Three noteworthy innovation are transform the mechanic of the common bicycle . In fact , these novel technologies may be the most meaning developments in motorcycle technology since the original “ safety ” bicycle was invent at the end of the nineteenth century .
Electronic Shifters
Electronic shifting image courtesy of our friends over atcyclingnews.com
give the infiltration of electronics into every aspect of our lives , the growth of an electronic shifter is no surprise . Here ’s how it work : rather of using a mechanically skillful shift lever , a push button sends a signaling to the derailleur and activates a modest motor that provides a dissipated , reliable gear work shift . A servo chemical mechanism correct the place of the front and rearward derailleurs so they ’re optimally aligned , producing maximum power - transfer efficiency . Electronic shift can take a pumped up form , where the shift up / down signaling is carry via cable system , or a wireless form that use multiple frequence . The downside are minimal . The most obvious is that if your battery ladder out , you ’re screwed . This said , Shimano estimate that the 7.4 - V battery in its Dura - Ace Di2 line of factor shifter will last over 620 miles per charge .
The other downside is price . The Di2 scheme costs $ 2,500 , and it will in all probability be two twelvemonth before the tech dribble into bum , mid - range kits . Nonetheless , wheeler are riding with electronic shifters today : George Hincapie ride a Trek Madone with electronic shifters in the 2009 Tour de France , and Trek already provides battery mounts and Di2 cable length expel on its subspecies - ready Madone frames . Campagnolo will free its electronic shift outfit in 2011 .
Belt Drives
The traditional mountain range is one of the biggest frail spots on any bike . increase force-out on a liaison chain produce straining on the links themselves . Over time , these links break - and once they bust , you ’re usualy hosed . Failure is quicken by the scandal and grime that chemical chain amass because of their much - needed lubrication . And constant article of clothing and tear from grabbing and release cogwheel does n’t assist a chain ’s lifetime , either .
Trek ’s drivetrain belt ammunition expect eerily similar to some we ’ve seen in LEGO kits .
Enter the rap drive , which increases the efficiency of a bike ’s power geartrain while greatly extending its life story . At its sum , this is a simple piece of applied science not unlike a transporter belt . A smooth , conterminous small-arm of rubber or credit card - based stuff moves around two splay gears . In former epitome of bicycle knock drives , nubs down the pith of the belt grab onto gears , and an intimate shifting hub changes the appurtenance .
In addition to increase power efficiency , the belt cause does n’t want to be lubricate - there are no moving part , and it ’s not probable to separate for the same reason . How closely are we to seeing belt ammunition drives ? Close enough that Trek has already developed the epitome picture on this page . The only real downside , aside from scarce handiness , is that a determination - built human body is call for because you ca n’t pop the belt drive off like you would on a normal cycle .
Expect to see belt - driven bikes in mass yield by the end of this year . It ’s an ideal scene for a low - power train metropolis motorcycle .
Continuously Variable Transmission
The big leap ahead in bike design add up from a San Diego R&D shop call Fallbrook Technologies . Its initiation is the NuVinci transmission , a two - wheeler version of a CVT , or Continuously Variable Transmission , which already lends efficiency to intercrossed automobile .
On a traditional bike , you need to manually switch gears within a circumscribed set of , say , 10 or 18 “ upper . ” But with a NuVinci transmission , you ’re given an infinite variety of gearing ratios - within a specified reach , of row - to perfectly match your energy output to the incline of the road .
Video uploaded byimapodaddy .
CVTs apply rotating and tilting balls positioned between the input and production components of a gearing organisation . This arrangement progressively varies the speed of the transmission system , providing linear and essentially innumerable gearing options . equate to a traditional set of prostrate cogs , you also enjoy increase efficiency , as there is no loss of top executive during a shift .
you may grease one’s palms a cycle outfitted with NuVinci ’s CVT today from Ellsworth Bikes . Me ? I ’m going to wait a small longer - I want all three young technologies mould in concert on the same drive .
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