CeramicSpeed DrivEN 99% Efficient Drive Shaft // Chain Free Bike // Eurobike 2018

Summary

In this video, Shane reviews a prototype drivetrain that promises to revolutionize cycling efficiency. Unlike traditional chains, this system uses roller bearings and a unique design, potentially increasing efficiency by 2.5-5%. Despite not being silent, the drivetrain offers smooth operation. Challenges include the need for bike reinforcement and addressing the drivetrain's tendency to jump outwards under high torque. The technology's potential extends beyond outdoor bikes to indoor trainers and e-bikes, showcasing significant innovation in the cycling industry.

Takeaways

• 🚴‍♂️ The script discusses a prototype drivetrain for bicycles that is highly innovative and has never been seen before.
• 🔧 It features roller bearings and a design likened to a 'carrot grater', which is intended to enhance the bike's drivetrain efficiency.
• 🔍 The drivetrain's efficiency can be affected by the gear selection, with potential impacts of up to 2.5-5%, especially with a dirty chain or cross-chaining.
• 🔨 The prototype is not silent, contrary to initial expectations, and has a noticeable ticking noise.
• 🛠️ The gear changing mechanism in the future will involve moving a part in and out, but this feature is not yet implemented in the current prototype.
• ⏱️ The machining of the prototype from a single piece of aluminum takes approximately 8 hours, indicating complex engineering.
• 🔩 The design may require reinforcement of the bike frame due to the forces exerted by the drivetrain's operation.
• 🤔 There are concerns about the contact surface area and the potential for the drivetrain to jump out of gear under high torque.
• 🏁 While the technology is impressive, it may not be ready for racing applications due to several unresolved issues.
• 🔄 The drivetrain's potential efficiency could reach up to 99%, which has applications beyond just outdoor bikes, including indoor bikes and e-bikes.
• 🔄 The technology could revolutionize indoor trainers and e-bike design, but there are challenges to integrating it into these systems.

Q & A

Who are the three people that referred the speaker to check out the prototype drivetrain?

The three people who referred the speaker are Wade Wallace from Cycling Tips, his wife Veronica, and DC Rainmaker.

What is unique about the prototype drivetrain described in the script?

The prototype drivetrain is unique because it features roller bearings and is compared to a heavily engineered carrot grater, aiming to provide a highly efficient drivetrain for the bike.

How can the gear selection on a bike affect its drivetrain efficiency?

Gear selection on a bike can affect the efficiency of the drivetrain by up to 2.5% to 5%, especially with a dirty chain or cross chaining.

What is the expected noise level of the prototype drivetrain?

The prototype drivetrain is not silent as initially thought by the speaker. It produces a ticking noise, indicating it is not completely devoid of sound.

How does the prototype's gear changing mechanism work?

At the time of the script, the gear changing mechanism is not finalized, but it is expected to involve moving a certain component in and out, although this is still in the prototype phase.

What is the time-consuming aspect of manufacturing the prototype mentioned in the script?

The manufacturing process of the prototype is time-consuming, with the machining of a single piece of aluminum taking approximately 8 hours.

What engineering challenges does the new design pose for the bike's structure?

The new design requires reinforcement of the entire bike structure due to the force exerted by the drivetrain, which tends to jump outwards.

What are the potential applications of this drivetrain technology beyond outdoor bikes?

The drivetrain technology has potential applications in indoor bikes, e-bikes, and possibly other areas where high efficiency and reduced noise are desirable.

Why might this drivetrain technology not be ready for racing yet?

The drivetrain technology may not be ready for racing yet due to several engineering issues that need to be resolved, such as the potential for the drivetrain to jump out of gear with high torque.

What significant redesign was mentioned as part of the prototype development?

A significant redesign mentioned is the entire bottom bracket, which has been reinforced to accommodate the new drivetrain technology.

What is the speaker's overall opinion on the prototype drivetrain?

The speaker finds the prototype drivetrain to be very cool technology, unique, and expresses interest in seeing further developments in six to twelve months.