Chainless Digital Drive Bikes

[FastEddieB]

This YouTube video was recommended to me:

Chainless digital drive bikes are not something I was familiar with. Interesting tech, to be sure. Even with the drawbacks, I suspect it’s an emerging technology we’ll be seeing more of in the future.

 

[Sac Arrow]

It's interesting, but the video does point out that there are large electrical losses associated with an electrical generation and drive system, as well as a weight penalty for the drive motor (and presumably the generator too.) You might regain some of that from regenerative braking, but then there is a battery, and yet another weight penalty.

 

[SoonerAviator]

Nothing like adding weight and new failure modes to the simplest of mechanical devices (chain/sprocket). Solution in search of a problem. Even the modern wireless derailleurs from Shimano/SRAM have limited utility and have to be recharged somewhat frequently depending on amount of use and volume of shifts.

 

[GeorgeC]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betteridge's_law_of_headlines

I've been seeing electric motocross bikes lately, presumably they have pedals so they are legally considered a bicycle.

 

[FastEddieB]

Nothing like adding weight and new failure modes to the simplest of mechanical devices (chain/sprocket). Solution in search of a problem.

I can imagine a version of you a century ago: “Nothing like adding weight and new failure modes to the simplest of mechanical devices (horse/buggy).”

 

[schmookeeg]

Why is this a digital bicycle? Wouldn't it just be an electrical bicycle?

 

[GaryM]

Why is this a digital bicycle? Wouldn't it just be an electrical bicycle?

Marketing!

 

[TCABM]

Why is this a digital bicycle? Wouldn't it just be an electrical bicycle?

Can’t you see…it’s an intuitive change.

 

[GeorgeC]

Why is this a digital bicycle? Wouldn't it just be an electrical bicycle?

Have you tried riding a bike without using your fingers?

 

[asicer]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betteridge's_law_of_headlines

I've been seeing electric motocross bikes lately, presumably they have pedals so they are legally considered a bicycle.

Are you referring to the Super 73?
www.super73.com

 

[GeorgeC]

Are you referring to the Super 73?
www.super73.com

Yes, similar to that.

 

[kgruber]

50% efficiency?

That'll go nowhere fast!

 

[schmookeeg]

Have you tried riding a bike without using your fingers?

Nicely done.

 

[PPC1052]

Why is this a digital bicycle? Wouldn't it just be an electrical bicycle?

The difference is that on the digital drive bike by pedaling you are turning a generator to create electricity to power the electric motor, whereas with an electric bicycle there is a battery that provides the electricity to power the motor, and any pedaling by the rider is adding additional force mechanically.

 

[SoonerAviator]

I can imagine a version of you a century ago: “Nothing like adding weight and new failure modes to the simplest of mechanical devices (horse/buggy).”

Well, horses have plenty of failure modes and extra weight, lol.

 

[EdFred]

I can imagine a version of you a century ago: “Nothing like adding weight and new failure modes to the simplest of mechanical devices (horse/buggy).”

So this device will allow for sustained average speeds of three times faster than a regular bicycle? Nice!

 

[nauga]

Have you tried riding a bike without using your fingers?

My bikes have a digital display. I use it often to alert cars and pedestrians. It's also useful in my car.

Nauga,
with built-in redundancy

 

[IK04]

If you stick digits into the spokes of a spinning wheel, you get a cool sound.

Kids, don't try this at home...