For all urban, trekking and gravel bikes, Q’AUTO is a new battery-free automatic shifting system from Shimano.
That battery-free element is key – Q’AUTO debuts with the SHIMANO CUES FH-U6060 FREEHUB, featuring a built-in dynamo to generate power from each pedal stroke. That upends the concept that fully automatic shifting is only possible with advanced eBikes.
Shimano said its innovative Q’AUTO tech is designed to make cycling more enjoyable and accessible for riders of every skill level, with adaptive learning software that personalises shifting to individual riding styles: “Its battery-free design and adaptive learning software allow for an entirely new type of bike that keeps riders in the right gear and adapts to your riding style. Allowing the rider to focus solely on the road ahead.”
As aforementioned, Q’AUTO will debut with SHIMANO CUES FH-U6060, a FREEHUB specifically designed for automatic shifting, featuring a dynamo function inside its body that will generate its own power with each pedal stroke. Inside the FREEHUB, there are three sensors to track speed, cadence and slope, allowing the intelligent Q’AUTO to collect power while riding and storing the electricity needed for performing shifts.
Q’AUTO is designed for easy integration, and long-term reliability.
Launching alongside the SHIMANO CUES FH-U6060 FREEHUB are the SHIMANO CUES RD-U8050-SGS/GS rear derailleur and the SW-EN605-R wireless shift switch. The rear derailleur is compatible with Shimano’s entire range of wireless Di2 switches and shifters – from flat bar to drop bar – covering a wide range of riders and riding styles.
Adaptive Learning
Q’AUTO automatically keeps riders in the right gear, learning as riders shift, and monitoring the relationship between the rider and the riding conditions they are experiencing.
With the Di2 shift switch, riders can provide immediate feedback, so as not to disrupt their riding flow. By tapping the switch to adjust to a different gear, the system will select that gear and remember this setting for similar situations. With over 6,500 possible algorithmic patterns to choose from, Q’AUTO will adapt to each riding style and any challenge it encounters, we’re told. Over time the bike becomes ever more unique to the rider.
Trade enquiries should be pointed in the direction of Madison
