Shimano uvádí na trh Q'AUTO: Automatický systém řazení Di2 pro dojíždějící a příležitostné jezdce

June 5, 2025 – Sakai, Japan — Shimano has unveiled Q’AUTO, a new automatic shifting system based on its proven Di2 electronic platform, aimed at making gear shifting smarter and more accessible for everyday cyclists. With this move, the company is bringing the benefits of electronic shifting—once reserved for high-end road and mountain bikes—to urban commuters, family riders, e-bike users, and those seeking the advantages of Shimano Q’AUTO.

Simplifying the Ride Experience

Q’AUTO is designed for one key purpose: to eliminate the need for manual gear changes, allowing riders to focus purely on the ride. Whether you’re navigating a hilly city commute or cycling casually along bike paths, the Shimano Q’AUTO system continuously monitors cadence and speed and automatically selects the optimal gear without the rider needing to press a single button.

According to Shimano, the system is built around the Nexus Inter-5 internal gear hub, a robust platform already popular in e-bikes. Paired with Shimano’s Di2 electronic actuation and an adaptive control algorithm, Q’AUTO adjusts shifting in real time to suit terrain and rider input.

“We created Q’AUTO to remove one of the main barriers that keep people from enjoying cycling—gear shifting complexity,” said Koji Takabayashi, Senior Product Manager at Shimano. “With this system, there’s no learning curve, no forgetting to downshift at a red light. The bike does the thinking for you.”

Key Features of Q’AUTO

• Fully Automated Shifting: Gear changes are handled automatically using sensors that measure cadence and speed.
• Nexus Inter-5 Hub Integration: Optimized for electric-assist city bikes, offering smooth and reliable gear transitions.
• Customizable Shifting Behavior: Riders can fine-tune shift timing via Shimano’s E-Tube mobile app, setting preferences such as cadence thresholds.
• Low Maintenance: Enclosed gear hub and sealed electronic components are designed for daily use in varied weather conditions.
• E-bike Compatibility: Initially available for e-bikes equipped with Shimano’s STEPS drive units, with future expansion planned.

Targeting the Urban Mobility Market

Shimano’s move reflects a broader shift in the cycling industry toward smart, user-friendly technologies for non-enthusiast riders. According to the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry (CONEBI), e-bike sales in Europe grew by 8.6% in 2024, with over 5.5 million units sold. A significant share of these sales are city and commuter models, where rider comfort and ease of use are top priorities.

“Many people are turning to bicycles and e-bikes as daily transport, but not everyone is interested in learning gear ratios or how to shift efficiently,” said Hans Dekker, an independent urban mobility analyst based in the Netherlands. “Shimano’s Q’AUTO aims right at that mainstream market, where convenience and reliability matter most.”

Early Adoption by OEMs

Shimano has confirmed that several OEM partners will begin offering Q’AUTO-equipped models by the second half of 2025. Although no specific brands were named, industry insiders suggest the system will debut in Europe and Japan—two of the world’s largest e-bike markets.

Initial production will focus on 5-speed internal gear hubs for mid-drive e-bikes using Shimano STEPS motors, such as the E6100 and EP6 series. Further compatibility with non-electric city bikes or front-hub motors may follow in future product cycles.

Bridging the Tech Gap

The release of Q’AUTO may also be a response to growing competition from other smart shifting solutions, including Enviolo’s AUTOMATiQ continuously variable transmission and Bosch’s Smart System with automatic gear selection. However, Shimano holds a significant edge in OEM adoption due to its vertically integrated ecosystem and global support network.

While Q’AUTO will not replace manual or semi-automatic Di2 systems, it marks an important step in democratizing high-tech shifting. For casual riders who just want to get from A to B without fiddling with levers, the appeal is clear.

Pohled do budoucna

Shimano’s foray into automated shifting for mass-market bikes is not without precedent—automatic gearboxes have existed in various forms for decades. But with modern electronics, compact sensors, and the rise of connected mobility, Q’AUTO could succeed where earlier attempts failed.

The company has not yet disclosed the standalone pricing for Q’AUTO, but it’s expected to be bundled with complete bikes in the $2,000–$3,000 range. As the product becomes more widely adopted, prices may come down, making it a standard feature on mid-range urban bikes.

Závěr

Q’AUTO signals Shimano’s recognition that the future of cycling—especially urban cycling—lies in simplicity, automation, and seamless integration. For daily riders who prioritize convenience over complexity, it may be the smartest shift yet.

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