Shimano has added a new designation to its EP8 and EP6 best e-MTB motors, they’re now called EP801 and EP60. Internally there are a couple of improvements – better seals and heat management – but the big deal is they now allow riders to access Auto Shift and Free Shift shifting modes. We recently had a hands on demo and test ride to try out the new Auto Shift system.
The Auto Shift function is pretty self-explanatory – the bike will shift on its own - but Free Shift is slightly different, it allows you to make a manual gear change without pedalling. You still have to be rolling but you can have your feet level and change gear coming into a corner ready to get on the gas on the exit.
