Slideshow: Automatic for the Pedal

Recreational cyclists face many problems: behemoth SUVs, fiddly helmet straps and the trick of selecting the right gear. Now, Shimano says it's taking the brains out of bicycling with an automatic gear-shifting system. By Louise Knapp.
Gear shifting of the 16speed automatictransmission is completely managed by an onboard CPU housed in the socalled Flight...
Gear shifting of the 16-speed automatic-transmission is completely managed by an on-board CPU, housed in the so-called Flight Deck located on the bike's handle bars.Shimano

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By using a sensor to measure speed and define the acceleration through the computer the CPU can determine the optimum gear ratio. A wired micro-chip controlled rear derailleur coupled with an assisting shifting system located in the front derailleur, enables an effortless gear change.

Shimano