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Christini launches AWD ebikes with huge energy from Bafang motors
All-wheel drive specialist Christini has introduced a brand new vary of ebikes and, sure, they characteristic correct two-wheel drive.
Christini has been making AWD bikes for nearly twenty years (the model makes bikes too) so a transfer into ebikes was in all probability inevitable.
The brand new vary features a 27.5in hardtail and a number of other fats bikes. All are powered by a mid-drive Bafang motor system placing out both 1,000W or 1,500W (claimed) – figures that dwarf these of ordinary road-legal ebikes bought in Europe.
The AWD system is equivalent to the one used on Christini’s unpowered bikes, and it’s a captivating piece of design.
The rear wheel is pushed conventionally by the bike’s chain and it sends energy to the entrance wheel by way of a system of shafts.
Varied fats bikes can be found. That is the Fats 5 Extremely Drive. Christini
The hardtail’s AWD is slightly simpler thanks to the frame design. Christini
The workings of the AWD system are fascinating. Christini
All the ebikes are based on high-powered Bafang systems. Christini
On some models, a single shaft runs from the rear dropout and through the left seatstay/top tube, which is a single continuous tube. This drives a short intermediate shaft in the head tube via a bevel gear, which in turn drives a shaft running down one fork leg via a very short chain.
Others work on the same principle, but the main shaft kinks as it passes from seatstay to top tube, with universal joints allowing the change of direction.
The AWD can be turned on and off via a bar-mounted switch and, when it’s switched on, it sounds like it operates somewhat like the systems used in many modern AWD cars, sending drive to the front wheel when it’s needed, much like traction control.
How Christini’s AWD system works
Christini explains its system as follows:
“A handlebar-mounted switch controls the AWD “shift on the fly” clutch. When the clutch is engaged, the rear spiral gear interlocks with the rear hub and power is transferred via internal shafts to the forward spiral gear set, which drives the Christini freehub.
“Due to a slight gearing differential, the front wheel is not actively powered on smooth level ground. However, the moment the rear wheel slips, power is instantaneously transferred to the front wheel. Similarly, the moment that the front wheel decelerates, as in hitting a rock or starting to wash out in a corner, power and traction are transferred to the front wheel.
“The effect is awesome. Instead of stalling when the rear wheel slips – the front wheel hooks up and you keep climbing. Instead of glancing off a slippery root – the Christini AWD tracks right over it. Instead of washing out the front end in an off-camber corner – the front wheel literally chews it’s way through the turn.
“The Christini AWD is simply the best climbing mountain bike on the market with the amazing downhill benefits too. When a front end tucks, the wheel stalls, stops turning, and begins to push. With the AWD system, as soon as the wheel begins to stall, power is delivered to the front wheel, forcing it to turn. With the front wheel under power, it is nearly impossible to wash out the front end.”
If any of that was hard to follow, watch this video for a visual demonstration of the mechanics:
Christini’s ebikes can be found direct from the manufacturer with costs beginning at $4,795, and worldwide transport is out there.
Be aware that the bikes could be classed as bikes within the UK (and, we assume, the remainder of Europe) as a result of their energy outputs and lack of a pace limiter put them outdoors the usual ebike class.
This implies you’d solely be allowed to experience a Christini off-road the place motorbikes are permitted, and on-road use would solely be attainable in case you succeeded in leaping via the various hoops to register one as a highway car.
Leaving that apart and the truth that it’s debatable whether or not anybody wants an AWD bicycle, the tech could be very intriguing and we’d definitely like to attempt it out.