Help with EMTB selection with auto shift and free shift

[Nomadrad]

New to the sport and ready to buy first full suspension EMTB. “reliving” my first rides in Bentonville recently, I believe autoshift/freeshift would have been very helpful to me and increased my fun factor while decreasing tension. It was a lot of sensory input to appreciate and try to account for efficiently. My intuition tells me these functions might be more important for my situation than distinguishing between recently model motors. I would web most grateful for guidance. I like the YT Decoy MX Core 4 I was riding but the guys in area said a 29er might be better for me. T from what I can tell the Core 4 does not have AS/FS and the Core 5 will only be MX and have FS. I’m nature in life almost always chooses function over flash and higher quality and good value over “cheaper”. I would buy the bike today if could decide. I am not handy so will depend on good mechanics to service and repair bike regularly and will stay ahead of schedule for such. Sincerely thanks!!! Very serious inquiry. Over-worked at high pressure care and under-“funned”. Got hooked on sport in 3 days. Likely will return to NWA for a few days this coming week.

 

[kla456]

Try Shimano website for list of AS/FS equiped bikes, or subscribe to their newsletter

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Very satisfied with my Merida e160 9000 (2023 model) which is 11 speed and was fitted (by LBS) with AS/FS. Suggest you add/consider Reverb axs dropper to go 'all wireless'. You can still find a 2023 Merida at half the 2024 model price. Removable battery is another advantage of 2023 model.

 

[Winford]

Auto shifting is not a deal breaker, its not a perfected science. And not going to happen on a 12sp cassette that is hyperglide. Only 11sp linkglide have autoshift. Now I love the free shift on my 12sp. I do get auto ghost shifting, sometimes the bike shifts gears to match the speed of the bike. Sort of freaks me out because I did not command the bike to do it. It is adjustable on Etube. So you can set it up to your preference. Free shift makes a huge difference on technical rides.