Is Shimano planning automatic shifting for the masses? Plus the ChatGPT e-bike (yep, really), Trek, Rapha, Cube + loads more

It has been a mega-busy week in the cycling world with loads of new equipment surrounding the Tour de France, and we’ve seen the first e-bike with ChatGPT integration too, but we’re starting off with suspicions that Shimano is about to go big on automatic shifting…

Is Shimano planning automatic shifting for the masses?

Does Shimano intend to introduce automatic shifting widely on the road and radically alter the way we all ride? New evidence suggests that we’re moving in that direction.

Shimano has been working on automatic shifting – where the bike determines when to change gear, essentially – for many years. The Japanese company disclosed an example of an auto shifting control in a US patent (number 6,073,061) dating way back to 2000 and Shimano’s 12-speed e-mountain bikes already feature Auto Shift.

Auto Shift takes into consideration your cadence, rate of acceleration, the torque that you’re putting through the cranks, how long you’ve been at certain thresholds… It’s pretty complicated stuff. The system assesses all the figures and puts you in the right gear with no need to touch the shifters. You can switch back to manual mode if you prefer. A couple of things make us think that Shimano plans to go further.

At Eurobike, Shimano showed its Q’AUTO project that’s currently in development.

Our man Tom Weijand explained, “There’s a capacitor in the rear hub that stores a little bit of power derived from the wheel’s rotation, and automatically shifts gears for you.

“An inclinometer can tell if you’re on a gradient and whether you’re heading up or down, and will adjust the shifting parameters to keep cadences higher or lower as required. The magic of this is about bringing battery-less power to a mechanical shifting ecosystem.”

Shimano hasn’t said when Q’AUTO is likely to be released.

On top of that, a new Shimano patent (US 11,685,470) published this week for a “Bicycle component controller, bicycle component control system and bicycle component control method” – covering both road and mountain bikes – talks more about automatic shifting.

The patent is mainly about how the controller deals with multiple shifts in either direction – the details of that aren’t especially relevant here – and as usual, it’s (really, really) long-winded, but it frequently references automatic shifting.

“The shift commands for the rear derailleur and the front derailleur can be produced manually using the operating device 16 [the shifter] or automatically based on one or more bicycle conditions,” says Shimano

“Here… at least one of the [system’s] data storage devices… is provided with an automatic shifting control program that automatically shifts the rear derailleur and/or front derailleur when an automatic mode is selected.

“In the automatic mode, shifting of each of the rear derailleur and/or front derailleur is preferably at least partially based on at least one of: a cadence, a bicycle running speed, a bicycle tilt, and a gear ratio.”

There are a couple of other really interesting features in this just-released patent.

The part marked 52 on the rear derailleur here is a rechargeable battery.

On this front derailleur, the part marked 54 is also a rechargeable battery. The individual components communicate with one another entirely wirelessly.

None of Shimano’s current Di2 systems uses batteries that are housed on the derailleurs, they all use a central battery that’s connected by wires.

Does that mean Shimano is working on a new completely wireless design, as opposed to the semi-wireless systems we have now? Not necessarily, but it does suggest the brand is open to the possibility.

Second, what the hell is going on here?

This picture shows a cable-operated rear derailleur, but rather than the cable going all the way to a shifter on the handlebar, it’s controlled by a battery-powered ‘actuator’ that’s fixed to the chainstay.

“The actuator is a reversible electric motor unit that pivots a control link to pull and release the cable,” says Shimano.

“The actuator can be controlled by any one of the bicycle component controllers of the other bicycle components to carry out the gear shift.”

In other words, the rider can trigger the actuator to change gear via the shifter or other components can do it automatically, similar to the way described above.

Electronically controlling a cable-operated rear derailleur isn’t entirely new. The NXS wireless shifting system, for example, already does this, although Shimano's system is very different. Shimano is seemingly trying to improve its cross compatibility, for example with CUES, and a system like this could potentially be used with something like the mechanical version of 105 R7100 that we know is on the way.

> Shimano unveils new cross-compatible CUES groupsets for city, touring and mountain bikes, consolidating Claris, Sora and Tiagra 

Incidentally, although this patent shows a cassette with nine sprockets, Shimano makes it clear that “more than 11” sprockets can be included.

Could we see Shimano bring automatic shifting to its road-going groupsets, then? It’s certainly a possibility. Is it a good idea? Let us know what you think in the comments.

Introducing the world’s first e-bike with ChatGPT integration. Yes, really

We’ve all heard loads about the ChatGPT artificial intelligence chatbot over the past few months and now Urtopia has integrated it into an e-bike for the first time. You communicate with ChatGPT via Urtopia’s voice recognition feature. In other words, you can now chat with your bike – you know, like David Hasselhoff used to chat with his car in Knight Rider. Kind of.

