Shaft-drive for bicycles

http://www.metafilter.com/mefi/27053

"While shaft-driven motorcycles have been around for nearly a hundred years (and in bicycles even longer), they've only recently been re-introduced to bicycles. Chainless.com is a company promoting a new shaft drive system for use in low-end bicycles (looks like mountain, road, and bmx are offered). Without chains, it's easier to repair, safer, and they claim it is more efficient, though gearing is limited to a few hubs that feature up to 7 internal gears."

http://www.chainless.org

http://www.kk.org/recomendo/archives/000049.php

There's also an interesting article below (long!) about the history and demise of SunTour, including their battles with Shimano that they lost.

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hadland/page35.htm

And there's this wild 14-speed hub



http://www.rohloffusa.com/frame.htm

from Rohloff. Click on <Products> <Speedhub 500/14>

It's success will depend (almost entirely) on its weight.

I think it will appeal most to people who want a clean, non-oily bike for commuting or maintenance-free recreation. Weight would be not a major factor for them.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
If such was the case, then the old heavy balloon tire Schwinn would still be on the market. Weight is everything in a bike, whether for sport or commuting.

Shaft drive is noticeably less efficient than chain drive, but might be a good choice for an utility bike. Wouldn't want to do longer distances with one. Been told by a collector of classic shaft drive bikes that the main problem used to be insufficient frame stiffness: the bezel gears at both ends of the shaft became misaligned. It seems they got that one solved now.

The Rohloff is great! Mine's done at least 30.000 miles on two bikes now, and I can't imagine life without it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Minimal maintenance (and I do a lot of cycling, in all kinds of weather) and instant shifting (to any gear) under all conditions.

Mark,
You have the Rohloff I see! I would love to put one of those on my recumbent and enjoy life. If it has lasted 30,000 miles with no problems... it should last me around 10 years or so. How will I pass off a $950 hub as something I absolutely NEED? Put that one in the mental filing cabinet on things to do.
Does the shifter hold up with a lot of shifting? The other thing that Rohloff should do is offer a kevlar belt drive, no oil, chains or noise...it would transfer power better also. One can dream... maybe a cam belt out of a car or something.

As a longtime bike rider/racer, I'm still waiting for a viable belt drive system. Belts are lighter and more efficient than chains or shafts .....but so far they don't work with derailleurs. Any future belt drive system (it will probably be toothed belts) will have to work with internal gearing as described above. Maybe some day.

Re justifying a Rohloff:in the long run they're cheaper than a derailieur system! The chain lasts longer, and you can use a cheaper one (GREAT savings on a 'bent), less sprockets to replace, way less maintenance (expensive in time or money).
And how many mechanisms would you expect to replace in 60.000 miles (the projected minimum lifespan of a Rohloff)?
And of course it totally transforms your bike! Just being able to shift gears while standing still is worth it on a 'bent, and it's much easier to keep to a steady cadence, AND you'll be able to smoke roadies from standstill /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

The shiftgrip tends to wear down with use, and becomes a bit slippery when wet, but there's an aftermarket full-length grip now that should solve it. And get the version with the external gear mech: the standard version uses sub-milimeter shifting wires which won't last long on a 'bent.

As for belt drive: same problem as with shaft drive, low efficiency. Plus they tend to slip, the ones I tried at least. I guess they work better at high RPM and much higher tension; both unpractical on a bike.