Electronic gear-shifting systems for bikes already make life easier for cyclists by consistently delivering crisp precise shifts, plus they don't need to be adjusted to compensate for stretched cables. Texas-based Baron Controls, however, is out to make things even easier. Its new ProShift device works with existing electronic shifting systems, automatically taking care of the shifting for the rider.
Communicating wirelessly with third-party sensors such as power meters and heart rate monitors, the handlebar-mounted ProShift determines when to shift gears based on parameters including speed, cadence, heart rate and power. It can be set up to prioritize its shifts based on any one of those (i.e: to makes shifts primarily to maintain a given heart rate), depending on user preferences.
Additionally, if riders wish to temporarily pedal a bit faster, etc, they can just switch the device to manual control.
According to the rep we spoke to at the Interbike show in Las Vegas, ProShift works with existing electronic shifting systems from Shimano, Campagnolo and SRAM. One charge of its battery should reportedly be good for over 50 hours of use.
It's available now, priced at US$799.
Source: ProShift
