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.