The Q’AUTO rear hub is the heart of the Q’AUTO shifting system. It is a technology that lets you experience the comfort of automatic gear shifting without charging and without an e-bike drive unit. It combines an integrated hub dynamo with an electronic control circuit board and sensors.

The hub measures cadence, speed, and gradient. Based on this data, it automatically controls the rear derailleur. The result is smooth, intelligent, and fully automatic shifting without any input from the rider. 

The system records when and how you shift. It collects data on your shifting behavior, analyses your riding style, and creates a kind of profile. Using the switch to shift gears in AUTO SHIFT mode allows the AI to learn rider preferences. Thanks to Q’AUTO’s continuous, adaptive shifting technology, the system develops a personalized shifting pattern that adapts to the way you ride. 

Yes. With the push of a button on the shifter, you can switch between manual and automatic mode at any time. This means you decide whether you want to take control yourself or let the system shift for you.

A traditional internal gear hub, such as SHIMANO NEXUS, shifts internally within the hub. The Q’AUTO hub, by contrast, automatically controls an external rear derailleur.

It does not contain gears itself. Instead, it houses the electronics that control shifting. This combines the efficiency of derailleur shifting with the comfort of an automatic solution.

In short: SHIMANO NEXUS is an internal gear hub, while Q’AUTO is a system that enables automatic shifting with a derailleur drivetrain.

Power comes from the dynamo integrated into the hub. While riding, energy is generated and stored in a capacitor. This means power is immediately available the next time you set off, even after several weeks without riding.

No external power source or battery is required.

Q’AUTO works with the SHIMANO CUES rear derailleur and SHIMANO LINKGLIDE technology. It is compatible with various CUES cassettes, in 10-speed or 11-speed versions, and LINKGLIDE chains.

This allows for a wide range of combinations and setups, from city bikes and trekking bikes to gravel bikes.

Yes, retrofitting is possible in principle. The requirement is a frame with a 12 x 142 mm rear end.

With the appropriate CUES components with Di2, including chain and cassette, the system can be retrofitted to many different types of bicycles. It is important to note that Q’AUTO is currently compatible with 10-speed and 11-speed LINKGLIDE cassettes, but not with 12-speed systems.

Yes. The capacitor in the hub stores energy, so the system is ready to operate immediately after a break. On a full charge, gear shifting operations can be performed immediately even after 1 year has passed since your last ride.

Q’AUTO is ideal for city bikes, trekking bikes, commuter bikes, and gravel bikes. The system is aimed at riders who want a comfortable, low-maintenance ride.

Automatic shifting is especially useful for everyday cycling, commuting, or riding in often unpredictable urban traffic. It allows riders to focus on the road and traffic around them, without having to think about shifting.

Q’AUTO also works without a shifter. In this case, the system operates in what is known as default mode.

Using the function button on the rear derailleur, you can choose between three preset cadence ranges. The system then shifts automatically within the selected range.

The system offers automatic, comfortable shifting without motor assistance. It reduces wear, optimizes cadence, and increases riding comfort.

Unlike an e-bike system, for example one with AUTO SHIFT and FREE SHIFT, it does not require a battery. There is no need to charge it. The bike also remains lighter, cleaner, and easier to maintain.