Tag

Drivetrain

All articles tagged with #drivetrain

Gates Signals Frame-Mounted CVT for Non-Electric Bikes in Patent
technology9 hours ago

Gates Signals Frame-Mounted CVT for Non-Electric Bikes in Patent

Gates published a patent for a frame-mounted mechanical CVT for bicycles (not e-bikes) that uses two tapered-pulley pairs and a belt, with a small motor adjusting pulley spacing to vary gear ratios. The design includes an overdrive stage to raise crank RPM (intended to improve CVT reliability and longevity), followed by the CVT and a planetary gearset to drive the rear wheel, aiming to improve weight distribution for MTB handling. While it suggests a full Gates drivetrain, the overall crank-to-wheel efficiency is uncertain and likely less than a derailleur, and Gates has not announced production plans.

eCVTs May Redefine E-Bike Drivetrains
technology4 days ago

eCVTs May Redefine E-Bike Drivetrains

Electronic CVTs for e-bikes use two motors and a planetary gearset to provide a wide, continuous gear range with on-the-fly shifting, potentially improving cadence and weight distribution while eliminating derailleur changes. Early prototypes from Owuru, Gabao and Avinox look promising in quiet operation and shifting smoothness, but the tech is unproven off-road, heavier, and efficiency and regulatory hurdles remain; mainstream adoption will depend on real-world performance and market demand.

Shimano Deore Returns to Simplicity with Cable-Actuated Drivetrain and Refined Brakes
technology26 days ago

Shimano Deore Returns to Simplicity with Cable-Actuated Drivetrain and Refined Brakes

Shimano revamps the Deore line with a fully cable‑actuated drivetrain and updated hydraulics: three derailleurs (RD-M7200 12‑sp Hyperglide+, RD-M7230 11‑sp Linkglide, RD-M6200 12‑sp Hyperglide+), three shifters (SL‑M6200/6210/6230), a new FC‑M6200 crank, two 12‑speed cassettes (CS‑M7200‑12 and CS‑M6200‑12), and revised brakes (BL‑M6200 lever, BR‑M6200/BR‑M6220 calipers) with low‑viscosity oil and inline hose routing. The group is clutch‑free, trading some chain slap/rattle for lower cost and mechanical simplicity, while remaining compatible with older parts. Price points span roughly $65–$180 for derailleurs and $120–$160 for brakes, with availability not immediate at launch.

Microshift Advent MX Brings 11-Speed Range to Budget Drivetrains
technology4 months ago

Microshift Advent MX Brings 11-Speed Range to Budget Drivetrains

Microshift has launched Advent MX, its first 11-speed groupset (with a 10-speed option) featuring two derailleurs, two shifters, and a range of cassettes up to 50T; XD and HG options, plus compatibility with Shimano CUES/Linkglide for 11‑speed. Priced aggressively (roughly $195–$245 for complete groupsets), the lineup emphasizes durability and serviceability, with riders noting confident shifts and solid reliability in mixed conditions. It aims to offer a high-value alternative to SRAM/Shimano in budget builds.

Momentum shift: most MTB riders now use electronic shifting on at least one bike
technology4 months ago

Momentum shift: most MTB riders now use electronic shifting on at least one bike

A Singletracks reader poll finds that a slim majority of mountain bikers now have an electronic drivetrain on at least one bike (about 51%), up from 44% a year earlier; 34% still have no interest. The article notes changes since the 2021 survey and invites readers to share what’s changed since then.

"Shimano Unveils Affordable 8-Speed ESSA Groupset for Budget Bikes"
cycling2 years ago

"Shimano Unveils Affordable 8-Speed ESSA Groupset for Budget Bikes"

Shimano has released a new 1x8-speed drivetrain called Essa, compatible with their current 8-speed systems. With a 409% gear range, it offers a smaller range than 12-speed variants but could still be suitable for mountain biking. The drivetrain utilizes Hyperglide tooth profile and is priced at around $160 USD. Additionally, new shifters for the Cues family of drivetrains have been introduced, designed for smaller-handed riders. No news yet on 12-speed offerings or electric shifting.

Top Innovations and Gear Picks of 2023: Pinkbike Awards and Editor's Choices
sportstech2 years ago

Top Innovations and Gear Picks of 2023: Pinkbike Awards and Editor's Choices

The 2023 Pinkbike Awards for Innovation of the Year nominees include the Cane Creek Tigon coil shock with air spring, Shimano's LinkGlide drivetrains with improved durability, SRAM's Eagle Transmission electronic drivetrain with easy installation and robust performance, Pinion's Motor Gearbox Unit (MGU) offering a condensed version of electronic shifting and mid-drive motor, and Classified's Powershift system with an electronically controlled, two-stage internally geared hub for a wide gear range.

"Zwift Hub One: Simplified Smart Trainer with Virtual Shifting and Universal Compatibility"
sports-technology2 years ago

"Zwift Hub One: Simplified Smart Trainer with Virtual Shifting and Universal Compatibility"

Zwift has introduced the Zwift Cog, a virtual shifting system that replaces the cassette on their Hub trainers with a single gear, providing 24 different speeds virtually. This allows for compatibility with multiple bikes without the need to change cassettes, offers a quieter experience, and eliminates the risk of dropped shifts or slow shifting. The virtual shifting is controlled using the Zwift Click or Zwift Play controllers, and the system automatically adjusts the gear ratio based on the bike's characteristics. The Zwift Hub One trainer with the Zwift Cog is available for $599, while existing Hub trainers can be upgraded with the Zwift Cog and Click kit for $79.99.

"New eBike Powertrain: Driven Technologies and Pinion Revolutionize Motor and Gearbox Integration"
cycling3 years ago

"New eBike Powertrain: Driven Technologies and Pinion Revolutionize Motor and Gearbox Integration"

Driven Technologies, a spin-off of CeramicSpeed, has unveiled an all-in-one e-bike drive system called the Orbit Drive at Eurobike Frankfurt. The compact 4.6-kilo drive system includes all the relevant gears, electronics, and a power delivery system to power the rear wheel via a driveshaft. The system is claimed to bring the highest levels of efficiency, additional battery range, a more pleasant riding experience, and pretty much zero maintenance all in a bolt-on package for e-bike manufacturers. Three variants of the Orbit system will be available to customers when the system launches, but no pricing or release date has been announced yet.

Exploring SRAM's Drivetrain Development Facility.
cycling3 years ago

Exploring SRAM's Drivetrain Development Facility.

Pinkbike takes a tour of SRAM's drivetrain development facility in Schweinfurt, Germany, where the company's latest Eagle drivetrain group was developed. The facility houses the SRAM Technical University, Technical Service, and a small warehouse that handles European warranty claims. The engineering department is off-limits to most people, as the team is typically working on projects that are two to three years ahead of the current state of the industry. The test lab at SRAM is responsible for coordinating field testing and collecting data on various products, and the team custom builds most of their own test rigs and develops the software accordingly.

Shimano's Patent Suggests Direct-Mount Derailleur Design.
cycling3 years ago

Shimano's Patent Suggests Direct-Mount Derailleur Design.

Shimano has filed a patent application for an integrated rear derailleur that fits directly onto the rear dropout, removing the need for a derailleur hanger and held in place by the thru-axle. The design is similar to SRAM's T-Type Eagle Transmission, which combines a direct-mount rear derailleur with the Universal Derailleur Hanger standard. Shimano's patent includes an "angular position structure" for initial setup and suggests compatibility with different cassette sizes. This patent application suggests Shimano may add a true direct-mount option to its mountain bike range.