You’re cruising down the road. The roof’s down. The wind in your hair. Automatic transmission. Time to think. Why can’t it be the same with an e-bike? Shimano’s Auto-Shift feature for e-bikes has been around for a while now, but no one seems to talk about it. Is the system only good for cruising around or can you use it to hit the trails? We tested Shimano’s automatic drivetrain for e-bikes to find out.
What does Auto-Shift actually mean? In a nutshell, Shimano’s Auto-Shift system works a bit like a car’s automatic transmission. It monitors the rider’s riding style via several sensors and chooses a suitable gear – basically taking over for you. The motor and drivetrain are closely networked and connected with cables and form a closed e-bike motor system that is complemented with peripheral components like a display and remotes for both the motor and drivetrain. Ideally, with Auto-Shift, you don’t have to shift anymore – how, where, and when it shifts depends on the terrain and your settings.
To test this complex system, we teamed up with Propain and Shimano, and ordered two identical bikes – except for the drivetrain and motor systems. The Propain EKANO 2 AL with Shimano EP801 motor and XT Di2 drivetrain, FOX Factory suspension, RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post, and Magura MT7 brakes. Note: This exact setup is not (yet?) available on Propain’s online configurator. We also picked the exact same setup on an EKANO 2 CF, only with a carbon frame and SRAM drivetrain.
Propain EKANO CF | SRAM Powertrain/630 Wh | SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission | 23.8 kg
Shimano Auto-Shift functions on an XT Di2 Linkglide drivetrain
Freeshift Function – Shifting without pedalling, but not stationary:
Freeshift lets you shift while coasting without pedalling. Shifting input comes either from you, the rider, or – while Auto-Shift is active – from the e-bike system. To engage the requested gear, the motor rotates the chainring until you’re in the selected gear. This usually takes about 1.5 chainring revolutions. This is barely noticeable while riding, except for the clicking noise of the shifting. If you’re too slow, Freeshift stops working to prevent the motor from unintentionally pushing you forward.
Startshift Function – Always in the right gear when setting off
Startshift is as simple as it sounds. You set a start gear through the E-Tube Ride app. When the motor system detects that you’re decelerating and likely to stop, it shifts down to the preset start gear. This way, you’ll always have the right gear for setting off from a standstill, whether you’re at a traffic light or resuming a trail ride after a short break.
Auto-Shift Function – When you don’t have to worry about shifting
Auto-Shift is the ultimate shifting helper. In a nutshell, the e-bike motor system takes over the shifting. Using a mix of sensor data like crank revolutions, tilt sensor, speed, and pedal pressure (torque sensor), the system selects the appropriate gear and shifts – as long as you’re rolling. With Shimano, this works with the EP 801 or EP 6 motor combined with an 11-speed Linkglide Di2 drivetrain. Coast- and Startshift also work with Shimano’s electronic Di2 12-speed drivetrains. For durability reasons, Shimano only offer the full automatic mode with their 11-speed drivetrains which have 55% less gear range than a 12-speed Hyperglide cassette (455% vs. 510%). With e-bikes, the smaller gear range is usually compensated by the motor’s assistance. According to Shimano, the Linkglide’s cassette and chain are up to three times more durable than the 12-speed Hyperglide variant.
Operating the automatic drivetrain – From easy to nerdy
Shimano’s automatic drivetrain relies entirely on cables. While this means that you’ll never run out of batteries, the look isn’t as tidy. The cables are thinner than regular cables but still noticeable. Additionally, the right-hand shifter has one more button additional to the up- and downshifting. The third button is flat, seamlessly integrated into the housing, and can be easily reached with your thumb without having to take your hand off the handlebars. This button switches between two automatic modes and manual mode. Auto-Shift mode can be overridden at any time.
As usual, the left motor remote takes care of the rest of the menu navigation. Here, you’ll find five buttons to switch between support modes and data fields on the display, activate walk assist and turn on the light. In terms of connectivity, the system offers ANT+ and Bluetooth, allowing for over-the-air updates.
Shimano XT Di2 Autoshift on test
Adjusting the ride and shift modes to your personal preferences
The different ride and shift modes can be further configured via Shimano’s E-Tube Ride app. Shimano offer seven ride modes, all of which can be customised to your needs and preferences. Both Auto-Shift modes 1 and 2 can be configured and adjusted independently. This means: if you want to get into it and are confident enough to adjust the system to suit your needs, Shimano give you the freedom to configure the system to your wishes. The support modes can be adjusted in three different ways: support character (ECO – Powerful), torque (20 – 85 Nm), and motor response (Gentle – Fast). For the different Auto-Shift modes, you can switch between tarmac and MTB. You can also set your desired cadence from the app and adjust the climb adjustment from fast to slow – lowering the cadence at which the system shifts automatically, making sure that you’re always pedalling your optimal cadence.
