Worldbike is a network of bicycle industry designers and others with ties to manufacturing resources worldwide. It is an organization that has acted as an umbrella organization for various efforts providing bicycle solutions for developing countries. The NuVinciN171 hubs donated by Fallbrook will become a resource available through Worldbike for the development and use of more reliable bicycles and other human powered devices.
The NuVinci N171 transmission is a prior model of Fallbrook's current NuVinciN360. Both award-winning models have essentially the same benefits, including smooth, seamless shifting under load with the ability to shift when stopped, wide ratio range, quiet operation and are essentially maintenance free, with no regular service or adjustments needed. The N171 is somewhat larger physically and well suited for use in developing countries under adverse conditions.
"Throughout the world, many of the bicycles currently in use typically break down too easily and in developing countries, are often a patchwork of parts, especially from the drivetrain perspective," said David Hancock, Fallbrook's executive vice president of business units. "We're pleased to be able to make this donation, which should enable people in developing countries to travel greater distances with less downtime. This is particularly important for bikes used to deliver water and medical supplies or provide ‘taxi’ service."
Craig Calfee, board member of Worldbike and president of Bamboosero, will manage the distribution of the donation, which includes spare shift controllers in addition to the hubs. Bamboosero is a company that trains people in developing countries on manufacturing their own bicycles out of bamboo, a plentiful and inexpensive natural component. "This generous donation from Fallbrook Technologies will anchor our efforts to introduce robust, modern bicycles and other human powered devices to developing countries through Bamboosero and other organizations," said Calfee. "Aside from the sheer volume of donated units, the added value of the NuVinci drivetrain makes it incredibly appropriate for this purpose."
About NuVinci CVP Technology
Instead of the traditional gear and clutch mechanisms found in conventional transmissions, a NuVinci transmission utilizes a set of rotating spheres that are arranged around a central “sun”that transfers torque between two “rings.” Tilting the spheres changes their contact diameters on the rings, permitting an infinite progression of speed ratios. The result is a smooth, seamless and continuous transition to any ratio within its range, maximizing overall powertrain efficiency and ride quality.
First commercialized in a continuously variable transmission (CVT) for bicycles, now in its second generation as the NuVinci N360, NuVinci technology is applicable to a wide variety of applications including bicycles, light electric vehicles, primary transmissions for automobiles, trucks and commercial vehicles, lawn care equipment and wind turbines. NuVincitechnology offers companies the flexibility to design and produce next-generation products that are better tailored to their unique business, market and competitive requirements.
About Fallbrook Technologies Inc.
Fallbrook Technologies Inc. is a privately held technology development and manufacturing company headquartered in San Diego and has its primary operations and product development activities located in Cedar Park, Texas, with employees and other operations in China and Europe. Fallbrook has built an extensive portfolio of over 500 patents and patent applications worldwide.
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