Chainless bike thing?

[jim777]

I've never seen this, do people have this or is this a one off? Seems pretty cool.

https://imgur.com/gallery/yloZMco

[Mike]

I've not seen it on an actual bike, but this is the second version of this I've seen. It's like shaft drive without stacked gears - I would assume they're helical.

[Mike]

https://newatlas.com/ceramicspeed-dr...t-drive/55364/

[jim777]

I think if you incorporate that into bikes, the price of bikes could go up to over $300!

[Drew]

I think if you incorporate that into bikes, the price of bikes could go up to over $300!

Ell. Oh. Ell.



IIRC that's a heavily modified Specialized S-Works Venge they have it mounted on, and subsequent testing suggests this will be more aerodynamic than a conventional drivechain as well (makes sense - you're getting the derailleur totally out of the airflow).

The problem here is that this is the most mechanically efficient way to drive a bike produced yet, but getting this system to shift smoothly will be an absolute devil of a task. It COULD work, theoretically, it's just there's a lot more work that needs to be done.

CeramicSpeed has already built a name for themselves producing ultra-high-end ceramic bearings for road bikes, so they're a name you already see all over the peloton (I think the S-Works crankset on my Venge is on a CeramicSpeed bottom bracket).

[Mr. S]

I've not seen it on an actual bike, but this is the second version of this I've seen. It's like shaft drive without stacked gears - I would assume they're helical.

I think you mean HELLA-COOL!!!!111!1!


*Ehm*


Seriously though, that's really cool. Would love to encourage things to make bikes more efficient, maybe I could stop having to drive to work.

[Ror3h]

Ell. Oh. Ell.



IIRC that's a heavily modified Specialized S-Works Venge they have it mounted on, and subsequent testing suggests this will be more aerodynamic than a conventional drivechain as well (makes sense - you're getting the derailleur totally out of the airflow).

The problem here is that this is the most mechanically efficient way to drive a bike produced yet, but getting this system to shift smoothly will be an absolute devil of a task. It COULD work, theoretically, it's just there's a lot more work that needs to be done.

CeramicSpeed has already built a name for themselves producing ultra-high-end ceramic bearings for road bikes, so they're a name you already see all over the peloton (I think the S-Works crankset on my Venge is on a CeramicSpeed bottom bracket).

I heard it can't take more than 250 or so watts without breaking The problem is that it turns the pedalling force into a lateral load when the 'chainring' is turning the drive shaft, and neither the shaft or ring/sprockets can be stiff enough to not get pushed apart (unless they are really heavy and bulky). IMO this is basically cycling vaporware and probably won't see the light of day on many consumer bikes. Not to mention the tiny size of ceramicspeed as a company compared to the market leading goliaths like Shimano etc, they just don't have the budget to make it to the big time.

However as an exceedingly expensive gadget for rich people to show off to their riding mates, I'm sure it will succeed at emptying a few wallets

[Drew]

I heard it can't take more than 250 or so watts without breaking The problem is that it turns the pedalling force into a lateral load when the 'chainring' is turning the drive shaft, and neither the shaft or ring/sprockets can be stiff enough to not get pushed apart (unless they are really heavy and bulky). IMO this is basically cycling vaporware and probably won't see the light of day on many consumer bikes. Not to mention the tiny size of ceramicspeed as a company compared to the market leading goliaths like Shimano etc, they just don't have the budget to make it to the big time.

However as an exceedingly expensive gadget for rich people to show off to their riding mates, I'm sure it will succeed at emptying a few wallets

...if it even makes it to production.

Breaking over 250w is, um, pretty low.