Technology Comparison Table
Shaft Drive-Hub Bikes vs. Chain-Sprocket-Derailleur Bikes |
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| Features | Dynamic Bicycles Shaft Drive Bikes |
Sprocket-Derailleur Bikes |
| Frame construction | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Gear Components | Shimano internal Gear Hubs; Enclosed Shaft Drive | Sprockets, Derailleurs, Chains |
| Gear Changes | Single Shifter; Fast and seamless gear changes; shifting independent of pedaling; easy-to-read gear indicator | Multiple Shifters; must pedal to change gears; no gear indicator |
| Maintenance | No Scheduled Maintenance on Hub; Periodic Grease added to Shaft Drive - fast and easy | Requires adjustment of derailleurs by trained bike mechanic; periodic chain cleaning, lubrication and tensioning |
| Durability | Highly durable aluminum components; fully enclosed design prevents damage and corrosion | Fully exposed derailleurs and chainwheels susceptible to damage, misalignment and corrosion |
| Resilience to Elements | Fully internal gearing sealed and protected from rain, salt, dirt, and sand | External gearing fully exposed and adversely affected by rain, salt, sand and debris |
| Ground Clearance (to drive system parts) |
13+ inches to shaft drive | ~ 8 inches to derailleur, chain and sprocket |
| Safety | Gears fully enclosed in shaft-drive, nothing to catch on clothing; no more "chain bite" | Sprockets and/or derailleurs can tear clothing and cut hands |
| Efficiency | 90%+ efficient (consistently with minimal maintenance) | 75% - 95% efficient (varies depending on condition and upkeep) |
| Gear Range | 8-speed = range of 21 gears 7-speed = range of 18 gears |
21-gear or 24-gear |
| Noise | Low - runs vitually silent | Can vary depending on condition of chain and and aligment derailleur |
| Ease of Handling & Transport | Easy - no grease | Dirty and greasy chain; sharp sprocket teeth; sensitive derailluers |
Learn More...
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