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Conference noted::bicycle

Title:	Bicycling
Notice:	Bicycling for Fun
Moderator:	JAMIN::WASSER

Created:	Mon Apr 14 1986
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	3214
Total number of notes:	31946

2871.0. "Belt drive ?" by SALEM::RYAN_J () Thu Oct 27 1994 07:23

	I just read an article that someone left for me in the 
	Nov issue of OMNI magazine.  They talk about the new
	Spinergy rev.x wheel that uses the 4 pairs of carbon 
	fiber/kevlar spokes.  Cost now is about $500 per wheel
	but they expect soon that these wheels will be offered 
	on mid-priced bikes.
    
	There 's more-
    	
	"A more dramatic advance will come in 1995 when Spinergy
	releases its belt-driven system to replace the traditional
	chain-driven transmission, which hasn't changed in 50 yrs.  
	The transmision system requires only 2 oz of effort to
	change gears.  The light touch means gear changes can now be
	accomplished using buttons, a knob, a motorcycle-style grip-
	shift or electronics.  Using an electronic monitor a cyclist
	could  set the bicycle to automatically shift ratios to main-
	tain a certain speed, cadence or heartrate.  Such a system could
	even interface with a home computer as part of a sophisticated
	traing program."

	"Current chain/derailleur transmission systems have uneven
	spaced ratios that make for jarring shifts between some gears.
	Spinergy's transmission will offer 17 evenly spaced gear ratios.
	It's very smooth because the pully sections move within a disc,
	up and down, so you're not jumping a chain sideways from sprocket
	to sprocket.  Best of all, the  belt-driven system is completely
	enclosed and uses no lubrication.  It's maintainance free."

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
2871.1		STOWOA::SWFULLER		`Thu Oct 27 1994 15:20`	5
	Based upon their current success with their wheels, this would be one company worth looking at to invest in. If the system is dirtproof, they could produce a few millionaires Steve
2871.2		WMOIS::GIROUARD_C		`Fri Oct 28 1994 05:57`	6
	17 gears? What's up... just one chainring up front? This idea (technology) has been around for a long time. Looks like someone is serious about application. Chip
2871.3	17 speeds...	ROWLET::AINSLEY	Less than 150 kts. is TOO slow!	`Fri Oct 28 1994 08:35`	1
	Sounds like a PRIME example of a good implementation of an ODD idea:-)
2871.4	I'll see your pun and raise you	NOVA::FISHER	Tay-unned, rey-usted, rey-ady	`Fri Oct 28 1994 10:10`	6
	I dunno, it's just not a ROUND number, I don't think I can get SQUARE deal on it. :-) ed
2871.5		WMOIS::GIROUARD_C		`Fri Oct 28 1994 10:37`	6
	<- Ahhhh but is it prime???? Sheesh, I don't think I've gotten the belt in 40 years! Of course, I've had a few belts not quite that long ago. Friday's destroy me!
2871.6		ODIXIE::CIAROCHI	One Less Dog	`Fri Oct 28 1994 14:06`	11
	Neato. Actually, seventeen is a bunch. After hashing all my 21 gears through a spreadsheet, I really only have 11 useable gears of which I rarely use more than seven. The ten never used require two-ring shifts, and the four rarely used are for climbing trees or pulling mobile homes. If I had a spare ten or twenty thousand dollars, I'd get me a titanium belter with two wheel drive. I'd wear keen sunglasses. Automobiles would pull off the road as I approached, women would hide their children...
2871.7		NOVA::FISHER	Tay-unned, rey-usted, rey-ady	`Sat Oct 29 1994 06:40`	3
	dogs would run away with their tails between their legs ... ed
2871.8		WMOIS::GIROUARD_C		`Mon Oct 31 1994 06:53`	1
	... and the Nat'l Guard would have to be called out.
2871.9		RANGER::WASSER	John A. Wasser	`Tue Nov 08 1994 10:10`	11
	> Automobiles would pull off the road as I approached, > women would hide their children... > dogs would run away with their tails between their legs ... > ... and the Nat'l Guard would have to be called out. Women would come flocking from miles around... Fathers would oil their shotguns... Husbands would return early from business trips...