Shift without pedaling: Free Shift

In simple terms, Shimano's Free Shift technology is a new shifting mode for e-mountainbikes. This makes it possible to change gears without pedaling. This function is made possible by the interaction of the new Di2 shifters and the new EP drive units. When the shifter is actuated, the Di2 system simultaneously instructs the EP drive unit to rotate the chainring, allowing smooth gear changes even in freewheel mode. This technology makes it possible to ride with foresight and select the right gear for the next section of the route, such as climbs, during descents, tight bends or extremely technical passages.

As if by magic: Auto Shift

Auto-shift technology takes the integration of shift functionality one step further. By combining Linkglide shifting components with Di2 technology and EP drivetrains, the system is able to make forward-looking gear decisions to a certain extent by analyzing speed and cadence, among other things. In combination with Free Shift, Auto Shift can automatically engage the appropriate gear when freewheeling on descents, bends or in technical passages, for example, to prevent the rider from pedaling into the void or against massive resistance when they resume pedaling. It is of course possible to override the automatic mode manually. Anyone who has selected automatic mode but still prefers a gear other than the automatically selected gear can take control at any time and shift manually.

New engines: EP6 and EP8

The new EP6 drive unit delivers a maximum torque of 85 Nm, weighs 3 kg and has a CAN port on board to enable new functions such as free and autoshift. The CAN port is also on board the new EP-8 engine, which also delivers 85 Nm, but at 2.7 kg is significantly lighter than its new mid-range counterpart.

New groupset: Shimano Cues

With the Cues Di2 components, Shimano is launching a new groupset. This is designed for the new motors and the new shifting options. The Cues shifting system is based on the Linkglide design and is based on a Di2 rear derailleur that can accommodate 43 or 50 sprockets on the cassette.

Double: Two new Deore XT Di2 groupsets

Parallel to the new motors and their new possibilities, Shimano is also launching two matching Deore XT Di2 groupsets. The Deore XT Di2 Linkglide groupset operates with a 1x11-speed drivetrain with an 11-50 cassette. The new CS-LG700 cassette is around 200 grams lighter than the previous CS-LG600 cassette. The available shifting modes here are: Fully manual shifting, Manual shifting with Free Shift (shifting in freewheel), Automatic shifting with Auto Shift when pedaling or - in combination with Free Shift - in freewheel (manual intervention possible at any time).

The Deore XT Di2 Hyperglide+ groupset offers 12 gears with an 11-51 cassette. The available shifting modes here are: Fully manual shifting, Manual shifting with Free Shift (freewheel shifting) and Automatic freewheel shifting

Within the new model generation, the so-called Fine Tune Mode via the E-Tube project app also enables individual, 15-stage adjustment of the support.

bike.shimano.com