Centauri II Riding Tips - Get the most out of your Autoshift3 Transmis

You’ve never ridden anything like this before, because there’s nothing else like the experience of riding Autoshift3. The transmission shifts up and down based on your speed, with no input from a shifter or the bike’s electronics. The combo of automatic shifting across 3 simple gears plus the BOOST button make Centauri II a unique riding experience, and we expect it will take a few rides for you to learn how to get the most out of Centauri II on your home terrain.

Riding tips to help you find your way to smooth and silent shifts

The AutoShift3 hub will only downshift while coasting.
If you are decreasing speed to initiate a downshift, note you have to coast for approx 1 second to get the hub to shift down from 3rd to 2nd or 2nd to 1st.
Centauri II has four main modes: Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo all provide motor assist to 28mph
The unique Chill mode limits assist speed to 12mph
You’ll also find the BOOST button on your right. Be aware that BOOSTing power can cause an upshift if you accelerate past the 12-14 or 18-20mph shift points!

For the most part, expect to ride in one of the four main modes

On flatter terrain, Eco and Tour provide ample motor support
Sport and Turbo modes are well suited to climbing steeper hills
Chill mode is designed to hold the bike in 1st gear on less-steep hills by providing ⅔ motor support up to 12mph. It’s also perfect for riding on multi-user paths, in campgrounds, or in other places where it’s best to “chill” as a rider.

BOOST Use

Press and hold the BOOST button while pedaling between 5-20mph. It overrides your current mode setting to give you 100% motor power for 4 seconds. This enables you to ride in Eco or Tour and still get a quick BOOST of power when you need it, like accelerating from a stop or turning an uphill corner. Looking to max your range? BOOST is a great tool to help moderate your motor use!

Hill climbing tips

Certain combinations of pedal-assist power and grade can result in your Autoshift3 hub prematurely engaging gear 2 or 3, which can make it feel like you’re pedaling hard just to hold speed.

So...how might this apply in the real world?

Here's an example problem

A 170lbs rider pedaling moderately in Tour mode on a 4.5% grade hill might be going 12.5mph, which is just over the second-gear threshold. As second gear engages their pedal RPMs drop and they have to push harder to maintain that speed.

Solution A:

Increase the pedal assist mode. The added motor support will allow you to speed up a little and return to a comfy pedaling cadence. Increasing your speed by 1-2mph will move you out of the shift zone and have you pedaling comfortably. *Note that this will not work if you’re already in Turbo mode.

Solution B:

Decrease pedal assist mode and slow down, pushing on the pedals with less force. Decreasing speed by 1-2mph will move you out of the shift zone, and chances are you’re still going much faster than you would without motor assistance!