A rash is coming

[Dr_Sprocket]

Originally Posted by jmdonald

Big brother is out to get us. I am gradually coming back to the chain drive side of the fence.When I look at the fact of spending 20 plus to buy one of my new favorite bikes with shaft drive and can get two bikes with cain drive that I like just as much, it's something to think about.

Good point and begs the question, why can't they make a shaftie for about the same price as a chain drive or belt drive bike?

[Kenneth_Moore]

Originally Posted by Dr_Sprocket

Good point and begs the question, why can't they make a shaftie for about the same price as a chain drive or belt drive bike?

A chain drive is about as simple and efficient a drive as you could imagine for a bike. You've already got everything turning in the right directions: engine crank/tranny output connecting to the axle/sprocket in back). The chain easily accomodates the swing-arm movement, it can work well with some slop in adjustment, it's easily mass produced and one chain model can work on many bike models, etc.

With a shaft drive, you have to take the rotational direction of the crank and turn it 90 degrees at the engine, then do it again out back. You have to build in a way to handle the swing-arm movement. All of that componetry has to be sealed and lubricated. If it's well designed, the shaft drive has to manage the inherent "shaft jacking" force. Of course every shaft drive is only good for the bike it was built for.