To further democratize the belt on electric and muscle bikes, Veer has unveiled a two-speed transmission with many advantages over a classic rear hub.
The belt is a transmission element adored by electric bike users, replacing the chain. It has its fans and has many advantages, such as longer lifespan, less maintenance and lightness.
However, it remains incompatible with a derailleur, unlike the chain. A belt then requires a Shimano Nexus or Rohloff type hub to offer several speeds (or a continuously variable transmission like the Enviolo. Such equipment can be expensive, even several hundred euros, and remains more difficult to repair. But a novelty could change the situation, tells us the specialized site Cycling Electric.
The Americans at Veer have developed a two-speed belt transmission, functioning like a mini derailleur. The result of 3 years of design, the Shift Drive is based on a mechanical gear system, and appears simpler and lighter than a hub.
A mini derailleur less restrictive than a Nexus hub
The more minimalist solution “reduces production and operating costs, lowers weight and improves autonomy”, specifies the Californian brand. Sean Hacking even lists other disadvantages of a Shimano Nexus hub, such as “incompatibility with a rear engine”, “difficulty removing the rear wheel” Or “significant friction slowing you down”.
Zoom on the Shift transmission // Source: Veer
Low speed // Source: Veer
High speed // Source: Veer
A bike with a rear motor usually has to make do with a single-speed bike, like the last Momentum Voya E tested. With Veer’s solution, it is even possible to change gear while pedaling – something the Nexus does not allow – and in just 15 hundredths of a second. In addition to being able to equip an electric bike, the belt can of course integrate a muscle bike. And it would also adapt to a scooter or an electric motorcycle, or even a Citroën Ami type quadricycle!
Before launching this transmission, the company began designing its own “Split Belt” carbon belt. With the support of investors and nearly $917,000 raised (862,000 euros), Veer can therefore focus on the Shift Drive. Currently in crowdfunding via the Start Engine platform, the start-up Veer hopes to attract people to launch this Shift System transmission soon.