Originally Posted by
Jeff Wills
I think that's called "maintaining plausible denialbility". If it doesn't work, it can be swept under the rug with a minimum of fuss.
Complete nonsense.
It's not CVT, and it's not automatic. Shifting is still user controlled. Nowhere does shimano claim, or is the group supposed to function as an automatic transmission.
As it currently stands, to answer the OP's question:
1) no
2) no, it is not a sequential shifting system, fairwheel bikes modification is extreme and is a prototype with no plans for market introduction. Sequential manual is a likely stock option for the future. Current Di2 and 2012 Ultegra electronic is 'manumatic', e.g paddle shifting on road cars that don't have true sequential shifting.