Originally Posted by redfooj
1) front wheel drive (actually, AWD) has been done and 2) i dont think there is sufficient length on current drop-outs to make all 4 gears usable
...
unless a tensioner is employed... but then it goes against what SS is about.. might as well do internal hub
I rode a tall tandem with fully independent drive systems for the front and rear wheel. The front rider powered the front wheel, and the rear rider powered the rear wheel. Plus it was 8 feet in the air. My copilot and I made it about 200 feet before an errant mountain biker ran into us and ended our ride predictably. Tacoed both wheels, collapsed the front fork assembly, and deposited us squarely in the dirt. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
And you are right, flip-flopping 4 different gears would be a bit silly. But I still like the idea.
Maybe some custom 4" long track ends would help...
peace,
sam