An app too far? iPhone-controlled auto gearbox for bicycles

Do you ever feel you are pedalling in the wrong gear? A new smartphone app unveiled this week works out the best gear for your cadence and then wirelessly shifts up or down.

The app is sent the bike’s current pedalling and road speed, and then sends a Bluetooth message to a Shimano electric gear shifter.

Much like the automatic gearboxes in cars that return to first gear when the vehicle is at a standstill, the app uses the phone's accelerometer to change down in the same way and allow the rider to pull away with ease.

The app, which was developed by Cambridge Consultants Limited (CCL), is expected to find a market among professional triathletes.

The technology may lead to the development of an iPhone-controlled anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Thought-controlled gears

Toyota has lent its name to a bicycle with a fully-functioning, thought-controlled gear shifter. A cycle helmet contains neuron transmitters and by re-programming the bike’s electronic shifting and re-routing the signal to accept brain waves, the rider is able to “think” to shift.

You can read how the bike took shape here

Another bright idea: Cycle insurance from 39p per week

Fully-comprehensive cover from the ETA includes new-for-old, accidental damage, vandalism, £5m third party and Cycle Rescue – a breakdown recovery service for bicycles.