Kindernay burst onto the bicycle gearbox scene in 2016 when they showed off a prototype 14-speed internal gear hub that could replace the derailleur gears on your bike. Like other planetary gear hubs, the Kindernay promised a long-lasting drivetrain with less maintenance, zero gear adjustment, instant shifts, and components that are less susceptible to wear and damage. The hub shell and gearbox were separate components on a Kindernay hub. Image: Terrengsykkel.no The Kindernay 7 and 14-speed hubs had a few defining features: The gearboxes could be separated from the hub shell and you coul ..read more

For over a century, chains have been used in bicycle drivetrains. They are cheap, lightweight, efficient, repairable, and found in bike shops all over the planet. But technology has come a very long way since the 1800s, especially when it comes to textiles – so, perhaps a rope, or “String Drive” bike is the ultimate solution? In this article, I’ll introduce you to a very special chainless drivetrain that uses Dyneema ropes to propel you forward. These bikes were produced from 2011 to 2021 and used similar ropes to those found in fancy bicycle spokes, paragliding lines, sailing ropes, and even ..read more

There are around 40,000 articulations per minute on a bicycle chain as it snakes its way through your derailleur and around your sprockets. Each of these chain link articulations is a source of friction, which ultimately slows you down. The efficiency of a clean and lubricated derailleur drivetrain is usually upwards of 97%. This simply means that 97% of the power that you put into the pedals is going into driving your rear wheel, and the remaining 3% is lost to friction. The drive efficiency varies with the lubricant used, the quality of the drivetrain components, how worn the components are ..read more

HILITE Bikes has brought to market a unique shift adapter called the “Hibox” that permits the use of Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo shifters with the Pinion C-Line gearboxes (6, 9, 12-speed). If you are riding (or considering) a Pinion gearbox bike, your only shifter options for drop bar bikes have been the grip shifters provided by Pinion. You previously had to use the somewhat awkwardly placed Pinion grip shifter on a drop bar bike. Image: Nicolai Bicycles However, the ergonomics and performance of this shifter location are highly compromised. You need to move your right hand away from the bra ..read more

Over the last decade, Pinion gearboxes have proven to be a tough and reliable alternative to both derailleur gears and internal gear hubs. Pinion gearboxes are offered with 6 and 18 gears, are weather-sealed from the elements, are super quiet, are belt-drive compatible, and require very little maintenance – just an oil change every 10,000km (6200mi). They can potentially last a lifetime too; many users have already exceeded 100,000km (62,000mi). The 2024 update addresses two key issues that have long prevented the widespread adoption of gearboxes: shifting under pedal load, and the need to us ..read more

Bicycle suspension has improved in leaps and bounds over the last few decades. We’ve moved from simple elastomer dampers to very advanced hydraulic cartridge dampers that offer incredible levels of adjustability and performance. The Cannondale ‘Lefty’ is a standout chassis design and has actually been in production since 1999. This suspension strut (as it’s not technically a fork) has always intrigued me as it actually brings about some significant benefits. Now, if you’re sitting there thinking the Lefty is weird, consider that the wheels on your car only attach to one side, so perhaps this d ..read more

While the shoe is arguably the most important component of a clip-in system, it’s the pedal that makes the biggest difference when it comes to optimising the best flat pedal system. In this resource, I’ll be teaching you everything about flat pedal shape, size, pins, bearings, and much more. You will be able to apply my recommendations for on-road cycling where extreme grip is not as important as comfort and user-friendliness. There will be ample information about pedals for off-road use too. I’ve also included some notes about flat pedal shoes, as the right type of sole makes a big diffe ..read more

Trading my clip-in pedals for grippy flat pedals is the most profound component change I’ve made. For most of my career as a bike shop employee, I was certain that any serious cyclist should benefit from the foot retention and efficiency gains of clip-in pedals. However, after examining research papers on pedalling dynamics, after testing grippy flat pedals myself, and after learning the nuances of how people interact with their bikes as a professional bike fitter – I found there are significant advantages to flat pedals. Let me run you through them all. Please note that this article is tailor ..read more

Internal gear bicycle hubs have been commercially available since 1898, and are typically found on bicycles used for transport, rather than high-performance sport. They are a great alternative to derailleur gears, as they still offer multiple gear ratios, however, the critical drive components are all sealed away from the elements. This results in an incredibly low-maintenance drivetrain, that not only lasts longer but is less susceptible to damage. Internal gear hubs normally use planetary gear sets to achieve different gear ratios, and you can get them with up to 14 different gears. These ge ..read more

Eurobike is the world’s biggest bicycle trade show. And it’s truly monstrous with literally thousands of stands. I walked past every single stand so that you can see the latest products in the touring and bikepacking space! My iPhone says I did 15,000 steps per day (for five days) between the different halls. That’s a lot of walking… and a lot of talking too. I got the opportunity to talk to the engineers and product managers behind the brands and got test-ride more than 30 unique bikes too. This information will all drip out over the next year or so. Remember that you can always support my un ..read more