Projects Deathwish and Heathen
You guys now have a fairly good understanding what the next project is going to be.
From comments, questions and general chatter, we've pulled together a report to answer a few questions.
Is it true you'll only be making Gearbox bikes now?
No, this relates to two specific prototype projects. I think the confusion is there because most bike companies like to keep their development under wraps; we are bringing the consumer in, to steer certain choices we make or at least make sure we don't forget something. After the prototyping and research concludes, the likelihood is we will roll out gearbox choices for other bikes and the prototype Versions will be developed to be purchased with a gearbox or conventional wide range system like Box or Eagle.
Why a gearbox?
In all honesty, the bike could be singlespeed and achieve the same thing, this is to do with two major factors and some minors. Mainly, the chain-line and the weight being in the right place, so we can get the suspension working well and the rider comfortable. Since this bike will be used over the year for Enduro World Series and National events, reliability in bad conditions with rough terrain is a key factor.
Recently a poll was completed and riders said they loved the idea of gearboxes and not smashing up mechs, but when questioned, they rarely had destroyed mechs. However, these guys are riding, not racing. There is a bit of a gulf there. Racers are more likely to smash a mech off.
Finally, a narrower swingarm (in one case single sided) with a wider dish wheel. There is no cassette on there and we intend to use the maximum flange width to build dishless wheels. More than anything though. Because we can. Since we saw gearboxes on bikes back in the day we wanted a go at it.
Its also super nice to stand at the start line of of a stage and change to the right gear without pedaling. Or having to lift up the back wheel and do the spinny wheel panic change gear.
Its REALLY quiet. No hub noise (if you want), no chain slap, no jangly clangy bits. Psychologically everything feels smoother and less tiring when your bike doesn’t sound like someone throwing a toolbox down an escalator.
Pinion vs Effigear vs Rohloff vs Shimano
We had 3 choices: gearbox, gear hub or gear hub modified as a gearbox mounted on the frame.
Our first decision was not to have to butcher any existing tech to make it work, so that rules out using a hub as a gearbox on the frame. That left gear hub and gearbox.
We didn't want all that weight on the hub either, personally if it was a hardtail we would have given it a go, which left Effigear & Pinion
On paper Effigear is probably the most acceptable, as its trigger-shift compatible and designed for Enduro and DH, however, Effigear were impossible to get in touch with; we couldn’t get any technical or CAD data, and when you try to view their website it leads you off to a gallery with Pictures of yoga and cereal – That aside, here is why we chose Pinion.
The Bridge – Pinion manufacture a steel, Ti and aluminium version of their bridge that replaces a BB for frame builders. It's inexpensive and will NEVER change. It currently fits 8+ versions of Pinion, from road bike to commuter to downhill monster.
They also sell a Jig and dummy unit for a reasonable charge, so it's quick and easy to check alignment when welding. As a consumer all you need to know is 'quick and easy alignment' means a lower price for a frame,
Company Size – Pinion are larger in terms of investment and stability, there is little point in us bringing out a super all singing all dancing frame that will last a lifetime if there is a chance the company that supplies the main component will go under.
Replacement parts – Echoed above, Pinion have a good track record of replacing parts, and a large stock of all the bits you could possibly break.
Price – Pinion has a significantly lower price than other systems; in fact it's come down another 25% recently. We had to double check the C-Line price with them as it seemed a misprint where it was so reasonable. With scale, Pinion have assured us that time and time again their prices will drop and they have backed it up, it is getting more affordable
The bad stuff, we ain't stupid.
We frequently hear “I really hate that gripshift, man.”
I'm not a fan of gripshift either, but the last time I used it was in the 90s with Sram X-Ray, it was awful.
Gripshift DOES work particularly well with gearbox bikes as you can go from 1 – 18 and back in one go if you want, without even pedalling. It's harder to do that with a trigger, but both systems have compromises; we are just used to one set of compromises really, think about the things that you dislike about mechs. Get a long test ride in before you get too bogged down in what you have traditionally done. With that said, it would be silly to think that Pinion wont develop triggers in the future, to be honest, we'll be at it too. Why wait to start our development until they have finished theirs.
This grinds my gears, what a drag.
Its not a myth that gearbox bikes have more drag than a chain and cassette. However we think Pinion made a monumental mistake when they sent out their early review items.
They were all new.
When you get a new gearbox all the gears need some time to mesh and to bed in, the tolerance is so high it can feel draggy and almost crunchy. As time goes on, and after a full oil change, they become far more enjoyable to use. You don't have to back off to change gear as much, and its a better time all round.
I don't want that man I just want Eagle.
Well, this bike is a prototype, we hope to learn a lot from the process. Right now this is not a planned production bike; even thought we love the technology, we will always have a range of bikes supporting other technologies.
In realistic terms, we've not seen the death of the derailleur and it would not be in our interest to make bikes that require propriety parts.
Why a high pivot?
Essentially, manufacturers shy away from high pivots because they are a real pain to make. But the action over rocky ground is really predictable and exciting. The chain doesnt mess with the kinematics and, I dont want to oversell it, but 4 inches feels like 8, especially as its an up and back movement. It just IS faster (we think).
Questions?
I love my singlespeeds because they dont need fixing all the time and having broken a few mechs in my time at the dirt trails I love the simplicity. This seems like a good compromise vs Rolhoff which makes the bike feel very back heavy. Watching this with interest!!
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