Easy rider

The Japanese manufacturer of bicycle components, Shimano, has produced an ultimate accessory for recreational cyclists, a digital controlled automatic transmission that takes all the gear shifting. Shimano's racing cycle Bianchi Milano, an Italian model, was equipped with a seven speed Nexus, a transmission system that looked like an over size beer can enclosing the bike's rear axle. The electronic transmission needs less servicing than the manual version and can break down if the cable to the shift levers slips or frays.