All About Cardan Bikes

Cardan-driven bicycles are not very popular among cyclists and are rarely found on city streets. However, from a technical point of view, they are no less reliable means of transport than models with a chain transmission, and deserve special attention.

Bicycles with cardan were invented a long time ago - at the end of the XIX century. So, in 1890, the English inventor A. Furnhead invented a universal joint and mounted it on a bicycle. On the first cardan models, the shaft was hidden in a protective casing and was located above the rear fork. However, the British did not appreciate the technical discovery of his compatriot, and already in 1894, the author sells his invention to the American concern Pope Manufactuping. In the same year, another designer from America filed a patent application for a similar invention, and after 5 years cardan bikes reached the peak of popularity.

One of the largest manufacturers of driveshaft bicycles has become a car factory Pierce Arrow Automobile, mass-producing such models since 1910. Its products were popular not only among ordinary citizens, but also in the sports environment. The popularity of bicycles was added by the fact that several bicycle races were won on them, which is why for some time they excelled over chain models.

In Europe cardan bikes were also well known and were in good demand among the masses. It is known for certain that many bicycle divisions of the German army during the Second World War were equipped with just such bicycles. Tsarist Russia did not lag behind Europe, where since the beginning of the 20th century the production of cardan bikes was established.However, due to the Civil War and two revolutions, their production was stopped.

The design of a bicycle with a cardan shaft is noticeably different from the design of bikes with a chain drive. Such models do not have the usual sprockets and chains, and the torque from the pedals to the rear wheel is transmitted thanks to gears. The shaft is a sturdy steel tube that adheres firmly to the gear of the wheel. As a result, the mechanism does not have bendable elements, which ensures its strength and simplicity.

For classic bikes, the chain needs regular cleaning and lubrication, it quickly stretches and needs to be replaced. Stars are also subject to wear and tear and need constant monitoring. The cardan drive does not require any financial investments, with the exception of rare gear lubrication.

In addition to bicycles driven by physical efforts, modern manufacturers have launched the production of electric bikes with a cardan drive. The bearings used in this design do not need lubrication, and all parts are made of extremely durable material.

Despite the fact that models with a cardan drive significantly lose in popularity to classic models, they still have a number of advantages.

• Bikes with a gimbal are characterized by a higher cross-country capacity due to clearance (clearance between the lowest point of the bike and the ground), which is why they can be used as bicycles for traveling on rough terrain and off-road. Such models do not catch curbs, and therefore are perfectly suitable for the city.
• Due to the absence of sprockets and chains, there is no risk of tearing or tearing pants.
• Cardan transmissions are very reliable, rarely require maintenance and do not need to be adjusted. The first service is carried out after 30 thousand kilometers, while on chain samples - every 2-5 thousand.
• The transmission of bikes is reliably protected from dirt, water and sand - the scourge of all chain models.
• Due to the lack of a large number of moving parts, the rear suspension is characterized by precise operation and balance.

Among the shortcomings of cardan driven bikes big weight: on average, such a bike weighs about 17 kg, which is 1-3 kg more than the weight of similar models with a chain drive. Attention is drawn to a small number of gears (from 3 to 8), as well as the impossibility of self-repair in the event of a breakdown. In more detailed studies, it was discovered loss of bike power in comparison with traditional samples, which amounted to about 3%.

If the cardan bicycle does not take part in cycling, then this loss is not so fundamental. Many consumers also note the high cost of gimbal samples, however, over time, the costs pay off with minimal investment in maintenance. Thus, we can conclude that in conditions requiring high-speed qualities from the bike, the chain bike is the undisputed leader.

Few manufacturers are engaged in the production of cardan-driven bicycles, due to marketing risks and the low popularity of designs. However, some companies quite successfully release and market their products, which, despite the skepticism of most bikers, have their fans.

• The most popular cardan bike company is Alpine The company produces reliable bicycles, the main advantage of which is the silent operation of gears, an easy ride and a long service life. Most bikes are equipped with a planetary hub for shifting 7 gears. Quite popular is the Alpine Bike 30M model, which is distinguished by a good rollback, the absence of extraneous noise when riding and a smooth ride.The shaft requires minimal maintenance and is satisfied with 50 g of oil per year. The bike is equipped with a rear trunk, wings and a seat with springs.

• Company Eltreco engaged in the production of electric bicycles with cardan drive, which are very popular among residents of large cities. The popularity of models is due to the folding design of some models (Patrol Cardan and Master Cardan), high motor resource and overall design reliability.

• A little less well-known company products Mifa and Dynamic Bicyclesproducing high-quality cardan bikes designed for city and country walks.

You can watch the video review of the cardan-driven bicycle below.