FlowDough
Active member
Here's an overview on gearboxes:
www.singletracks.com
The primary reason gearboxes haven't seen widespread use on regular bikes is because of the added weight and the efficiency loss in the drivetrain. Neither one of those concerns is as much of a detrimental factor on a heavier e bike with a motor, so I'm surprised more manufacturers haven't tried them on e bikes. But most e bike manufacturers seem to be obsessed with making their e bikes look like regular bikes, so adding a gearbox makes that harder. Most gearbox bikes actually look like they already have an e bike motor.
But I think a gearbox would be worth it for many e bike riders who want a more sealed drivetrain, more reliable shifting, and less mechanical failures related to the rear derailleur.
Shimano seems to be leading the way with its internal gearbox patent for e bikes, but we've only seen drawings so far. Mubea has made one, and drivetrain maker Revonte has developed a mysterious automatic transmission gearbox integrated into an e bike motor. The advantage of the Shimano system is that the gearbox is centrally ocated near the motor for a more balanced bike, similar to the old Honda gearbox DH bike. If you want an internal drivetrain for your e bike right now, Kindernay might be the best option but it currently requires 2 shifters so it will interfere with a dropper post.
I wonder if we might see single speed e bikes with more power levels rather than gears in the future, along with some type of on the fly adjustable torque? What would be your dream e bike drivetrain?
As someone who has had rides ended from having the vulnerable rear derailleur destroyed, I would like to see gearboxes happen on e bikes even if they are a little heavier, bigger, and slightly less efficient. It also seems like with the higher speed of e bikes riders are more likely to go slightly off-trail and get sticks and grass in the rear derailleur, causing damage or the shifting to skip around.
I also like the idea of not having to lube or replace the chain so frequently, and bikes look better without derailleurs.
What are your thoughts on gearboxes for e bikes?
Internal Gearbox Advantages, Drawbacks, and Future Possibilities for Apocalypse-Ready Mountain Bikes
Why aren't gearboxes more popular than external drivetrains for mountain bikes? We asked several brands.
www.singletracks.com
The primary reason gearboxes haven't seen widespread use on regular bikes is because of the added weight and the efficiency loss in the drivetrain. Neither one of those concerns is as much of a detrimental factor on a heavier e bike with a motor, so I'm surprised more manufacturers haven't tried them on e bikes. But most e bike manufacturers seem to be obsessed with making their e bikes look like regular bikes, so adding a gearbox makes that harder. Most gearbox bikes actually look like they already have an e bike motor.
But I think a gearbox would be worth it for many e bike riders who want a more sealed drivetrain, more reliable shifting, and less mechanical failures related to the rear derailleur.
Shimano seems to be leading the way with its internal gearbox patent for e bikes, but we've only seen drawings so far. Mubea has made one, and drivetrain maker Revonte has developed a mysterious automatic transmission gearbox integrated into an e bike motor. The advantage of the Shimano system is that the gearbox is centrally ocated near the motor for a more balanced bike, similar to the old Honda gearbox DH bike. If you want an internal drivetrain for your e bike right now, Kindernay might be the best option but it currently requires 2 shifters so it will interfere with a dropper post.
I wonder if we might see single speed e bikes with more power levels rather than gears in the future, along with some type of on the fly adjustable torque? What would be your dream e bike drivetrain?
As someone who has had rides ended from having the vulnerable rear derailleur destroyed, I would like to see gearboxes happen on e bikes even if they are a little heavier, bigger, and slightly less efficient. It also seems like with the higher speed of e bikes riders are more likely to go slightly off-trail and get sticks and grass in the rear derailleur, causing damage or the shifting to skip around.
I also like the idea of not having to lube or replace the chain so frequently, and bikes look better without derailleurs.
What are your thoughts on gearboxes for e bikes?
