under manual and auto shifting? I just can't believe that.

[@atlasbandit]

Get real... if you care about your drivetrain you can ignore this junk. Even the 12 speed Pinion MGU does not cope with autoshift between 4 and 5 , 8 and 9 gears. ATM manual shift is the only option(unless you want to repair your bike every month).

[@flosiate]

an other video about linkglide and no one can tell ppl when it comes out or be available in shops (on bikes). I ask canyon they told me they have no plans for it in the moment.

[@user-zd8cv6xx1q]

The question I have is do all of the motors drag you down once you hit restricted speed? That completely sucks. I wouldn't care if it quit helping but why does it have to drag you down? It should be legal to pedal as fast as you like. You can do it on an analog. This totally makes an emtb out of the game. I'll stick with standard pedaling.

[@josmith8205]

GREAT 😀

[@jmaxthebest]

just buy a canyon CF8 3 week ago and i just order all the stuff to add xtDi2 on my bike , i really look into freeshift , i drive on lots of trail / enduro and when you down technical hiill ect .. its no easy to shift .... when you up climb / down climb ect ..... i dont have interresst about autoshifting , but i will tried .... hope i will not have issue to install and setup ... i am just litle affraid about cable management to go to motor ....

[@hoppista]

Hi So you are planning retrofit your bike. Please tell how it went, and is there any problems. Many sites told that this is only OEM stuff and can not retrofitted, but if you have ep801 motor I wonder why not. I'm planning new bike and if this system can retrofit, it changes the game.

[@jmaxthebest]

@@hoppista was very very hard lol my CF8 was error with all di2 stuff , but i buy a shimano SM-PCE02 to activate my di2 on motor with free software emax . its work correctly , before i go on shimano service center but theyre not succes to activate my di2 for that i buy the SM-PCE02 ..... i am IT guy and i am not afrayd about all computer science stuff lol

[@teabagNBG]

so real autoshift is only availible on the 11x linkglide??? i have a orbea rise m20 and want to upgrade to 11x linkglide di2... all parts are clear, i just struggle with the rear hub, since i need a new rear wheel then... 12x hyperglide uses microspline and 11xfreeglide uses standart freehub!!!!

[@ssjj9584]

Seems these things are actually making you a worse rider. Learning to be in the right gear is an essential skill. And looking ahead to react accordingly. This isn’t driving to work, it’s a sport. Can’t imagine people using stuff like this then getting on a bike that doesn’t have it. I have a feeling a lot has to do with so many newer riders not know how to ride using wrong gears and lugging the motor in higher gears in turbo and ruining the lifespan of the motors.

[@webster169]

I’m all for auto shifting, more time to concentrate on the trail and enjoy the ride. Don’t think it takes any of the essence of emtb away.

[@utube091116]

Maybe not so great... i consider shifting talent/ knowhow/ learning as part of the sport, No? Do we need much more riders..? certainly not big budget /no time-to-learn riders.

[@Tony_P]

The industry wants noobs with money.

[@porroco]

We need is a TCS to avoid tire slip on the uphills. Tuning the pedal asistant or torque wont help, but a traction control sensor will be a key on those rocky ascents

[@BobBob-bq2be]

Brother you can waffle all you want. Auto shift is nonsense! If you are having to change gear while standing up pedalling you are killing cassette and chain if it changes by itself or automatically. Shimano obviously told you off for getting them bad press but it’s a silly system so not your fault. Free shift so allowing you to change without pedalling is good but the rest is nonsense. Facts

[@vidibites]

Auto shifts could reduce injuries. I have two scares on my right leg from injuries sustained whilst peddling and shifting under load. 1. The chain snapped and my knee went crashing into the pedal 2. The chain jumped off and the front ring cut into my calf.

[@Tony_P]

With auto shift , you'll never be able to anticipate those 2 scenarios. Progress ?

[@Tony_P]

@anonymousone6075 I was replying to vidibites. I agree. It's garbage.

