Shimano’s Q’Auto system had us very excited when it launched last year, promising automatic, electronic shifting without the need for a battery.
Q’Auto uses a dynamo rear hub that integrates with the brand’s Cues Di2 derailleurs, meaning you don’t need to rely on a battery to power your shifts.
It also incorporates automatic shifting, which senses your pedalling input, speed and gradient, and changes gear accordingly, although it can be overridden.
Uptake appears slow, but we’ve taken a look at the bikes that have embraced Shimano’s revolutionary shifting tech and listed the ones you can go out and buy today.
Rose Sneak 3 EQ
The Sneak 3 EQ was the first bike to feature Shimano’s Q’Auto, with the bike debuting the system when it launched.
The Sneak 3 is aimed at urban commuters, and there are two aluminium frame designs: a HighStep option with a high crossbar and a MidStep version with a lowered crossbar for easier mounting.
A carbon fork is used up front for compliance and weight savings.
Rose says the bike has a minimalist design and low weight for everyday use.
Shimano brakes and a Cues groupset are supplied alongside the Q’Auto system, and the wheels are Newmen Performance 25.
A double-dynamo setup is employed, with the front hub powering lights integrated into the handlebar and rear mudguard.
There’s also a rack on the rear, adding to the bike's utility for commuting and trekking.
It’s priced at €2,400, although it's on sale for €2,000 at the time of writing.
Cube Kathmandu SLT
Cube’s Kathmandu SLT is another urban commuter bike that uses the Q’Auto system.
The Kathmandu is also available with two frame configurations, with a high Men's option and a Trapeze mid-crossbar variant.
Cube says the bike has a stable and comfortable geometry for trekking and commuting, with the bike featuring a RockShox Paragon fork with 65mm travel and a lockout.
The Kathmandu rolls on Schwalbe Marathon Mondial tyres, wrapped around Cube’s own Acid wheels.
The brand's Integrated Carrier 3.0 bike rack is specced as standard, with Acid mudguards making up the build. There are lights included with the bike, too.
Cube’s Kathmandu SLT is priced at £2,099.
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Raymon Zayn Auto
The Zayn Auto is similar to the other bikes on this list; however, instead of two frame designs, Raymon has added a third.
The Wave features a low crossbar, while the Trapeze is mid, and the Diamond has a high crossbar.
Raymon says the Zayn Auto is made from 6061 alloy and uses an SR Suntour NCX32-D fork up front, with 63mm of travel.
It is fully equipped, featuring a rear rack, mudguards and lights as standard.
The Raymon Zayn Auto is priced at €1,699 for all frame styles.
Unibike Freeway Q’Auto
While the Freeway is still focused on urban riding, it sets itself apart from other bikes on this list.
Much like Cannondale’s Bad Boy, the Freeway features a trendy, understated frameset for city riding.
The bike has an integrated bar and stem that keeps the cockpit looking sleek, and like the Sneak 3 EQ, there’s a dynamo in the front hub to generate power for the integrated lights in the handlebar.
While there isn’t much in terms of standard kit, the frame has mounts for racks and mudguards.
