Shimano presents self-powered Di2 automatic transmission for everyday bikes

Patrick Bardelli

4/6/2025

Translation: machine translated

Shimano presents Q'Auto, a battery-free shifting system. The self-powered Di2 automatic shifting system is designed for urban, trekking and gravel bikes.

Until now, fully automatic shifting was only available on high-end e-bikes. I first came across this concept two years ago at Cycle Week in Zurich. On a test ride, I was able to convince myself of the advantages of such fully automatic shifting in city traffic.

The latest shifting technology turns this concept on its head, according to Shimano. As the manufacturer writes in a press release, Q'Auto combines the fun and simplicity of a mechanical bike with electronic shifting.

«Q'Auto is an innovative technology that makes cycling more enjoyable and accessible for riders of all abilities.»

According to Shimano, the new system offers a unique riding experience that differs from e-bikes: With automatic shifting, it is designed to maximise hidden potential, allowing you to experience the ease of riding in the perfect gear. As you no longer have to worry about recharging, you can rediscover the pure joy of cycling.

The manufacturer continues: «The battery-free design and adaptive learning software enable a completely new type of bike that always keeps the rider in the right gear and adapts to their riding style. So you can concentrate fully on the road.»

Thanks to the hub: no charging necessary

Shimano says it is launching Q'Auto with a hub specially developed for automatic shifting. This has an integrated dynamo function that generates its own energy with every pedal stroke. «There are three sensors inside the hub that record speed, cadence and incline so that the intelligent Q'Auto system can collect data during the ride to optimise gear selection and generate the electricity required for shifting.»

Since no battery is required, the bike is always ready to ride, so more time is spent riding and less time waiting. According to the manufacturer, Q'Auto was developed for easy integration and long-term reliability. According to Shimano, the hardware and software create a completely new style of bike that offers advanced automatic shifting without a battery.

The bike learns adaptively

Q'Auto makes shifting gears child's play and automatically keeps the rider in the right gear. According to Shimano, the system learns while shifting and monitors the current riding conditions.

The manufacturer writes: «With the Di2 shift lever, riders can give immediate feedback without interrupting their flow. By tapping the shift lever to adapt to a different gear, the system selects this gear and memorises this setting for similar situations. With over 6,500 possible algorithmic patterns, Q'Auto adapts to every driving style and every challenge.»

It remains to be seen whether this technology will be able to demonstrate its advantages not only in everyday use, for example when commuting between home and work, but also when off-road gravel riding.

Our purchasing department will clarify whether and when we will have the relevant components in the shop. If possible, I will test the technology extensively and report on it.

Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.

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