1. IS NEWS PRESENTATION on The Technology called Coasting By Cynthia Rogers

2. Self shifting bike Called coasting

3. Shimano’s Coasting Technology is a three-speed automatic transmission for bikes. Bicycle manufacturers Giant, Raleigh and Trek are rolling out three-speed bikes that feature chip-controlled, gear-shifting systems. The technology, called "Coasting," was built by Shimano, a bike-component maker for 80 years.Shimano

4. The system works the same way on each of the bikes. A dynamo is fitted on the front hub that gauges the revolutions of the wheel. It sends this information to a computer chip housed near the pedals on most of the bikes. From there, the chip, which controls the planetary gears located on the back hub, determines whether to shift up or down. All the chip needs to make its determination is for a rider to pedal four or five times, according to Shannon Bryant, Coasting project coordinator for Shimano.

5. The bikes shift relatively smoothly, with gear choice pegged to the rider's speed. Use of planetary gears hidden in the rear hub means that the shifting happens even when the bike is stopped. Occasional clunks and downshifting delays were the only serious problems detected. The design is clean, without a lot of cables or other external items that owners have to futz with.

6. The system is equipped with a mandatory coaster brake (the kind that works by pushing the pedal backward as opposed to a hand- controlled brake).

7. Self shifting bikes

8. Self shifting bike The Lime, made by Trek, features Shimano's Coasting technology. A computer chip is housed near the pedals, and a dynamo, which powers the chip, can be seen attached to the front-wheel hub. The Lime will retail for $579.

9. A close up of the front-wheel dynamo, which harnesses the power generated from the wheel turning. The dynamo powers the computer chip and a headlight.

10. Another perk that Coasting provides is that the dynamo powers not only the computer chip but can also run the headlamp so owners won't ever need batteries

11. The Shimano "Coasting" system: the rear hub opened up to reveal the internal gears (bottom left); the cranks (center); and front-hub dynamo (bottom). At far right is the housing where the computer chip is protected. Credit: Shimano

12. Valued @ $600 There are some unknowns. It's not clear yet how durable the technology is--in particular the electronics that generates the power for the shifter and monitors a rider's speed. Maintenance also is a potential issue, since some parts are hidden away and unfamiliar to the average bike mechanic. Not sure who will pay that kind of money for a bike

13. Coasting isn't designed for high performance, such as road racing or mountain biking. It's not intended for even inclement weather. This technology is for casual use or social riding...somebody who wants to tool around town."

14. Target It's nothing a serious bicyclist will be interested in, but that's not the market Shimano and its bike-making partners--Raleigh, Giant and Trek-- are going after. They're hoping to appeal to folks who cruise along the beach or who may not have ridden since childhood.

15. Critics Strange Device THIS IS PERFECT FOR US FAT, LAZY AMERICANS... can't understand who needs such thing. Maybe, just old ladies?

16. END Any Questions?