“With the power of ChatGPT and Urtopia’s voice recognition feature, the Urtopia smart e-bike becomes an exceptional companion for riders, delivering real-time assistance based on users’ needs,” says Urtopia.

Behold, the video…

That ChatGPT fella goes on a bit, doesn’t he?

You could ask ChatGPT to tell you the best place to ride your bike in Birmingham, how to fix a puncture… or pretty much anything else you can think of. Mercedes recently announced that it is adding ChatGPT to cars but Urtopia is the first in the bicycle world.

Urtopia e-bikes also feature proprietary technology related to GPS navigation, riding safety and data recording, along with anti-theft measures. They are connected with popular platforms like Apple Health and Strava too.

Urtopia e-bikes start at €2,299.99, which converts to £1,980.

What do you think: a useful innovation or tech for tech’s sake?

Find out more here 

Are Lidl-Trek’s new bikes the coolest in the Tour de France?

Wow! There are some amazing-looking bikes in this year’s Tour de France but Lidl-Trek’s new paint jobs take some beating. The team that changed its name from Trek-Segafredo earlier this week is showcasing Trek’s new Project One paint schemes – Project One being the US brand’s custom programme.

“Each scheme is handcrafted using individualised paint processes, creating organic designs and patterns that cannot be replicated,” says Trek. “No two Project One Icon frames are the same.”

That said, you can get your own version on a Trek Émonda SLR or Madone SLR by going through Project One.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Mads Pedersen (@pedersen__mads)

The pick of the bunch has to be the Chroma Ultra-Iridescent finish, as modelled by Mads Medersen’s Trek Madone SLR.

How much?

There’s always a catch, isn’t there? The paint job alone will set you back £3,850. Ouch!

They’re not all quite that price. The Team Tie Dye (above) and Real Smoke Cerulean Mist (below) finishes, for example, are £1,650 apiece.

Okay, not too many of us are going to spend this amount on a paint job but it’s fun to gawp in at the shop window occasionally, isn’t it?

Find out more here 

Zwift’s new Climb Portals allow you to tackle legendary Tour cols

Online cycling app Zwift has introduced two new Climb Portals that are designed to mimic real-world climbs – legendary Tour de France cols to begin with.

Zwift says, “Climb Portal allows the Zwift community to come together and ascend imaginative versions of real-world cols, summits, gaps, and passes in a brand new Zwift experience. The new Climb Portal recreates the Col du Tourmalet, and other legendary Tour climbs.

“Inside the portals, cyclists will see a road surface that floats in a vast, colourful expanse. Cyclists will be able to see the challenge ahead, illustrated by a colourful ribbon climbing into the distance, changing colour to mimic the gradient variations of the climb. The pitch and direction of the climbs perfectly match their real-world inspirations, giving Zwifters the realistic challenge of these climbs, as well as a completely new visual experience.”

Climbs used in the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes Avec Zwift will feature during July. Other famous climbs will be replicated in future with updates every two weeks.

Find out more here 

Rapha introduces collab with St Raphaël

Rapha has introduced a collaboration with French apéritif brand St Raphaël. St Raphaël sponsored a pro cycling team in the 1950s and 1960s, Jacques Anquetil and Tom Simpson being among its most famous riders.

Alongside the main Saint Raphaël team, there was a feeder squad called Rapha-Géminiani – and the British bike clothing has since borrowed part of the name.

The range includes a Quarter Zip Knit Jersey (£150) in red, white, or black, Pro Team Aero Jerseys for men and women (£175), along with socks (£18),  a cap (£32),  and a bidon, otherwise known as a water bottle (£16). 

Find out more here 

Cube reduces drag of Aerium C:68X triathlon bike

Cube has launched a new Aerium C:68X triathlon bike in time for the Challenge Roth long-distance event on 7th July. 

Cube says that the bike incorporates additional storage and hydration options, as well as disc brake integration, without compromising the bike’s aero performance.

“In fact, the engineers not only preserved but actually improved on the already impressive numbers of the outgoing model: the brand-new Aerium C:68X is 3.63 watts faster than the Aerium C:68.”

That claim doesn't meaning a whole lot without a speed at which it's relevant. We've asked Cube to fill us in. The brand also says the weight has been reduced to 9.1kg for the full bike without the hydration system.

The designers have carried over some key elements from the old model including the Twin Head Tube – look at the pics and you’ll see why it’s called that – which is designed to keep the bike stable in crosswinds, and the low seatstays which reduce the frontal area.

“The fork and cockpit have been aerodynamically optimised and we integrated the disc brake mounts,” said Bernd Schenkl, Cube’s Head of Engineering. “There's a hydration system with a bladder located directly above the bottom bracket, which we developed and tested in conjunction with our triathletes.”

The new Aerium C:68X comes in two different models. The Aerium C:68X SLT has a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and Newman Advanced SL R.80 Streem wheels, and is priced at £8,999.

