By way of proof that bicycles can save the world, it doesn’t get rather more iconic than the World Bicycle Aid Buffalo bike. Since founding in 2005, WBR has distributed greater than 800,000 bicycles throughout 21 international locations whereas coaching greater than 3,000 mechanics to assist preserve them working. These are extra than simply bicycles although, they characterize entry to training, healthcare, and financial alternatives that rural communities wouldn’t have in any other case.
Working together with many product testers over time, WBR is introducing the following era of the Buffalo bike, the Utility S2, designed along side SRAM, Trek, Big, and Karasawa. Notably, this bike has a two-speed, two-chain drivetrain that enables riders to shift gears with a easy backpedal. This isn’t the primary bike with the power to alter gears by backpedaling, however it’s the first with basically two utterly separate single-speed drivetrains, solely linked by the freewheel. The crankset contains a 45/27t chainring setup, whereas the freewheel contains a 19/18t mixture for 45/19 and 27/18t gearing.
There are a couple of advantages to this design together with outright sturdiness, and the power to have two drastically completely different gear ratios which could be very useful for riders utilizing the bike to hold heavy cargo. The drivetrain is reliant on the brand new AK-2 freewheel, which is “WBR’s first-ever patented innovation.” In comparison with the earlier Buffalo bike which used a coaster brake hub, the transfer to a freewheel permits for the usage of caliper rim brakes, and heavy-duty field part aluminum rims with 3x lacing to create robust, however gentle wheels. Moreover, the usual freewheel interface makes the substitute of the AK-2 a cinch, and the distinctive twin chain association means the rider can proceed to their vacation spot, even when they break one of many chains.
You possibly can assist WBR attain their purpose of offering a million bikes globally by donating on the hyperlink under.