fwd-bwd

Looks to be a great evolution from the discontinued G-Boxx planetary gear system:



https://www.pinion.eu/en/produkt.html

Although it's mainly designed for MTB, it just might find its way onto some folders.

social suicide

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stevegor

Looks like it needs a specialised frame to mount this set up, which is unfortunate because there are many applications this would be ideal for, in particular folding bikes with narrow rear triangles.

Schlumph still seems a better option.

kamtsa

It is described in this patent

https://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?WO=2010072397

The PDF with the diagrams is available here (download the second doc, Initial Publication with ISR)

https://www.wipo.int/pctdb/en/wo.jsp?...3&DISPLAY=DOCS

Inventors are Michael Schmitz and Christoph Lerman.

According to Fig 3, it is organized as 3x6. Fig 22 suggests that it uses two cables which are not shown in the marketing material.

fwd-bwd

Yes, it seems a specialized frame and bottom bracket are required to use Pinion (and prior art G-Boxx), and thus may not be economically sensible for many—if not most—bike builders. However, the BB on certain folders are not integrated into the frame but a separate piece attached to the frame, thus making these bikes easier to adopt a gearbox system. Strida, Kent Mini 8, and perhaps some sort of mega A-Bike come to mind. Well, I'm talking about probability not practicality of course. The 7 speed Strida mod has proved that it's possible:

https://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/bonbon200/26165609.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wAHqrAXfsg

invisiblehand

Cool. Too bad it has the appropriate q-factor for a 6' 9" dude ...

Actually, I don't think it has been shown that there is an optimal q-factor. Unfortunately for me, narrow is more comfortable.