He could be stringing us along
02-23-12 | 11:18 AM
#1
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Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,244
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From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: CAAD 10 4, Dolan DF4, Fuji Track Classic
He could be stringing us along
https://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/02...2&viewall=true
Kinda crazy, but man, I'd be a little paranoid using a string as a drivetrain.
Kinda crazy, but man, I'd be a little paranoid using a string as a drivetrain.
02-23-12 | 11:25 AM
#4
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Brown Bear, Sqrl Hunter
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 4,244
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From: San Jose, CA
Bikes: CAAD 10 4, Dolan DF4, Fuji Track Classic
Yeah, I don't deny that it looks cool and is very innovative either. I'm in the same boat as you, I just wouldn't ride it myself. Hahaha
02-23-12 | 11:35 AM
#8
Veteran Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
The "strings" are cables that are plenty strong to carry loads in tension. The problem here is not reliability or strength, but the unnecessary complexity and expense of the design. About the only possible advantage that I see is the biopace effect of the cams.
02-23-12 | 11:49 AM
#10
Veteran Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
The KISS principle trumps complexity every time.
10-07-17 | 07:38 PM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Vermont
Bikes: Trek Domane SL5, Raleigh Venture 4.0, Ross Gran Tour II
My son put me onto StringBike and so I thought I'd see what the collective BF had to say about it. Looks like quite a bit early on, but not much for the last few years.
Most substantive (i.e. not ridiculing, dismissive or not trusting the strength of a piece of string) objections seem to ignore the gearing.
AFAIK there are very few options out there for bikes that offer 19 progressive gears. Not that I've spent a lot of time looking for a holy grail, but my recollection is that the current practical limit is 14 with an IG unit. Depending where/how/why you ride may make this a moot point, but for the average person who rides hilly terrain I see this as being a big advantage.
Is it worth the extra money? I have no idea, having never ridden one. In addition to the actual mechanical benefits/durability/advantages of the drive mechanism, there is also the whoooole rest of the build. Frame design/construction being paramount among them...
10-09-17 | 06:13 AM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: West Hartford, CT
Bikes: Windsor the Hour, Cannondale Capo, Cannondale Synapse Carbon, Cannondale Super X
You guys are analyzing the Stringbike as a bike you might ride. I see it as a piece of art you might ride. If I could readily afford a $3,600 piece of art, I'd buy one.
Looking for current reviews, the most recent I find is from 2014. Any current references?
Stringbike | E line
Looking for current reviews, the most recent I find is from 2014. Any current references?
Stringbike | E line
Last edited by postprimepedal; 10-09-17 at 06:29 AM. Reason: Add a question.
10-09-17 | 08:43 AM
#15
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,861
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From: Coeur d' Alene
Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors
Wow. Talk about overkill. An extra bottom bracket and four extra sets of bearings. Whatever. 
Last edited by SquidPuppet; 10-09-17 at 08:47 AM.
10-09-17 | 10:15 AM
#16
Veteran Racer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
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From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
As an engineer myself, I do enjoy the inventiveness of this system, even if it is somewhat impractical. The basic derailleur system with all its limitations, remains the best solution so far.
10-09-17 | 10:40 AM
#17
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Arlington, TX
Bikes: 2008 Surly Cross Check, 2010 Fuji Track Comp
10-09-17 | 10:52 AM
#18
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Yes, like any bike, you deliver power only on the pedal downstroke.
No because there are two droves, one for each crank.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 10-09-17 at 03:42 PM.
10-09-17 | 03:35 PM
#20
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From: Vermont
Bikes: Trek Domane SL5, Raleigh Venture 4.0, Ross Gran Tour II
10-09-17 | 04:22 PM
#21
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From: Eugene, Oregon, USA
A lot of the drive could be done with a typical offset crankshaft, but this funky drive system probably gives it more or less constant linear drive motion, as well as producing power through a full half stroke (which is then picked up by the opposite side).
There will be some parasitic loss with all the bearings, as well as the ratcheting mechanism on the rear spools.
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