Commuting - Drive Shaft Bike...

Has anybody tried anything like this? Sounds kind of cool.

http://www.dynamicbicycles.com/bikes/

Saw one that looked like a folding bike on the tral the other night. Guy said it was very smooth

Has anybody tried anything like this? Sounds kind of cool.

http://www.dynamicbicycles.com/bikes/

Tons of threads on this subject. Do a search. The discussions get very heated and opinionated and in some cases personal. Looked into them myself and decided a Shimano Alfine or a Rohloff hub w/a single chainring/cog combo w/an encased chain would be the least maintenence over the long haul. The fact that the Dynamics have entry level components, expensive add-ons, a relatively poor track record w/purchasers and function on 19th century tecnology has kept me using chain-driven bikes w/derailleurs and single speeds. Yeah, I know chainrings, cogs and chains are, ALSO 19th Century tecnology, but the track record is much stronger.

Here's the ultimate urban commuter w/a Rohloff hub: http://www.quitmann-ms.de/eng/big_apple.html

They, also make a 700x28mm version w/a Rohloff for a little more speed for longer commutes. It's called the Speed. http://www.quitmann-ms.de/eng/speed.html Click on 'prices' for the Rohloff version. They're NOT cheap. :p

They're available as rentals in London. I've never tried one though.

http://www.oybike.com/

Has anybody tried anything like this? Sounds kind of cool.

http://www.dynamicbicycles.com/bikes/

:deadhorse2:

http://www.willsouth.co.uk/cycling/chainless-b2.jpg

I want something like that

It reminds me of

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/photos/specphotos/K1200R%20Sunny%20Yellow.jpg

Tons of threads on this subject. Do a search. The discussions get very heated and opinionated and in some cases personal. Looked into them myself and decided a Shimano Alfine or a Rohloff hub w/a single chainring/cog combo w/an encased chain would be the least maintenence over the long haul. The fact that the Dynamics have entry level components, expensive add-ons, a relatively poor track record w/purchasers and function on 19th century tecnology has kept me using chain-driven bikes w/derailleurs and single speeds. Yeah, I know chainrings, cogs and chains are, ALSO 19th Century tecnology, but the track record is much stronger.

Here's the ultimate urban commuter w/a Rohloff hub: http://www.quitmann-ms.de/eng/big_apple.html

They, also make a 700x28mm version w/a Rohloff for a little more speed for longer commutes. It's called the Speed. http://www.quitmann-ms.de/eng/speed.html Click on 'prices' for the Rohloff version. They're NOT cheap. :p
I commute daily on a Dynamic Crossroad 8 and overall it performs as I expect. I bought it to be low-maintenance, reliable transportation. I did not buy it because it is the fastest nor the most efficient arrangement - that is not what I'm after. Don't get me wrong - I'm no company spokesperson. I researched and debated for months before deciding to pull the trigger and give them my money.

The bike and it's technology are not perfect, but neither is a chain drive setup. I don't miss cleaning a chain one bit. I add grease to the gears to keep them running smoothly. I add grease at roughly the same schedule one should use to clean and lubricate a chain-drive, except I am finished in seconds. I put the bike up and do other things.

nashcommguy while I agree with you when you hit them on their component selection, would explain what you mean by 'expensive add-ons' and a 'relatively poor track record w/purchasers'. If Dynamic had such problems as you portray I would fully expect them to fold and close shop. Instead, I waited several weeks to get mine and they sold out not long after. Though only Dynamic can speak to this, it tells me they are in demand.

I agree with you regarding the entry-level components; when I got it, I quickly replaced the brakes, handlebar, saddle and rear rack with components of my choosing. I expect these are all common upgrades for almost any given cyclist. Maybe not on arrival, but over time many riders replace their rim-brakes for disks. I am thankful the Crossroad was set up to accomodate the disk. I put a Shimano Roller Brake (http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/content/cycle/seh/nl/en/technical_service/faq_s/city_and_comfort_bike/how_does_a_roller.html) in back; I know it's not for everyone, but that's my preference.

Interestingly, I have my Dynamic Crossroad 8 setup very much like the Quitmann Big Apple you recommend above. I noticed the Big Apple even sports Roller Brakes front & rear. Would you endorse my setup? I'd be happy to let you take it for a spin, if you wish.

I applaud your decision to stick with a proven technology - it's a very safe decision. As a winter commuter, I wanted something with less maintenance in both drive and braking systems. My chain-drive bike took a real beating last winter.


nashcommguy I don't know if you have even ridden a shaft-drive bicycle for any period of time. I do not understand why there is so much resistance against these shaft-drive bikes, especially by people who do not ride one. Take a look at my website (http://www.geocities.com/dynamicbikereview@sbcglobal.net) and get opinion from someone who at least has experience riding one.

I've been commuting on the Crossroad 8 for the last month. My impressions:
-No, it's not as efficient as a chain drive setup.
-Yes, I love jumping on it without need to don special shoes, cuff my pants, etc.
-18 miles each way is too far to use it every day. I switch it up with my road bike of fixed gear bike.
-The weight is a bit of an issue, but I'm happy to accept the compromise for less mess, less maintenance and more utility.
-If I were still working in an office 3 mile from home where I had to wear a suit and had no access to showers, this would be the PERFECT bike.
-This bike sucks for hill climbing.
-Standing up to pedal is a waste of effort that yields no good results.
-I was given this bike to test it, I'm not yet sure I would pay full price for it.
-This bike certainly serves a purpose and I think with better exposure it can build its market share for non-lycra wearing commuters.