Xtracycle’s Swoop ASM e-bike brings an automatic transmission to cargo bikes
Summary
Ars Technica reviews the Xtracycle Swoop ASM e-bike, a steel-frame long-tail cargo bike equipped with Shimano's low-end electronic shifting (Cues Di2) and an automatic transmission option. The article highlights how the system shifts automatically based on ride data, the perceived ride quality, and the practical trade-offs like occasional clunky shifts and accessibility challenges for maintenance. It also covers build quality, ride experience, and value at around $4,500.