Re:Inventor's Bike Folds Into Its Own Wheel
by alex_stoddard on Tuesday August 04, 2009 @01:58PM
(#741727)
For this to work I think the drive-chain would have to be a jointed drive shaft. I actually ride an (un-jointed) drive shaft bike - very handy in very harsh winter conditions.
However, that sort of drive chain would add even more complexity and cost.
Re:Inventor's Bike Folds Into Its Own Wheel
by blasdel on Wednesday August 05, 2009 @05:22AM
(#743089)
You absolutely can have variable geometry between the axle and bottom bracket -- most all rear suspension designs do it, and then have clever linkages to cancel out the force of the chain.
You could have a removable chain. Or use a belt and design it so it can fold over or something.
Re:Inventor's Bike Folds Into Its Own Wheel
by adamhowell on Tuesday August 04, 2009 @10:59AM
(#741321)
Not only does it not have a chain, it only has one pedal.
12 seconds in you can clearly see two pedals.
You can't have a joint that changes the geometry between the rear hub and the pedals. On this bike there is a hinge and they end up being next to each other. On current folding bikes the hinge is forward of the pedals - the locking mechanism is usually the weak point, spend time improving that.