SRAM take a different approach: with only two support modes to choose from, their system is simpler to operate but also offers fewer customization options. As a result the SRAM system is less versatile, which is mainly due to the limited configuration options for the peak power, support and target cadence.
Wear and operating costs of the Linkglide Auto-Shift system
Real-life wear measurement is tricky and subject to varying conditions, as the drivetrain suffers more in muddy and extremely dusty trails. So we have to trust the manufacturer’s claims. According to Shimano, the Auto-Shift-compatible Linkglide (11-speed) cassette is 300% more durable than the 12-speed Hyperglide cassette. Technically, this seems plausible – with one less gear, the system is more robust. Even if replacements are needed, the costs are reasonable, with new cassettes (455% gear range) starting at around € 80 and chains around € 25. For comparison’s sake: the cheapest SRAM T-Type cassette (520% gear range) starts at around € 200, while the chain sets you back at least € 50. However, with SRAM, you have one more gear and an additional 65% gear range, even with Auto-Shift.
Auto-Shift test on the trail – How well does Shimano Auto-Shift work off-road?
We ordered two identical Propain Ekano bikes – one with SRAM and one with Shimano motor and drivetrain. During the test, we focused more on uphill than downhill. However, this doesn’t mean that we rode fewer trails. Uphill as much as downhill, the focus was on technically challenging trail sections – though the access was mostly via gravel roads.
On flat, moderate terrain, the gear shifts are smooth and hardly noticeable. The Shimano motor seems to time the gear shifts exactly when there’s the least tension on the chain. Except for two constants – starting gear 4 and desired cadence 70 – we configured both Auto-Shift modes A1 and 2 in very different ways: A1 is fully set for MTB, with the climb adjustment on the fastest setting. A2 is tuned for tarmac, with the climb adjustment in the middle, towards fast.
On level ground and fire road uphills, these adjustments are noticeable: in the A2 mode, the system shifts less frequently. It’s like the comfort mode in an automatic car: If you press the gas harder, the automatic doesn’t immediately downshift. You pedal longer in the same gear, and the system allows for greater cadence fluctuations. In contrast, A1 mode is like sport+ in a sporty coupe: A slight touch on the gas pedal, and the car drops two gears, the rev counter jumps into the red numbers. On an e-bike, this means the gear changes are more frequent and noticeable – as if the system was shifting between gears a bit too often. A quick increase in pedal force or speed prompts the rear derailleur to adjust quickly, maintaining the desired cadence. For cruising on gravel roads, it’s like driving a sports car in a pedestrian zone – inappropriate. But when you hit a trail uphill, it’s worth shifting into A2 mode. The system reliably picks a suitable gear to maximise motor power. Steep, technical climbs can be tackled without manual intervention. With SRAM, these two shift modes don’t exist, but you can quickly adjust the desired cadence on the display – which isn’t easy on the trail, but allows you to change between different shift modes in traverses.
But where and when does the system reach its limits? Mixed descents with abrupt, steep climbs push the system beyond its optimal range. The answer is simple – the electronic shifting isn’t linked with GPS or maps, so it can’t foresee climbs. The reaction speed of a derailleur is limited: to shift from the hardest to the lightest gear, you’ll have to cover a certain distance, avoiding harsh shifts that the automatic prevents. On rollercoaster-like trails you can use Freeshift before a climb if you know the layout. Shifting down while rolling towards a climb prevents dropping RPMs, letting the motor maintain sufficient power to push you up the hill. The same applies to abrupt deceleration. Neither motor system can reach the preselected start gear in time – regardless of the mode you’re in. However, except in such extreme scenarios, the Auto-Shift function works flawlessly… letting you focus on the trail ahead, rather than on cadence or motor power.
Who benefits the most from Shimano’s Auto-Shift function?
Shimano’s Auto-Shift is an excellent match for e-mountainbike beginners. It reduces the likelihood of shifting mistakes and prevents you from having to work out the best pedalling cadence for the motor – the dealer can set an optimal cadence or even two different ones depending on the mode. This way, relaxed cruising and sporty trail uphills are just a thumb-click apart.
For advanced riders who trust the technology, Shimano’s Auto-Shift opens up new possibilities. On technical climbs, you can focus on the line ahead rather than having to think about shifting gears and support modes. Going downhill on familiar trails, Freeshift makes sense. Shifting without pedalling is beneficial in technical sections, preventing you from smashing the cranks into obstacles. Or just cruise and ponder life’s important questions – besides riding bikes.
Our conclusion about Shimano’s Auto-Shift
Shimano’s Auto-Shift helps beginners get familiar with their new e-bike and draw the right power from the motor through proper cadence. At the same time, the system encourages you to cruise while letting your thoughts wander and giving your right thumb a break. The drawbacks become evident in extreme situations and when the system can’t foresee the terrain – here, Freeshift can be used to intervene without pedalling.
For more info, visit shimano.com
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Words: Julian Schwede Photos: Mike Hunger
