New Motion Labs have introduced a new drivetrain concept that runs half the number of sprocket teeth to allow each tooth to engage two chain rollers at once. The dual-engagement concept is said to increase the chain’s lifespan and increase drivetrain efficiency by up to 1% through reducing energy losses associated with roller movement and inner link articulations. We checked out the new drivetrain concept on a Track bike at Eurobike.
Enduo Evolve Track
On a traditional drivetrain, each sprocket tooth engages with just one chain roller at a time. As the sprocket goes through a rotation, pushed by the chain, each roller initially engages with the leading edge of a sprocket tooth, sliding around the gulley until it engages with the trailing edge of the neighboring tooth. This is where pressure is applied to push the sprocket through a rotation.
The above video shows how the roller slides through the gulley. It is here where New Motion Labs say there are efficiency gains to be made, as energy is lost through the friction associated with the sliding motion. The sliding also contributes to tooth wear.
The Enduo Evolve drivetrain concept we spotted at EuroBike aims to increase drivetrain efficiency through reducing energy losses associated with friction. Less is more, they say, halving the number of teeth on the sprocket to allow for dual engagement of each tooth, eliminating slack from the system. Importantly, half the number of teeth doesn’t mean a smaller sprocket. It is the spacing of those teeth that is key, with space enough to accommodate two rollers in between consecutive teeth. The result is that each sprocket tooth engages two rollers throughout rotation of the sprocket/chain ring.
What does this mean for the rider?
