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Facts
Gender
Type
Release Year
Brand
Wheel Size
Number of Gears
Weight
28.0 lb
Suspension
Brake Type
Frame Material
Summary of Reviews
We have read all expert and user reviews on the Stringbike A line. In summary, this is what cyclists think.
13 reasons to buy
- Both the appearance and the mechanics of the Stringbike were described as beautiful.
- Strings are reputed to last longer than chains and only cost a few dollars to replace.
- The Magura hydraulic rim brakes put a smile on one expert reviewer’s face and were considered ‘awesome’.
- An almost absolute silence issues from this chainless, gearless machine.
- Maintenance is minimal and cheap. Removal of the rear wheel is simple and few parts need replacing in the drivetrain.
- No lubrication is needed. This means no grit being introduced into the drivetrain or dirty oil on clothing.
- Pulley-drives on both sides of the bike can be set to suit differing leg strengths.
- This bike is a very original piece of engineering that garners a great deal of attention.
- Because drive is transferred directly back to the wheel on dual-sided strings, this may be a more efficient bike in situations where high torque is required.
- When pedaling ceases, the pedals snap back to a horizontal position, which is great when coming to a stop at traffic lights.
- The Stringbike’s construction and feel were regarded as both strong and supple.
- Riders can change gears on the Stringbike while stationary.
- Since release, the Stringbike has halved in price and can be bought for less than a grand.
5 reasons not to buy
- At the moment, these bikes are still seen as a little heavy for what they are used for.
- An early test-bike felt undergeared to one expert.
- One expert felt that the ‘not quite uniform’ pedal-stroke could overload knees when struggling up-hill.
- In an early test-ride, the synchronization required on the dual drivetrain didn’t seem exact.
- Specialist maintenance may not be widespread or on-hand when needed.
Bottom line
While it may seem unnecessary to reinvent the drivetrain, the Stringbike presents a number of advantages that most riders probably never even considered. There is no dirty grease involved and drive is distributed across both sides of the bike. Maintenance is minimal. Apart from its unique attributes, frame construction and componentry is modern and well considered, including rarely-seen Magura hydraulic rim-brakes. As with any new technology, there is risk involved in adopting it. But with new carbon models introduced – and having placed 14th in the 3500 mile Race Across America, you might see more of these in cycling’s future… or considering how the price is dropped, in your own.Expert Reviews
70/100 based on 1 rated expert reviewThe Beauty and Tragedy of Hungary’s Supple Stringbike
A Bike With Strings Attached
Eurobike: The Beautiful And The Bizarre
자전거에 체인이 없어?! 헝가리에서 온 신기한 자전거 StringDrive (You Do Not Have a Chain on Your Bike ?! Strange Bike From Hungary)
Novo Modelo de Bicicleta Criado na Hungria dá Adeus à Tradicional Correia (New Bicycle Model Created in Hungary Says Goodbye to the Traditional Belt)
Stringbike – hazai fejlesztés a lánc nélküli kerékpár (Home-Grown Innovation of Chainless Bikes)
Sykkelen Som Aldri Kjeder Seg (The Bike that Never Gets Bored)
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Eurobike 2011 Førstehåndsindtryk
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