Chainless Technology
How Does It Work?
Dynamic Bicycles' chainless bikes combine two innovative technologies to create a new generation of bikes that are smoother to ride, easier to operate, and simpler to maintain than traditional chain bikes. The first of these technologies is our patented shaft drive for smoothly transferring power from the pedals to the rear wheel; the second is Shimano's advanced internal gear hubs, whereby all the gearing is neatly tucked away inside the rear wheel. By integrating our shaft drive with Shimano's internal hubs, our bikes not only have a sleek, modern look, but they deliver an incredibly smooth ride, great performance and eliminate the number one complaint people have always had about their bikes – the chains and derailleurs. With our shaft drive bikes, there is no more grease; no more mess; no more cuts on fingers or tears in clothes; and no more chain and derailleur maintenance. Just pure, worry-free riding fun.
The Shaft Drive
The shaft drive uses two sets of spiral bevel gears and a shaft rod to smoothly transfer power from the cranks to rear wheel. The bevel gears are made of heat treated cromoly and paired with high quality sealed cartridge bearings coupled to a steel shaft rod – all sealed inside lightweight, durable aluminum alloy. Our shaft drive, now in its third generation, has been in production since 1991, and is already on tens of thousands of bikes all over the world. To see the shaft drive in motion, click here to view the Shaft Drive Animation.
Internal Gear Hub
Dynamic Bicycles shaft drive bikes feature the Shimano Nexus family of advanced internal gear hubs. These are the world’s best performing and most reliable family of internal gearing. Internal gear hubs are an advanced gearing technology, whereby all the gears are fully enclosed within the rear axle of the bike. These hubs are called planetary gears - much like the tranmission on a car - giving a wide range of gearing in a very compact space. So unlike chain bikes that have fully exposed (external) sprockets and derailleurs, internal gear hubs compress all of this gearing into a compact, highly efficient cylindrical component (hub) inside the rear axle. This internal gear hub integrates seamlessly with our shaft drive to create incredibly efficient shifting and smooth speed changes. Shimano’s internal gear hubs require very little maintenance and are lifetime sealed and lubricated to safely protect them from dirt, debris and damage.
Smooth, Easy Shifting
Our chainless bikes are much easier to operate than chain bikes. Internal gear hubs are designed to require fewer gear changes to cover a wide range of gearing. For instance, each gear change on our bike is like changing 2-3 gears on a chain bike - so you can transition quickly from hill climbing to cruising with fewer gear changes. Our shifters also provide an easy to read gear indicator that tells you what gear you are in at all times.
In addition, with the internal gear technology, the gearing is independent of pedaling. So unlike chain bikes that require you to pedal through a gear change, you can change gears on our shaft drive bikes any time, even at a complete stop; so you are always in the right gear for any situation. Plus, with our bikes, gear changes are much smoother, ensuring more seamless transitions on any terrain or riding condition.
8-Speed Bike Models - Most of our 8-speed bike models use Shimano’s Rapid Fire Shifter that uses conveniently located levers at your right thumb and forefinger to provide fast and precise shifting control. These Rapid Fire Shifters also provide a gear indicator, so unlike chain bikes, you always know what gear you are in. Twist Grip shifters are available for our 8-speed bikes by request.
7-Speed Bike Models - Most of our 7-speed bike models Use Shimano’s Twist Grip Shifter, whereby just a simple twist of the wrist provides responsive shifting and rapid speed transitions. Located between your right thumb and forefinger, the twist grip shifter makes gear changes fast and smooth. Rapid Fire shifters are avialable for our 7-speed bikes by request.
Wide, Versatile Gear Range
Dynamic Bicycles shaft drive bikes are available in 7-speed and 8-speed models that offer a versatile range of gearing without all the messy external moving parts. Whether you need to tackle hills, accelerate quickly from stops or cruise along streets or bike paths, our bikes have the gear range to deliver all the fun without the chain.
Think about it – how many gears do you really use? Shimano’s internal gear hubs merely spread out the gears for you, giving you tremendous gear range with just a few simple twists of the wrist.
8-Speed Bicycles
Our 8-Speed bike models were designed to keep up with your riding ambitions. With a high torque rating and a wide gear range, the 8-speed premium (identifiable by its red stripe) is our most rugged and versatile gear hub. The planetary gears are cold forged and heat treated to take long term abuse, and the hub internals are designed to handle inputs that would exceed what could be exerted by most any rider. Dynamic Bicycles 8-speed bikes offer a gear range comparable to 20 gears on a 24-gear chain bike, including multiple climbing gears for exhilarating off-road performance. From rapid uphill climbing to aggressive downhill riding, you’ll appreciate the smooth transitions and rugged reliability of this premium 8-speed hub. Our 8-speed Hybrid and Cross bikes are designed for riders who like to cruise at 18-21 MPH at a pedaling pace of about 60 pedal revolutions per minute (RPMs). Faster pedaling speeds can readily exceed 25+ MPH. If you need even more hill climbing power, call for details on how we can lower the gear range for you for even more hill climbing power. View a detailed gear ratio chart.
7-Speed Bicycles
Our 7-Speed bikes models are proven workhorses featuring smooth, easy gearing for worry-free, everyday riding. Featuring its smooth, responsive shifting, these bikes are super easy to operate and fun to ride. Our 7-speed bikes offer a gear range comparable to 17 gears on a 24-gear chain bike. This provides cyclists with a wide range of gearing to cruise along roadways and pathways as gracefully as it conquers hilly roads. Because of its versatility, performance and value, the Shimano 7-speed hub is standard on many of our bikes. Our 7-speed Hybrid and Cross bikes were designed for riders who like to cruise at 15-18 MPH at a pedaling pace of about 60 pedal revolutions per minute (RPMs). Faster RPMs can readily achieve 25 MPH. View a detailed gear ratio chart.
Chainless Bikes Are Easier to Maintain
Both the shaft drive and the internal gearing are inherently low maintenance, so little effort is required on your part to keep your bike running at peak efficiency. Compared to chain bikes, they can go much longer without maintenance or adjustment so they can operate more efficiently, more consistently. In fact, almost all of our bike components can easily maintained at home – from tire changes to cable adjustments, our bikes are as easy to maintain as they are to ride.
