New e-bike specific version of Shimano XT Di2 features something called ‘Free Shift’. Put simply, this allows riders to change gear without pedalling.
Shimano explain: “FREE SHIFT is made possible by Shimano’s unique system integration capabilities with Deore XT Di2 and new Shimano EP platforms [more about the new EP6 and EP801 motors in minute – Ed.]. When you shift, the XT Di2 system prompts the EP Drive Unit to simultaneously advance the drivetrain at the chainring and make smooth, pedal-less shifts.
“FREE SHIFT technology allows you to make decisive gear changes while diving through corners, bombing into large dips and g-outs, and rolling through technical sections of trail, ensuring you’ll always be ready for the trail ahead.”
For those who may not know the ins and outs of e-bike motors, basically the crank arm aren’t directly attached to the chainring. There’s a kind of clutch between them.
You can most clearly see this dis-connect in effect on current e-bikes with something called ‘overrun’ ie. the chainring keeps rotating for a bit even after the rider stops pedalling.
So this FREE SHIFT function basically sees the chainring rotating (around the BB axle) whilst the cranks remain motionless.
Make sense?
We’ll see if we can find any illustrative videos to embed in this story once the embargo times is a few hours old.
Anyhow. We don’t know about you, but we think this sounds really freaking cool. And very useful.
Yes, it would have been nice to see Shimano’s Di2 go fully wireless (the semi-wired system from 2008 is looking a bit dated) but there’s no denying that this Free Shift malarky sounds innovative, ingenious and rad.
And hang on. There’s more.
Dubbed ‘AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE’ (catchy!)
AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE is a new mode that automatically changes gears for you.
Shimano: “Utilising SHIMANO’s LINKGLIDE drivetrain technology paired with Di2, the system has the ability to make predictive gear changes based on your speed and cadence.
“In combination with FREE SHIFT technology, AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE can make predictive shifts while you are coasting, always finding the optimal gear for every pedal stroke.”
There’s technically two e-bike centric XT Di2 drivetrains. One is 11-speed LinkGlide, the other is 12-speed HyperGlide. The 11-speed drivetrain has a “high-durabliity focus”. The 12-speed drivetrain “prioritises fast shifting speed”.
The AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE sounds like it’s with the 11-speed LinkGlide version of XT Di2.
The 12-speed HyperGlide version can do the AUTO thing but only when coasting.
Shimano Deore XT Di2 LinkGlide
- 1×11-speed with 11-50t Cassette
- New CS-LG700 Cassette – 200g Lighter Than Previous CS-LG600
- RD-M8150-11 e-MTB dedicated 11-speed Di2 rear derailleur
- SW-M8150-R/IR SHIMANO DEORE XT Di2 Right Shift Switch and I-SPEC EV
- Full Manual Shifting
- Full Manual Shifting with FREE SHIFT Enabled
- Automatic Shifting While Pedaling and While Coasting with AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE
- Compatibility: SHIMANO EP600 and EP801 Drive Units
“LINKGLIDE’s 11-speed cassette and chain are built to stand up to persistent daily wear and deliver seamless shifting up and down the cassette.
“With the integration of advanced Di2 and SHIMANO EP technologies, XT Di2 LG enables the unique ability to shift without pedaling in the all-new FREE SHIFT mode. Leveraging LINKGLIDE’s unique ability to deliver smooth shifting up and down the cassette for 11s drivetrains, LINKGLIDE technology unlocks the all-new ability to perform automatic gear changes both while pedaling and coasting in AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE mode.”
Shimano Deore XT Di2 HyperGlide+
- 1×12-speed with 10-51t Cassette Options
- RD-M8150-12 e-MTB dedicated 12-speed Di2 rear derailleur
- SW-M8150-R/IR SHIMANO DEORE XT Di2 Right Shift Switch and I-SPEC EV
- Full Manual Shifting
- Full Manual Shifting with FREE SHIFT Enabled
- Automatic Shifting when Coasting
- Compatibility: SHIMANO EP600 and EP801 Drive Units
“Combining the refined shifting performance of SHIMANO HYPERGLIDE+ drivetrain and advanced Di2 technologies, the all-new DEORE XT Di2 HYPERGLIDE+ (HG+) groupset brings revolutionary shifting modes and next-level shifting performance to the SHIMANO EP platform for e-MTB.
“Utilizing a centralized battery power source and the latest in EP technologies, XT Di2 with HG+ is the ultimate in lightweight, smooth, and fast shifting for e-MTB.”
New Shimano EP6 and EP801 motors
Okay, the EP801 is technically *just* an updated version for the existing EP8.
The EP8 update provides compatibility with the aforementioned FREE SHIFT and AUTO SHIFT WITH MANUAL OVERRIDE. The EP801 can also handle an all-new FINE TUNE MODE on the E-TUBE PROJECT app for power profile customisation.
And, intriguingly, the EP801 has some additional accessory ports “to ensure future-proof compatibility”.
The totally new motor then. Called the EP600 (or EP6 if you prefer brevity).
We don’t have a great deal of info about the new motor. The use of the number 6 in its name feels like it’s denoting a Deore level in terms of groupset tiers.
The headline spec is 85Nm torque, the same as Shimano’s top tier EP8 drive unit. The EP6 motor does sport the same futureproofing ‘CAN’ accessory ports as the EP801. The claimed weight of the the EP6 is 3.0kg, which is 300g heavier than the EP801.
Compatibility-wise, the EP6 will work with regular mechanical drivetrains, internal hub gears with Di2 spec, the new Shimano CUES drivetrain, XT Di2 LinkGLide and XT Di2 HyperGlide+.
Home › Forums › Change gear without pedalling with Shimano FREE SHIFT
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
Spread the word:
Spread the word: