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. Other 8-speed models use Shimano's twist grip shifters, offering you fast gear transitions with a simple twist of the wrist.
7-Speed Bike Models - Most of our 7-speed bike models Use Shimano’s Twist Grip Shifter that you twist like a throttle between your right thumb and forefinger to rapidly transition you through the gears. 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 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 fewer steps.
8-Speed Bicycles
Using Shimano's family of 8-speed internal hubs, these bicycles were designed to keep up with your riding ambitions with our widest available gear range. They offer a gear range comparable to 21 gears of a 24-gear chain bike to power you up hills as gracefully as they speed you along city streets or country roads. Depending on the Dynamic bicycle model, our 8-speed bicycles are configured using either the Nexus 8-speed, Nexus Premium 8-speed, or Alfine 8-speed hub. The Nexus 8 is the most economical 8-speed hub on the market, delivering the same wide range gearing as all Shimano's 8-speed hubs, packaged into a cost effective hub that offers a great value and proven reliability. The Nexus Premuim 8-speed hub (identifiable by its red stripe) is a rugged and versatile hub designed using highly durable gears for more aggressive riding. The Alfine 8-speed hub is designed for use with disc brakes, offering improved all-weather, all-season braking performance. Our 8-speed bikes are designed for riding at 15-20 MPH at a pedaling pace of about 60 pedal revolutions per minute (RPMs). Faster pedaling speeds can readily exceed 25+ MPH. 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 bicycles are super easy to operate and fun to ride. Our 7-speed bikes offer a gear range comparable to 18 gears on a 24-gear chain bike. This provides cyclists with a wide range of gearing to conquer streets, trails - even moderately hilly terrain - with ease. Our 7-speed bicycles were designed for riding at 12-15 MPH at a pedaling pace of about 60 pedal revolutions per minute (RPMs). Faster RPMs can 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.
