Shimano Gearbox Patents Filed on Hybrid Chain-driven Sequential-Shift Transmission

[Toorbough ULL-Zeveigh]

only searched back to the date of the article so apologies in advance if this is old.
it would have been news if LockH(eedHughesGrummanNorthropRaytheonEG&G) wuz still here.
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/shima...r-chain-sequential-shifting-transmission.html

Why roller chain? No other strategy can compete with a roller chain for low friction losses in rotary power transfer at low RPM and high torque loads - especially at low power inputs.

 

[Hillhater]

What makes it a “hybrid” drive ??..
Isnt a normal bike derailer chain drive “sequential” ,,,,and most bikes already use roller chain ??
This unit seems to have more shafts, sprockets, and chain length , than a conventional 21 speed shifter,. So bound to be less efficient .
This just looks like a heavier, complex, non maintainable, expensive, custom frame demanding, ...marketing ploy !
... but that is Shimano...always over engineering a simple device !
PS.. it doesnt look like it would lend itself to a mid drive conversion very easily !
.....but im sure Shimano will have a solution to that as well

 

[Nightdiver13]

What makes it a “hybrid” drive ??..
Isnt a normal bike derailer chain drive “sequential” ,,,,and most bikes already use roller chain ??
This unit seems to have more shafts, sprockets, and chain length , than a conventional 21 speed shifter,. So bound to be less efficient .
This just looks like a heavier, complex, non maintainable, expensive, custom frame demanding, ...marketing ploy !
... but that is Shimano...always over engineering a simple device !
PS.. it doesnt look like it would lend itself to a mid drive conversion very easily !
.....but im sure Shimano will have a solution to that as well

It's Shimano's answer to Pinion. Pinion has a massively loyal following and for good reason, but the system has some drawbacks similar to other internally geared hubs with large range (efficiency losses, high prices). Many have been waiting for a larger component brand to take a shot at a mid-mounted gearbox that improved on the current offerings and of course Shimano would be the ideal choice. Not at all just a marketing ploy, but I'm sure they will get a solid marketing boost from it whenever it makes it into production.

 

[Hillhater]

Whoever produces it, it will never be as efficient or lightweight as a conventional 2 sprocket + chain system.
Costs wont be competitive either, even if the chinese produced it !
Its a gimic aimed at the cashed up latte/ lycra market.
And i ask again...what makes it a “hybrid” drive ?

 

[Nightdiver13]

Whoever produces it, it will never be as efficient or lightweight as a conventional 2 sprocket + chain system.
Costs wont be competitive either, even if the chinese produced it !
Its a gimic aimed at the cashed up latte/ lycra market.
And i ask again...what makes it a “hybrid” drive ?

Lighter than a derailleur setup, probably not. Efficient, well that remains to be seen. But there is a probability that the efficiency could be quite high, and a possibility that it equals or surpasses the overall total efficiency of a derailleur in normal use. A typical derailleur system is wonderfully efficient when the chainline is straight and when the whole system is perfectly clean and lubricated, which is generally not the case in real world use. This internal gearbox from Shimano is meant to keep both those conditions with minimal maintenance required by the user.

Not sure why you think this is purely a gimmick, and also I don't think you understand their target market or the possibilities this could have to expand beyond the current crowd that appreciates this type of product. And BTW, that is not the "latte/lycra" market. Pinion is used mostly by bike tourists, mountain bikers (full-suspension), and commuters. The same folks who appreciate the benefits of Rohloff but also appreciate having all the weight centered low on the frame.