The CeramicSpeed Driven is a chainless bike drivetrain that replaces the traditional chain and derailleur with a carbon-fibre drive shaft. Developed by Danish component maker CeramicSpeed with the University of Colorado's Mechanical Engineering Department, it halves the friction of a conventional system and, at high power output, reaches an extraordinary 99 percent efficiency.
What is a chainless bike drivetrain?
A chainless bike drivetrain swaps the familiar chain, derailleurs, and pulleys for a rigid drive shaft that transfers power from the pedals to the rear wheel. CeramicSpeed, a manufacturer best known for its low-friction bicycle components, built the Driven prototype around exactly this idea. By removing the chain entirely, the system cuts the number of friction points in the drivetrain and keeps more of the rider's effort moving the bike forward.
How efficient is the CeramicSpeed Driven?
CeramicSpeed claims the Chainless Drivetrain becomes more efficient at higher speeds: when a cyclist puts down 380 watts of power, efficiency soars to 99 percent. At that level, almost all of the power generated by the rider is transferred to the wheels, which means quicker, less wasteful pedaling for both professional and casual cyclists. As cycling outlet road.cc reported, the concept debuted at Eurobike as a 13-speed drive-shaft system and went on to win the show's top award.
How does the chainless drive shaft reduce friction?
The prototype forgoes the chain, derailleurs, and pulleys, which sharply 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, each lowering efficiency. The Driven design proposes to cut that down to just two friction points, so more of the power generated from pedaling is used to propel the bike forward rather than lost to drag.
See the chainless drivetrain in action
High-performance and designer bikes at TheArsenale
While the CeramicSpeed Driven remains a concept, TheArsenale curates a hand-picked range of performance and designer machines in its bicycles collection. For featherweight efficiency, look at the carbon PG x Bugatti bike under 5kg and the Materia Bikes Tempo Ultegra road bike. For pure design, explore the Bianchi by Gucci carbon monocoque and the French Cyclik Roadbike.
Browse the full bicycles collection at TheArsenale to find your next ride.
