Bikes have chains. They always have and I’ve long thought they always will. If the chainless Stringbike takes off, though, that may not have to be the case.
Created by bike-maker Schwinn Csepel Ltd., the bike can be easily disassembled, since the wheels come off quickly and with less work (there’s no gear rack). The lack of grease should make those who’ve been used to soiled shirts and pants feel easier about riding a bicycle too.
The Stringbike uses two steel cables attached to pulleys, which move on irregularly-shaped discs while you step on the pedal. The shape of the discs determine the driving characteristics, which, in the case of the current prototype, mimics the feel of conventional bicycling with round gears.
According to the Hungarian Ambiance article, the wire-and-pulley system creates a continuous transmission change, allowing riders to navigate difficult paths without having to shift gears. Obviously, rigorous use from regular cyclists will tell whether this system really works better than conventional gear-and-chains, although some of it’s advantages do seem readily apparent.
We’re not sure what the plans are for the Stringbike. If they take this to market now, there could be definite interest. I mean, how many bikes do you see with a mechanical system that unique? Plus, the quick disassembly of the wheels mean plenty of portability. You can learn more about it from the link below.
[Stringbike via Hungarian Ambiance]