Ditch the Grease: The Guide to Chainless Bicycles

 



For over a century, the bicycle chain has been the standard for transferring power from the pedals to the wheels. However, this familiar system has a few drawbacks, including a messy appearance, the need for regular lubrication, and the potential for clothing to get caught.

Chainless bicycles offer a modern solution by replacing the traditional chain with either a shaft drive or a belt drive. Belt-driven bikes use a toothed rubber or carbon belt and require little to no maintenance or lubrication.1 They are clean, quiet, and have a long lifespan. Shaft-driven bikes, on the other hand, use a series of gears enclosed within a shaft to transmit power.2 This completely enclosed system is the cleanest and most durable option, protecting all moving parts from dirt and rust. Both chainless options provide a smooth, consistent ride, making them an excellent choice for commuters and casual riders who prefer less hassle.

Here are some of the most popular companies producing chainless bicycles today:

  • Priority Bicycles: Founded on the mission to make cycling simple, Priority specializes in low-maintenance bikes that primarily use a quiet and clean belt-drive system.3 Their bikes are known for their durability and ease of use, appealing to a wide range of riders.



  • Space Cardan Industries Co.: A manufacturer that produces a variety of chainless bikes, including folding, electric, road, and commuter models.4 They are also a major supplier of components for large-scale bike-sharing systems globally.

  • Steed Cycles: An Indian company that offers a range of chainless bicycles for urban mobility.5 Steed Cycles provides both belt-drive and shaft-drive models, emphasizing simplicity, durability, and a clean riding experience.



  • NuBike: This company stands out with its innovative and unique vertical pedaling system.6 Combined with a chainless drive and a lightweight carbon-fiber frame, NuBike's design aims to reduce joint stress while increasing pedaling efficiency.7

  • Dynamic Bicycles: A long-standing producer of chainless bikes, Dynamic Bicycles has built its reputation on manufacturing durable and reliable shaft-drive bicycles. They cater to a wide audience, from individual riders to custom-branded fleets for businesses and universities.

  • Sussex Enterprises Company: Known for its "Shaft Drive Transmission Systems (SDTS)," this company holds patents for its technology and produces its own line of chainless bikes, focusing on the reliability and low-maintenance benefits of the shaft drive.

  • Bikevalley Co. Ltd.: A South Korean company that specializes in developing and manufacturing advanced shaft-drive systems for bicycles.8 They produce their own brand of chainless bicycles and are a major supplier of this innovative technology.

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