CeramicSpeed introduces chainless bike concept at eurobike

the 2018 edition of eurobike has announced its winning entries, which includes a chainless bicycle. developed by CeramicSpeed and dubbed ‘driven’, the system is still a prototype and currently requires a special frame. this revolutionary drivetrain concept aims to set a new standard in efficiency by eliminating the need for derailleurs and chains, replacing them with a pinion-style driveshaft system.

the driven concept has been developed by CeramicSpeed in collaboration with the mechanical engineering department at the university of colorado. it intends to have less drag, less weight, and take up less space than conventional bicycles. it also creates 49% less friction by eliminating all eight points of sliding friction. to achieve this performance, ‘driven’ uses a total of 21 bearings that play a crucial role. thanks to extremely low rolling friction and longevity, the bearings transfer torque from the front ring through the drive shaft, then onto the 13-speed rear cog.