Orange County Register

The computer in a bicycle got my attention. But Shimano’s story behind the Coaster bicycles got me to write about the bicycle parts company. Read today’s story about how the bicycle for the non biker got developed in an industry that caters to the enthusiast.

Shimano’s computer (on left) is what shifts the bicycle gears automatically. There’s an actual computer chip inside, plus flash memory and software. The front wheel’s hub measures the bike’s speed. Hit 7 mph and a signal is sent to the computer, which sends another signal to the gear shifter in the back wheel.

• Check out Register artist Scott Brown’s graphic on the how to: Backpedeling on bikes: How Shimano’s automatic gear shift works

• Plus, watch Register videographer Rob Whitfield footage on how the technology works:

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Now, Shimano is trying to market the concept. Two of the three companies that joined the Coasting effort this year sold out of the bikes, including the sweet-looking Suede series from Giant Bicycles (on left). Trek’s version is still available.

I got to test drive the Shimano’s auto shifter recently when I visited its Irvine headquarters. After a few spins around the parking lot, it dawned on me that by back pedaling to brake, it was like riding my old yellow, banana-seat bicycle as a child. Braking made sense! And, of course, with the automatic shift, I didn’t have to down shift when I came to a stop. Apparently, I’m the type of person Shimano was going for.

And then there were all the fun gadgets. Shimano left it up to the bike manufacturers to add the mostly cosmetic stuff:

Trek’s “Lime” added extra storage beneath the seat, a bell and colorful accents (or “Lime Peels” so you can change out the colorful parts). Trek also took the simple concept to an extreme, hiding all the computer cabling within the bicycle’s frame. Gears are hidden too so no greasy mess to stare at. Click photos for a larger look. Trek even has a Lime web site.

Raleigh’s Bicycles Coasting added a rack that fits a six pack and has a handy bottle opener built into the rack.

Coaster bikes are in the $500 range but it may be difficult to track them down. Check Trek’s site for stores.

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