Shimano Unveils AI-Powered Gear Shifter for a Smoother Cycling Experience
Japanese bicycle parts manufacturer Shimano is set to launch a revolutionary gear-shifting system next year that incorporates artificial intelligence to enhance the cycling experience.
Recently, Shimano invited cyclists in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward to test their new Q’Auto gear shifter. One participant, a woman in her 40s, was amazed at how effortlessly she pedaled up an incline. “I can’t believe how easy it was to go up a hill,” she exclaimed. “I don’t think I would need an electric bike.”
The Q’Auto system features a wheel hub equipped with a chip, a shifting mechanism, and 11-speed gears. This innovative device is the result of two decades of development, building on Shimano’s earlier foray into electronically controlled shifting in the early 2000s. The Q’Auto system tailors the shifting tempo and speed to the rider’s habits, utilizing AI technology that learns from the data collected during test rides. By analyzing the cyclist’s speed and the incline of the terrain, the AI can select the optimal gears at the right moments.
While electric bikes (e-bikes) have surged in popularity for daily commuting due to their electric motor-assisted propulsion, the Q’Auto system aims to provide a similarly effortless riding experience without the added weight of a lithium-ion battery. Shimano is targeting the same mass consumer market as e-bikes, offering Q’Auto systems bundled with pedals and brakes primarily to Western and Taiwanese bike manufacturers. The first Q’Auto-equipped bikes are anticipated to hit the market as soon as 2025.
Shimano experienced a boost in earnings during the pandemic as more people turned to cycling as an alternative to public transportation. However, consolidated sales for 2023 saw a decline of 25%, dropping to 474.3 billion yen (approximately $3.3 billion), with net profit halving to 61.1 billion yen. The downturn in demand has resulted in a significant backlog of high-spec components in the supply chain, leading Shimano to reduce operations at its main plant in Sakai, near Osaka.
“This situation presented a good opportunity to rethink manufacturing practices at Sakai,” said Yozo Shimano, the company’s chairman and CEO. The reduced operating rates have allowed the Sakai plant to prepare for mass production of next-generation components like the Q’Auto. Additionally, discussions are underway with local small and midsize manufacturers to supply parts for these innovative products. “We’ll combine the intelligence of Japanese manufacturing to produce amazing new products,” Shimano added.
Founded in 1921, Shimano initially produced freewheel clutches for bicycles and gained global recognition in 1982 with its mountain bike components. Today, Shimano holds a commanding 70% share of the global market for high-end bicycle components. However, the company faces challenges in the rapidly growing e-bike segment, where Bosch currently dominates the market with its motors. Newer competitors from China and Taiwan are also emerging, and in Japan, Shimano is overshadowed by prominent e-bike manufacturers like Panasonic Holdings and Yamaha Motor.
“We can’t break Bosch’s hold in e-bikes,” acknowledged Deputy President Takashi Toyoshima, who leads Shimano’s development efforts. Nevertheless, he expressed optimism about the Q’Auto bikes: “In terms of having a lightweight feel and being easy to ride, Q’Auto bikes stand a chance.”
The expected retail price for bicycles equipped with the Q’Auto system is just under 200,000 yen (around $1,400). With large-scale production, prices may drop, making them competitive with e-bikes, which often retail for over 150,000 yen.
The global bicycle market is projected to grow at a rate of 7% annually from 2020 to 2027, driven largely by the demand for e-bikes aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Shimano is poised to capture a share of this burgeoning market with its innovative Q’Auto gear shifter, redefining what cyclists can expect from their riding experience.
What do you think about Shimano’s new AI gear shifter? Would you choose it over an electric bike? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
RELATED CONTENT
Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