The Aerium C:68X SLT comes with a SRAM Force AXS groupset and Newmen Advanced SL R.65/R.80 Streem wheels, and it’s priced £7,899.

A frameset, including Cube’s cockpit, is £3,999.

Find out more here 

SunGod releases Tom Pidcock Signature Series glasses ahead of the Tour

After launching Ineos Grenadiers Team Edition eyewear and Geraint Thomas Signature Series specs over the past few weeks, SunGod has introduced a Tom Pidcock version of its Velans in time for the Tour de France. The British brand is really making its sponsorship deal work hard.

The limited edition Tom Pidcock Velans glasses come in a vibrant red with a silver/blue lens that’s engraved with a playing cards motif. They’re priced at £150.

Find out more here 

Selle Italia announces Tour de France saddles

Selle Italia has introduced Tour de France versions of two of its existing saddles: the Novus Boost Evo and X3 Boost. They feature logos and a splash of yellow detail.

> Read our review of the Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo Kit Carbonio Superflow saddle 

The Selle Italia Novus Boost Evo is a wave shape and the Tour Edition comes with manganese rails. It is priced at £94.99.

> Check out the best road bike saddles 2023 

The X3 Boost saddle has a Superflow cut-out that’s designed to relieve pressure on the perineal area. It has rails made from FeC Alloy (a form of steel that Selle Italia uses) and is priced at £49.99.

Find out more here 

Howies debuts merino-blend bike clothing range

Howies has introduced a new range of bike clothing for the summer that features an innovative Polytechknit fabric designed to keep you comfortable in the saddle.

“The Polytechknit fabric brings together the best of both natural and synthetic fibres with its complex knit of a polyester mesh on the inside face and soft merino wool on the outer,” says Howies. “By combining the nonabsorbent properties of polyester and the natural breathability, temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties of merino wool, the fabric offers enhanced performance and comfort for cyclists.”

The range features the Thomas long-sleeve jersey (£79), Doull short-sleeve jersey (£69), Linton bib shorts (£75), and Elias base layer (£45). There are also two different sock designs (£25).

Howies says that the polyester sits against your skin and perspiration is pulled through the mesh by the merino wool on the outside. The merino element is also designed to regulate body temperature and reduce odour while the poly mesh adds durability.

Howies’ new bike clothing range is available from today (1st July 2023).

We have some on the way for review here on road.cc.

Find out more here 

Torq introduces flavourless energy gel

You might recognise the feeling: you’re in a race or on a long ride and badly need some extra energy… but you just can’t stomach any more sweetness.

With that in mind, Torq has released an energy gel that’s entirely flavourless. The nutrition brand says that its new Energy Gel Naked is “ideal for longer endurance sessions and events when fuel consumption is high and you want more variation” and can act “as a great way to cleanse your palate”.

Each gel contains 30g (120 kcal) of maltodextrin and fructose in a 2:1 mix. No electrolytes are included because they’d add flavour. A box of 15 is priced at £29.25.

Find out more here 

Is this the most subtle phone mount ever?

Few editions of Tech of the Week pass without a clever and/or wacky invention from Kickstarter, and today’s entry is this, the Loop Micro Mount. What the Dickens is the Loop Micro Mount? It’s a phone holder for your bike that when not in use does a pretty good impression of a standard headset top cap.

Rather than gibber on, it’s probably easiest if you just watch the vid…

> Check out our story on a previous Loop Mount 

It has already smashed its funding target. To be in line for one, you need to pledge at least £32. Shipping is expected in September.

Find out more here 

Ergon produces its first fully recyclable saddle

Ergon says that it has made a saddle that’s fully recyclable, the first product in its GreenLab Circular initiative that aims to bring more sustainable products to market. All components can be returned to the material cycle at the end of the SR Allroad Core Circular saddle’s service life.

“Our goal was to construct a saddle that comes entirely from a family of similarly-engineered materials because only then is there the capability of completely recycling a product in its entirety,” says Ergon’s Andreas Krause.

All of the plastic parts are BASF polyurethanes so they can be recycled in one piece. The rails are made of stainless steel and can be removed by hand. Ergon produced the saddle without colour pigments or a surface coating.

The SR Allroad Core Circular saddle is a proof of concept rather than a product that’s on the market. Ergon hasn’t announced a launch date.

Find out more here 

In case you missed it earlier in the week…

• Running 1x? Wolf Tooth introduces LoneWolf Aero chainguide to avoid a dropped chain 
   
• Shimano 105 12-speed mechanical groupset breaks cover
   
• Insta360 launches GO 3 thumb-sized action camera for cycling with magnetic mounting system 
   
• 10 tech highlights from Eurobike 2023 
   
• MiRider announces new 24” wheeled bike, upgrades to GB3 model and derailleur-free gears with a belt drive via G3ARED 
   
• Doing e-bikes differently: meet Velo De Ville