No charging required, automatically shifting to the optimal gear—this is the future technology that NESTO AUTOMATE (Nest Automate) for the 2026 model year brings to cross bikes.

With Shimano's new "Q'AUTO" technology, riders are freed from shifting operations and can focus solely on pedaling.

Combined with a design optimized for agile city riding, this bike offers a new way to enjoy sports bikes.

NESTO AUTOMATE

【Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price】￥198,000 (tax included)
【Colors (1 color)】Matte Gray/Matte Black Gradient
【Sizes (approximate height)】460mm (155-165cm), 490mm (165-175cm), 520mm (175-185cm)

Cross Bike with "Q'AUTO" Automatic Shifting, No Charging Required

First, the highlight is the NESTO AUTOMATE, a complete bike equipped with Shimano's new "Q'AUTO" component, which features automatic shifting that requires no charging.

What is SHIMANO Q'AUTO? | Experience the "Future of Effortless Shifting"

The 2026 NESTO AUTOMATE allowed us to experience Shimano's new "Q'AUTO" technology for the first time. It's a revolutionary system that automatically shifts to the optimal gear without the need for a battery or charging.

The system generates power from the wheel hub and learns the rider's style after about 6km of riding. Gears shift naturally at the usual timing, and before I knew it, I was riding comfortably without ever touching the shifter.

My honest impression was, "This is going to spoil people" (laughs).

It's a new experience that will surprise not only those who are uncomfortable with shifting but also those who usually ride without thinking about it, making them realize, "I don't have to be so conscious of it."

Q'AUTO is recommended for:

• Those who find shifting operations bothersome
• Those who want to use a sports bike easily for commuting to work or school
• Those who always want to ride in the best gear
• Those who want to experience the latest technology even on a non-E-BIKE

Sensors read speed and incline, and select the optimal gear using over 6,500 algorithms. Additionally, the ability to switch between "slow," "medium," and "fast" modes with a button on the rear derailleur is an attractive feature.

Please note that the NESTO AUTOMATE does not come standard with a Q'AUTO shift switch.

Even without a switch, the automatic shifting function works perfectly, and with continued learning, it becomes the ultimate simple cross bike.

However, if the rider wishes to fine-tune the shifting timing, they can combine it with a separate shift switch to further customize the settings to their liking.

(SHIMANO Q'AUTO is equipped with AI learning functionality, which allows it to adapt to the rider's shifting timing when a shift switch is used. The AI learning process takes a minimum of 20-30 minutes, after which the ultimate simple bicycle without a shift switch is realized.)

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NESTO AUTOMATE | The Next-Generation Cross Bike with "Automatic" Shifting

The NESTO AUTOMATE, featuring Q'AUTO for the first time, is a new style of cross bike equipped with automatic shifting, rather than electric assist.

Its character, while having a feel that blends gravel bikes and cyclocross, is more specialized for agile city riding.

As for its riding characteristics, the center of gravity is designed to be slightly higher, making it easier to start and stop and to push on climbs. Furthermore, the longer wheelbase provides excellent stability when riding straight. The head tube length is kept to a standard length for cross bikes, preventing overly racy handling and resulting in a ride that is easy for anyone to control.

On the other hand, its expandability for cargo is intentionally kept simple, with fewer bolt mounts.

All cables are fully internal, giving it a clean and stylish look. It has an aesthetic that naturally suits zipping through city streets.

Rather than a bike for long tours or carrying heavy loads, it's designed for stylishly enjoying daily commutes and light cycling. Combined with Q'AUTO's automatic shifting, it seems poised to offer a new choice in sports bikes that transcends the traditional cross bike category.

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Other Specifications

Shifting utilizes Shimano CUES (1x10 speed).

Although it's a single front chainring setup, the rear is combined with a wide-range 11-48T sprocket. This results in a minimum gear ratio of less than 1, providing a reassuringly light pedaling feel even on uphill climbs.

Shimano flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes are employed. In addition to modern standards, they provide stable braking performance, ensuring safety for everything from daily commutes to sports rides.

The rims are tubeless-ready, and the front hub is also consistently Shimano-made.

The tires are 700x35c with a slick center, offering excellent cushioning and grip for city riding.

Tire clearance felt just about right for 35c tires!

Specification Table

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Summary | Experience the "Future of Shifting" on a Cross Bike

Relying on Q'AUTO to automatically select gears led to a ride so natural and comfortable that I forgot about shifting itself.

The bike's character is more suited for daily commutes and nimble city rides rather than long tours or adventure rides with heavy cargo. The stylish fully internal cables, neutral geometry, and reliable specifications such as Shimano CUES and hydraulic disc brakes firmly support the joy and practicality of a sports bike, which is also a reassuring point.

The new experience of "effortless shifting" will not only be a great advantage for sports bike beginners but also surprisingly comfortable for seasoned riders. The NESTO AUTOMATE can be said to be a representative model of the next era, bringing "the future of shifting" to cross bikes.

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