Presentation Notes on Prototype Drivetrain

Introduction

• Speaker sent by three credible sources:
  • Wade Wallace (Cycling Tips)
  • Veronica (wife)
  • DC Rainmaker (Ray)
• Excitement about a prototype drivetrain seen for the first time.

Features of the Drivetrain

• Components:
  • Roller bearings included.
  • Unique design resembling a carrot grater.
• Performance:
  • Efficiency affected by gear selection (up to 2.5% - 5%).
  • Eliminates issues with dirty chains and cross chaining.
• Noise Level:
  • Not completely silent, some ticking noise present.
  • Freewheeling and smooth gear changing experience.

Engineering Challenges

• Manufacturing:
  • Takes about 8 hours to machine from a single piece of aluminum.
• Reinforcement Needs:
  • Prototype design may lead to the drivetrain wanting to jump outward.
  • Requires entire bike reinforcement.
• Surface Contact Area:
  • Less surface area contact than traditional chains, may lead to jumping out of gear under high torque.
  • Potentially suitable for e-bikes and touring bikes, but not ready for racing.

Innovations and Future Applications

• Design Changes:
  • Complete redesign of the bottom bracket for added support.
• Efficiency Goals:
  • Aiming for 99% efficiency.
  • Possible applications in e-bikes and indoor cycling.

Conclusion

• Further Development:
  • Interested in future improvements in 6-12 months.
  • Encouragement of innovative approaches in drivetrain technology.
• Call to Action:
  • Invite audience to subscribe and comment on the new design.