All About Gimbal Drive Bicycles

Cardan-driven bicycles are not very popular with cyclists and are rarely seen on city streets. However, from a technical point of view, they are no less reliable mode of transport than models with a chain drive, and deserve special attention.

Bicycles with a cardan shaft were invented a long time ago - at the end of the 19th century. So, in 1890, the English inventor A. Fernhead invented a cardan shaft and installed it on a bicycle. On the first driveshaft models, the shaft was hidden in a protective cover and was located above the rear fork. However, the British did not appreciate the technical discovery of their compatriot, and already in 1894 the author sold his invention to the American concern Pope Manufactuping. In the same year, another American designer filed a patent application for a similar invention, and after 5 years, cardan bikes reached their peak of popularity.

One of the largest manufacturers of bicycles with a driveshaft was the car factory Pierce Arrow Automobile, serially producing such models since 1910. Its products were popular not only among ordinary citizens, but also in the sports environment. The popularity of bicycles was added by the fact that several cycling races were won on them, because of which they for some time outperformed over chain models.

In Europe, gimbal bikes were also well known and in high demand among the masses. It is known for certain that many bicycle divisions of the German army during the Second World War were equipped with just such bicycles. Tsarist Russia did not lag behind Europe, where from the beginning of the 20th century the production of cardan bikes was established. However, due to the Civil War and two revolutions, their production was stopped.

The design of a bicycle with a propeller shaft differs markedly from the design of bikes with a chain drive. Such models do not have the usual sprockets and chains, and the torque from the pedals to the rear wheel is transmitted thanks to the gears. The shaft is a sturdy steel tube that engages firmly with the wheel gear. As a result, the mechanism has no bendable elements, which ensures its strength and simplicity.

On classic bikes, the chain needs regular cleaning and lubrication, it stretches quickly and needs to be replaced. Stars are also subject to wear and tear and need constant monitoring. The cardan drive does not require any financial investments, with the exception of occasional gear lubrication.

In addition to bicycles that are powered by physical forces, modern manufacturers have launched the production of electric bicycles with a cardan drive. The bearings used in this design do not require lubrication, and all parts are made of extra strong material.

Despite the fact that models with a cardan drive are significantly inferior in popularity to classic models, they still have a number of advantages.

• Bikes with a cardan shaft are characterized by a higher cross-country ability due to the clearance (the clearance between the lowest point of the bike and the ground), which is why they can be used as bicycles for cross-country and off-road trips. Such models do not cling to curbs, and therefore are perfect for the city.
• Due to the absence of sprockets and chains, there is no risk of staining or tearing the pants.
• Cardan drives are very reliable, rarely require maintenance and do not need to be adjusted. The first service is carried out after 30 thousand km of run, moreover, on chain samples - every 2-5 thousand.
• The transmission of bikes is reliably protected from dirt, water and sand - the scourge of all chain models.
• Due to the lack of many moving parts, the rear suspension is precise and balanced.

Among the disadvantages of bicycles with a cardan drive are heavy weight: on average, such a bike weighs about 17 kg, which is 1-3 kg more than the weight of similar models with a chain drive. Attention is also drawn to a small number of gears (from 3 to 8), as well as the impossibility of self-repair in the event of a breakdown. More detailed studies have revealed the loss of power of the bike compared to traditional models, which was about 3%.

If the gimbal does not take part in cycling, then this loss is not so fundamental. Many consumers also note the high cost of gimbal samples, however, the costs are repaid over time with a minimum investment in maintenance. Thus, we can conclude that in conditions requiring high-speed qualities from the bike, the chain bike is the undisputed leader.

Few manufacturers are producing bicycles with cardan drive, which is explained by marketing risks and low popularity of samples. However, some companies are quite successful in releasing and marketing their products, which, despite the skepticism of most bikers, have their fans.

• The most popular gimbal bike company is Alpine. The company produces reliable bicycles, the main advantages of which are quiet operation of gears, easy running and long service life. Most bikes are equipped with a planetary hub for 7 gears. Quite popular is the Alpine Bike 30M model, which is distinguished by good roll-forward, absence of extraneous noise while driving and smooth ride. The shaft requires minimal maintenance and is content with 50 g of oil per year.The bike is equipped with a rear rack, fenders and a seat with springs.

• Company Eltreco is engaged in the production of electric bicycles with a cardan drive, which are very popular among residents of large cities. The popularity of the models is due to the folding design of some models. (Patrol Cardan and Master Cardan), high service life of the electric motor and overall structural reliability.

• The products of the companies are slightly less known Mifa and Dynamic Bicyclesproducing high-quality cardan bikes designed for city and country walks.

You can watch a video review of a bicycle with a cardan drive below.