SRAM kinda sorta made it public a while back that they were working on some sort of internally geared auto-shifting hub for the commuter bicycle segment.
Well, now Bike Europe is reporting that it’s so official that it even has a name: Automatix. With its two gear ratios, 1:1 and 1:1.37, the SRAM Automatix automagically upshifts when a certain speed is reached and downshifts when slowing down. There are no shifters, cables or thinking required.
The two gear ratios offer a gear range of 124%, and shifting points can be changed to match a frame manufacturer’s specifications by choosing 7.5, 8.5 or 11.2mph (12, 14 or 18km/h). This is the first of more internally geared hubs to come from SRAM; 7- and 8-speed IGH models will be shown at Eurobike later this year. More after the break…
The nickel-chrome plated internal gear hub weighs 980gr and comes with a coaster brake. A range of sprocket sizes from 15 to 21-tooth are compatible with the SRAM Automatix. It’ll offer 28- or a 36-hole spoke drillings. Aftermarket versions will be available in August.
Quoted by Bike Europe: SRAM IGH product manager Marcus Schneider says that “the SRAM Automatix is the perfect addition to maintenance free bikes which are used every day to run errands, the way to the office or any short distance trips between 2 and 5 kilometers. With the three different preset shifting speeds manufacturers can either assemble a comfy city bike or a fast folding bike.”
