Recreational & Family - Trek Lime & other Shimano Coasting bikes

Hi folks,

I've been fascinated lately by the latest Shimano Coasting technology available on Trek Lime, Giant Suede and Raleigh Coasting. Supposed to be pain-free and fun. Shifting is done electronically.


http://www.coasting.com/publish/content/coasting/sac/en/home.html

Wonder if anyone has taken the plunge and got one yet? Will be grateful to hear of your experience.

OnF

I don't own one, but I've assembles and test rode a few. This system is the only bike I've ever seen that required a test ride during assembly to ensure the system works. It really does work good, if adjusted properly. Adjustment is easy, just a simple screw on the control box under the bottom bracket. The more you run the screw in, the shorter the shift is based on speed, until you lock out all shifting and it stays in second gear, the direct drive gear.

There is no discernible spin out, like what used to happen with old Sturmy-Archer 3-speeds. The biggest problem would be changing a flat, as both wheels require more then just removing nuts to take the wheel off.

I test rode both a Trek Lime and Raleigh Coasting bike, and they seemed OK, but nothing earth shattering. I found that some of the shift points on the Raleigh (rode it on kinda hilly terrain) were not where I would have shifted. Hard to tell with the Lime, as it was a flat test ride. All in all, it seemed like too much of a premium to pay for what you got, plus since this is fairly new technology, I wasn't sure of the long term reliability. Plus, the Lime really looked like more of a women's bike to me. Shallow, I know, but that's the way I roll.

Before I test rode bikes a few weeks ago, I had never ridden any bike that had over 3 speeds. But, since I got my Townie 21, I have found that the shifting is not at all hard to get used to and I enjoy having that many speeds, even though I only use 5-6 on a ride. Plus, the Townie was at least $100 cheaper than the Trek and Raleigh.

YMMV, of course, but I am very happy with my choice.

The shift points are user adjustable.

You do pay a premium for them for the auto shifting hub is much more expensive than a traditional gear/sprocket shifter.

They are primarily intended for people who are reluctant or intimidated by having to shift gears. And there are a lot of people who are. If you can handle a simple 3-speed manual shifter, then there isn't much reason to spend the extra money on an auto shifter.

That said, if someone is reluctant to shift gears, then they may ride a lot more on an auto-shifter and that is a very good thing. As a general rule, I think someone should buy whatever bike that motivates them to ride the most.

Good stuff guys! Thanks for the valued input on such a system. Time will tell if the marketing gurus got this one right... getting a whole lot of non-riding folks onto the saddle :) Or not.

I've ridden the lime and thought it was a cool bike er' should i say novelty. Auto shifting is completely not needed but if you like novelties, then go for it.

I too have been intrigued with the novelty aspect of the Coasting system, and have been wanting to at least try it out just for kicks. Earlier this week I found this Schwinn ‘Sid’ at my local Performance bike shop marked down to $199. It was my size so I took it out for a spin. Fun, fun, fun.

I have absolutely no problem shifting normal gears, but the retro look combined with the novelty and smooth operation of the coasting system hooked me. Oh, that and the low price of course… I even got another %10 off with my club card! At $180 for a new Coasting bike in candy red I just couldn’t refuse!


http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/mlskol/Sidside.jpg

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/mlskol/Sidrear.jpg

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/mlskol/SiddriveTrain.jpg

The Coasting group was designed for people that can ballance, pedal, steer and brake but not shift a three speed hub. This demographic turned out to = 0.

The Shimano Coasting parts group has been removed from their web site and the special Shimano coasting website has been shut down. AFAIK all the OEMs that Shimano talked into fielding models have bailed.

What happens if you coast? You eventually come to a stop. If anybody just has to have one, there are a few still in the retail pipeline that are being closed out.

tcs

I too have been intrigued with the novelty aspect of the Coasting system, and have been wanting to at least try it out just for kicks. Earlier this week I found this Schwinn ‘Sid’ at my local Performance bike shop marked down to $199. It was my size so I took it out for a spin. Fun, fun, fun.

I have absolutely no problem shifting normal gears, but the retro look combined with the novelty and smooth operation of the coasting system hooked me. Oh, that and the low price of course… I even got another %10 off with my club card! At $180 for a new Coasting bike in candy red I just couldn’t refuse!


http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/mlskol/Sidside.jpg

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/mlskol/Sidrear.jpg

http://i586.photobucket.com/albums/ss306/mlskol/SiddriveTrain.jpg

I test rode this bike some years ago and could not make it around the corner. It was like being on a wobbling single speed with a silly pull to change gears. For less than $200 I would recommend it for one who just wants a bike but not for one who is getting into cycling or will do more than the average.

I test rode this bike some years ago and could not make it around the corner. It was like being on a wobbling single speed with a silly pull to change gears. For less than $200 I would recommend it for one who just wants a bike but not for one who is getting into cycling or will do more than the average.

Seriously? Wobbling? LOL, this bike has the exact geometry as the Chicago Schwinns of yesteryear, and exhibits the same smooth and stable handling as they do. The Treks look like they would be just as stable and comfortable. They are designed to be easy for beginners to handle.

The gear system even has an adjustment to make the shifts occur later or earlier, so it can be tailored to the riders preference. Or it can be locked in 2nd gear (direct drive) to be a single speed. The shifts are way smoother and more predictable than those on my 6 speed AutoBike. (which was found in the trash in near mint condition)

I consider the “Coasting” bike an interesting and useful addition to my collection. Sure, this probably wouldn’t be my first choice if I only had one bike, and I'd never pay anything close to the original $499 list price for one, but thankfully like many folks, I can own and enjoy plenty of bikes.

Pedal On!

Some of you guys are "cycling snobs". You have a difficult time accepting the fact that some just want a bike and probably have no real interest in cycling 100's or 1000's of miles. I have one bike--Trek Lime Lite--no intent, at this time, to do anything other than mostly casual rides with my wife in urban areas. Trips to coffee shop, local restaurants, maybe to grocery store for a few items...Maybe 5-10 miles 3 or 4 times a week. Had achilles tendon surgery, Ortho told me not to jog any more (I'm 61) and that biking would be better for me...Damn, some of you make me want to hang my head 'cause I bought a Lime Lite...got a good price, test rode it and 6 other bikes and this is the one that was most comfortable for me and my expected/intended use...I like this site, probably will not post anymore after this, but really appreciate the info and tips that are provided.

The guy above buys a nice bike, he gets told in so many words what a duffis he is because someone else found it "wobbly" ...In the words of Ditka--"C'mon Man"