New MTB design or monstrosity?

Well that will garuntee 360 degree pedaling power. We will see quickly if there is any future in it. From a MTB standpoint more weight, and more cost of components. On a cruiser or BMX bike, I can see more viable theory of application.

What is the point of this? The website wasn't super helpful

Worthless..... REALLY?

Welcome to the site, Manifesto!

I like to stay up to date on bicycle-related patents, and when one popped up for the 2G bike today I figured I'd chime in. I enjoy seeing zany, out-of-the-box ideas as the oddball stuff often holds weird promise or something to learn.

Here's the invention in action:





To answer your question, the bike presented may look like a monstrosity to many mountain bikers. The q-factor alone makes it seem like it'd be cumbersome to ride. There is definitely a limit to how short chainstays can go before control on a mountain bike goes out the window. In the flatland BMX world I suppose something like this could allow you to do some interesting variations on tricks, although the video doesn't drive that point home at all.

The patent language has a strong emphasis on how "inefficient" single-sided drivetrains are. Are they really inefficient enough to warrant all the added weight and complexity of this invention?

A hub that can transform from fixie to freewheel (without removing/flipping the wheel) is a neat idea. Can it be achieved without the need for two of everything?

More maneuverability? That bike already looked way too small! Who wants chainstays shorter than the already too short 425mm on a mtb? It is a nice but totally useless idea in my opinion!

That design looks scary to me. The only thing connecting the two crank arms is the chains and hub? Pedaling on flat ground may be ok but as soon as you have any impact force that you bottom bracket and spindle usually absorb is now being absorbed by the chains and hub.

Maybe I'm missing something but that must be the flexiest crank setup ever.