That's why "Automatic Transmission System for a Bicycle," a US patent filed by Haven Mercer and published on November 23, has caught the attention of bicycle enthusiasts, myself included.

London-based investment firm Active Partners is the lead investor in a $23 million funding round for Classified Cycling of Belgium, maker of a wireless bicycle transmission system.

The first bikes using Valeo's smart ebike system will roll off production lines within months. Fourteen manufacturers have signed on to begin using this high-torque integrated powertrain, with its ...