Originally Posted by Velo Dog

I think I already ranted about this somewhere, but just in case:
I still don't see the point of this. My goal in cycling (insofar as I have a goal these days) isn't to make the experience effortless, thoughtless or skill-free--if I wanted that, I'd buy a Vespa or just use my car, so all that annoying wind and sunlight didn't get on me.
The pedaling effort, the bike handling skills, the shifting, even the sweat and occasional pain are all part of the reasons I ride, not things I want to avoid. I'd love to ride this thing for a few minutes just to see what it's like, and I suppose it's possible I'd change my mind if I did, but I'd lay long odds against it.
I still have manual transmissions in my car and truck, too, for the same reason: They work and I enjoy using them. To me, an automatic wouldn't be an improvement or an upgrade--it would detract from my enjoyment.