[@Ghoetic]

First

[@ufcmat1108]

Hello hello,i dont understand one thing,more and more mtb riders throwing shimano motor away and the reason is-1000 resons,power,quality,speed,so why you guys never said what shimano motor is actualy,problems and all things,let people know,

[@barryholt3526]

See the little Ad thing that comes up on the videos. That is the reason. It shows that it's a paid advert so they're not going to say anything detrimental about the product. What the public needs is proper journalism and not just reading out the company spiel over some cool riding shots. I wish that I could point you in the direction of independent opinions but there aren't any except maybe the owners groups on Facebook. For independent reviews try people that have paid for the stuff themselves instead of ones that are getting paid to travel the world and toe the line. When Steve says "why would I do that". Ask how much he got paid for that trip or more importantly how much the play sports network got paid.

[@thim8009]

Rough crowd on show. I think the innovation is great. Doesn't mean I'm going to buy it.

[@apositivemodernlife8885]

Steve, sounds like you're shilling for Shimano...

[@Doesnotcare12]

Why continually mention "but new people to the sport"? Do people not buy cheap secondhand things anymore to see if they like it and at the same time learn the sport? My 1989 raleigh mustang got me into it then I saved my paperound money and bought a specialized rockhopper and then sold and bought from then on. Coming into mountain biking dropping 6k+ on a bike when you don't even know how to change gear,brake without a.b.s. I remember when v brakes changed the braking world. My dad wouldn't let me buy a brand new car on tick he got me to buy an old golf that would obviously not last long but would teach me how to drive a basic car and fix basic things and the same goes for bikes. As it is it's going far too elitist and new bikers need to be 40 with a six figure salary or be a youtuber to get free bikes.

[@SimonBauer7]

say hello to gear grind and your drivetrain getting f...d.

[@nikolausseiringer7211]

doo you like oto shifz 👇

[@miggyclark1]

Easier to train the person to spin. In 10 years, when renting a bike they will ask if you can ride gears (manual) like cars. Next it will be Automatic bikes that you put your destination grid ref. in and it takes you there while spinning your legs around for you. All the levels of engagement for all the tastes and each to their own.

[@alexanderscott2567]

Tell me again how you fix stupid?

[@tonym6633]

Back in the day when I was into cars and Pdk /fast automatics came out I was all over it. Why would you not want a faster car? Now , I'll enjoy shifting myself.

[@decreasingmass4577]

can of worms opened u have... defiantly spin to win.. i try to maintain a cadence of 80 to 85.. and that's comphy... and at that cadence i can spin up hills all day long.. so seams as if the new system wont fit my ep8 Rs motor that was new not 12 months ago... I think its crap and the industry in general needs to get its act together... expecting riders to drop another X amount of hard earnt on a new piece of tech.. well all I can say... spin to win... and wait for the MU to take over as it may well do..

[@AmvC]

Mountain Biking - unlike most other cycling acitvities - is about FUN first. Whatever gets people closer to FUN is awesome. If you have more FUN without it - great! Nobody forces you to buy into linkglide and/or auto-/freeshift. I'm not gonna make a whole point here, but think about people who simply cannot shift because of whatever disability they have. How awesome is it to have a system where they can go out and ride? Last point for the haters: autoshift and ABS will become standard soon. Get over it. You're behaving like the people who claimed that "driving is not driving with a seatbelt, ABS, RGCC, Parking Sensors, cameras, airbags, ASR, ESP, crumple zones, reinforced panels" in the 1970s and onwards - go watch the brief moment, when ESP was allowed in Formula One (an idiotic "sport" from the last century) and how perfectly everyone was accellerating off the line with it. Technology rules. And in FUN MTB'ing there is no Bernard Ecclestone to forcfully stop it.

[@AmvC]

ps. if you don't want to have fun and just be serious and outdated (i.e. lacking 5-10 years behind) about everything: try road cycling.