Bike part manufacturer CeramicSpeed develops a drivetrain that uses an innovative drive shaft boasting chainless technology. Created in collaboration with the University of Colorado’s Mechanical Engineering Department, the Danish company has crafted a product that halves the friction of a traditional chain and derailleur system.
CeramicSpeed claims that the 'Chainless Drivetrain' increases its efficiency at higher speeds; when a cyclist hits 380 Watts of power, efficiency soars to 99 percent. Should this be the case, almost all of the power generated by a rider is transferred to the wheels of the bicycle - enabling quicker transportation for professional and casual cyclists. The prototype forgoes the chain, derailleurs, and pulleys, which reduces the number of friction points in the drive system. As a traditional chain passes through a bike crankset, there are eight points of friction, lowering efficiency as a result. This new drive proposes to reduce it to just two friction points, which creates more power generated from pedaling to propel the bike forward.