Originally Posted by
fwd-bwd
Don't be so quick to dismiss the idea. Reducing rotational weight is a good thing. Low maintenance and cleanness are great for city/casual riders too. There is a
It's an extremely good idea - it's an evolution from internal gear hubs, putting the guts in something that never needs to be changed. It won't compete with the cheap folder issue, but having a real gear range on a folder and getting the weight low and not in the wheel are the ideal solution. It just needs to reach a $1000 Rohloff'ish price point. And it can do that. Schlumpf already has a market and it's the same system albeit trivial.
Here are some other advantages that come to mind:
- removing need for a cable to rear wheel area
- rear wheel can now be cheap and allowing for narrower rear triangle
- removing derailleur is good for smaller package, less area for chain issues
- drivetrain simplicity is much cleaner/trouble free going single speed style
- opening up possibility to belt drive if those [belt fragility] issues get worked out
- you could do a kick-shift system like the schlumpf so no cables.
- mentioned advantage of getting weight out of rotating rear hub, high flanges make for more difficult builds in small wheels (eg, rohloff doesnt recommend 16" builds)
The weight penalty can be considered as 1kg over normal (non-exotic weights) derailleur systems. The gear range from Pinion is superior to anything available in IGH or derailleurs. System lifetime is vastly superior, and several quality of riding characteristics are inherent.
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