We’ve written about all types of bicycles with different features but the Bygen Hank Direct Bike is probably the most unique bicycle we’ve featured to date. What makes the Bygen Hank Direct Bike unique is that it skips using a chain or belt drive and instead uses a direct-drive system. Your turning pedal is now directly powering the rear wheel. Pretty cool but what about going up a hill and gears?
The Korean manufacturer uses a hub transmission which features three available gear ratios. Although the pedal position may look awkward, the pedals extend forward and are situated at a natural angle underneath the rider and riding the bike will be like any other bicycle. Another fantastic feature on the bicycle is the fact that it is “portable”. By portable, we mean that its wheelbase can be significantly reduced by simply sliding the bike into a smaller package making it easy to carry into an office building, carrying it on the train, or even transporting on long trips. Accoding to the company, two bikes can be loaded into the trunk of a small family sedan.
The Bygen Hank Direct Bike weighs in at just under 10kgs (22 pounds). The three gear ratios are 1.6:1, 2.5:1, and 3.9:1 which should make it suitable to handle a number of riding conditions while the 20-inch carbon fiber wheels allow it to reach relatively high speeds. With less moving parts, the bike should also be less of a mechanical hassle which is common among bicycles. The bicycle also has no power loss when compared to chain drives (7-8%) by articulating joint cranks to the hub spindle on the back wheel.
No word yet on the pricing but more information is available over at the Bygen website.
