Lets talk/brainstorm gear changing options

[hayleyearth]

So I have been thinking for a while about suspension designs and how gearing/the need for a chain/etc drives/limit the designs that can be done in many ways...YES I KNOW I AM NOT THE 1ST FOOL TO WANT TO LOOK INTO THIS/THINK ABOUT IT...but everything starts somewhere right.

 

This photo (look at my chain) made me realise that I really actually want to start spending time into looking at what is out there; currently on bicycles, bikes and cars and maybe see how and if things can change regading how we change gears - in the end obviously giving the opertunity to different suspension designs , which could drive bazare/wild options to bike designs.

 

This isn't even after a jump or nothing,  but all that inefficiency is crazy.

 

I dont really have loads of time to go and google all the different options out there currently so please feel free to post what ever you have seen thus far. Yes the Rohloff hub (http://www.rohloff.de/en/products/speedhub/) is something towards 'changing' gearing on bicycles, but the need for a change is still there.

 

Then there has been this too:

 

I would like the wildest ideas you have ever thought about, and no if are alowed to say "that is stupid" unless it is followed by "but I like it, lets look into it"...

 

So I'll start with some crazy ideas and you guys can carry on....

- incorporating a clutch somehow from front triangle to rear (using learnings from rohloff hub),

- relook at moving changing to front triangle,

- electronics,

- hydraulic,

 

 

 

 

I dont know..... keen to hear all your wild ideas/thoughts though!

 

I know this being the hub and having some of the critics it has, most will think this is a stupid discussion, but dont let me tell you in 10years (maybe even less) "I told you so then already"  Okay now it is here, lets see if we can grow it.

 

 

[Grebel]

My take.....

 

There are many ways to arrive at the same result. As are there more efficient ways of transferring drive. I think that the option with the least amount of losses that allows you to "store" up energy in a receiver of sorts is the option of a hydraulic drive. You can vary the output of the motor based on wheel speed to always deliver the same cadence at any speed. The cadence can be adjustable to your requirements. The reservoir for the "stored" energy can be incorporated into the frame. 

 

The downside is the weight penalty. (Pump, drive, fluid, pressure lines, etc)

 

Of all the options out there the current chain/sprockets/derailleur setup is the option that has taken into account cost/reliability/weight/efficiency and found the best balance between the lot.

 

I'm not saying that it's the best option. There are others, but there is a trade of at some point.

 

Friend of mine and I had a look at this a few years ago and my personal preference would be a hydraulic drive with a reservoir.

 

Edit: Just to expand... variable hydraulic pump in place of the BB, hydraulic motor in place of rear hub and cassette, receiver in the down tube and seat tube (Keeping the center of gravity low) flexible lines at the pivot points with internal lines up to the bars to adjust flow from pump to drive to adjust cadence.