2 Wheel Drive Bicycle

When engineers get started, it's always hard to keep them from solving problems that may not exist. A good example is the 2-wheel drive bicycle I saw this week at the IREX-2005 robotics show in Tokyo.

The bicycle was designed with an extra set of chains and linkages going up the frame, down the forks, and connecting to the front wheel. The idea is that you can get traction and control with both wheels instead of just the normal rear wheel. It wasn't clear exactly what problem these obviously talented engineers where trying to solve.

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Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• bicycle
• robot
• tokyo
• japan
• international
• exhibition
• irex2005

[sateIIitepilot]

how bout a better demonstration...it was pretty crowded

[furrykilla]

can anyone tell me why you would ever need a 2 wheel drive bycycle theres just more to go wrong lol

one chain is bad enough

[noway180]

The bike looks really wobbly. Not sure if it's safe to ride.

[benitofinito]

wow tested to it's limits there.

[FormulaDStock]

The problem they wanted to solve probably involved getting enough grip in slippery conditions. A rear wheel drive bicycle will definitely have more trouble climbing than a two wheel drive bicycle. If they can perfect the technology and reduce weight, this technology could be very useful for cyclocross and mountain biking. Cyclists would never need to carry their bikes up steep slopes anymore.

[jalvarn]

WHY

[WhiteGravey]

someone send tihs video to surly 2wd 29er moonlander = best biike EVER!

[Kcar82]

@sireduardo420 I think the added weight of the second drivetrain would outweigh the benefits, especially when climbing.

[sireduardo420]

@furrykilla I test rode a 2wd mountain bike that used drive shafts consealed inside the frame and a worm gear set at the head to connect past the steer tube to the front wheel. The bike was amazing. It climbed mountain like nobodys business.

[animation508]

@furrykilla in theory, and on paper, you would be able to deliver more power to the wheels making acceleration faster (as there is a pushing force as well as a pulling force)

[tealover01]

think about it! 2 wheel drive it's impossible