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Zerode Bikes... Almost there!

Jan 20, 2011
by Tom Cuthbert  
One of the most anticipated bikes of 2011 is close to its official release. I caught up with James 'Dodzy' Dodds at the last Round of the NZ MTB Cup in Napier for a quick talk about his up and coming bike, the New Zealand designed Zerode G-1.

Pics and Video inside....
photo

It all started 4 years ago with the original designs and prototypes and finally they're at the very last stage of getting the bike out there into the real world.

Famous for the unique design and utilization of an in-frame gearbox, Zerode are finally on the last stretch of the process, getting together the last parts to get the first 100 bikes out to the riders.

Watch the video below to get the key info on the new Bike:

Zerode Bikes Intro

by tom-cuthbert
Views: 30,731    Faves: 52    Comments: 12


photo
The first production bike fully built up ready to tackle the toughest terrain.
photo
The on-board 8 speed gearbox that gives the drivetrain flawless shifting.
photo
The minimalistic rear dropouts giving the rear end less sprung weight for better small bump compliance and maneuverability. Plus the lack of a rear derailleur means less stuff to break!
photo
It may look busy, but it's far more simple than running chain guides and derailleurs. The cranks power a chain that drives the gear box, which then has another chain driving the rear wheel.
photo
Low shock placement in the frame gives a lower center of gravity for better balance and the high pivot of the rear swingarm gives awesome bump absorption over big holes and rough terrain.

To keep up to date with the company check out their facebook page and also their up website coming soon www.zerodebikes.com.

Photos and Video credit: Tom Cuthbert/Shred-NZ

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Zerode


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250 Comments
  • 21 0
 Good ol' Kiwi ingenuity
  • 10 2
 all that work and probably money...and you get to smash your shock reservoir off on the first rock or huge jump you BB case?

that rebound knob is a rock magnet... throw some carbon over there or something guys.. its an awesome frame! id love to ride one... but the first thing id do is flip that shock over..
  • 3 1
 I was really wondering that myself, I cant see any reason why they cant just flip it around.
  • 2 0
 I think that with the shock upside down the piggy back would hit the down tube if you used all the travel. Maybe thats why.
  • 4 2
 I've been riding full suspension bikes for over a decade and have never bb cased something, but a carbon cover like the lapierre would be nice for flying rocks. Also the bolt thats holding the internal hub looks like it could be a bit of an ankle biter. But other than that, i really like this bike. Looking forward to some reviews, and some other companies copying this design.
  • 2 1
 You ever see the pics of a destroyed bash? It happens.
  • 2 0
 they put the shock in upside down to get more the get the the weight lower down on the bike (more weight around the bottom bracket) to improve cornering...personally i don't think you would notice the difference unless you are a very top level racer
  • 1 0
 jchb: I heard it gets the oil around the damper better.
  • 1 0
 You may not notice it if it was flipped the other way. But small things add up. Trying riding an 06-07 Speccy Big Hit, a very high bike. Shock was high, BB was high, seattube was high, toptube was high. Made railing corners sketchy. But when you lower all of those things, it makes a huge difference.
  • 2 0
 Why don't the make a down tube similar to a giant glory?
  • 14 2
 How much does it WEIGH?
  • 9 1
 Second that...
  • 7 0
 Yeah, wondering that myself. Although its prob not super heavy, I mean a little extra chain and that geared hub.......but no rear cassette, no mech. You do take some weight off the rear wheel and swingarm (unsprung, not sprung like the caption indicates) not sure if that really makes a noticable difference. I would also like to see a cover on that shock so we dont take a chunk out of it through a rock garden.
Very nice though, looks sharp.
  • 3 2
 Very true. That shock poking out just a bit in front of the down tube could spell disaster. Seems if you flipped it upside down you wouldn't have trouble though... maybe there isn't room for clearance that way. Very cool design though.
  • 3 0
 Not much more than a standard DH frame I'm guessing.

The gearbox isn't a huge brick like the G/V-Boxxes are and a lot of the weight you gain from the box will be countered by not having a mech/cassette and not needing to make the dropouts beefy enough to take a bolt on hanger and survive said hanger's demise.
  • 1 1
 yer but mech/cassettes probably weigh no way as much as a gearbox does, looks like a chunky piece of kit to me
  • 6 0
 taking the cassette weight away from the the rear wheel and placing it closer to the true center of the frame (via gearbox), might lead to easier and faster acceleration. Plus the concept of the vulnerable de-railer is thrown out the window, this might be the future of practical DH design ... but only time will tell
  • 4 1
 the proto frame (which was cromo) was 16 pounds
  • 1 0
 norcalocal cheers for the tip, its just ive never seen a gearbox design before
  • 1 0
 12lbs is the weight without gearbox (including shock, hardware) according to Zerode's facebook page.
  • 1 0
 complete build weight here: www.pinkbike.com/photo/6134167
  • 3 0
 It weighs 39.72 lbs
  • 3 0
 What a great bike! Such a simple but effective design. Its like a common version of the Lahar DHV-M9. lol at all these people calling it complicated... its simple... effective.... and efficient. 100X better design than the derailleur shit.
  • 3 0
 Gearbox? Looks like an Alfine hub to me.

Excellent idea though, light and servicable. What's going on with the suspension though? Looks like a high single pivot with an upside down (driven from below the stay) linakge, good way to get round gearbox/shock placement issues.

Real question though, when are the six inch versions coming and how do I go about getting one into the UK? Do want, want very, very much!
  • 3 0
 YES finally some bike comany willing to come up with a new innovation design.. amazing guys. This is such a prime bike. its so clean and it uses a nice shimano gear reducer that you can easily get parts for. ILOVE IT
  • 3 1
 thats new zealand for ya bro
  • 2 0
 This is really cool. A little inside info for you guys. Internal gearbox is not the future. It's the past, present and open for future. No company seemed to pull it off at the right cost/weight/and look. But this kind of stuff has been out for a long time.

Word on the street, Honda never planned to hop into mountain bike sales. Removing the motor and focusing on how suspension works simplifies things for R&D.The program was believed to be used for new motorbike suspension ideas.

K town Killa. You have not cased anything in a decade of riding? If that's the truth. That comment is pretty irrelevant for everyone else that rides and checking this bike out. I agree. Shock looks like she's dangling low and in harms way for the rest of us. Carbon cover would be nice for the rocks and mainly the keeping the dirt from packing up in your shock and killing seals. But won't do much when you go for that new gap the first time and hang it up. I also agree the bolt on the side of the frame could cause some ankle/leg damage.
Also looks like the shock pins are super long. Depending how strong they were built. I have seen them bend frequently when it gets to that length.

There is several other companies going after internal gearbox.

Lastly, it would be cool to see the chain actually routed through the frame, clean look, sealed up and passing through an oil chamber. Testing has shown chains last an incredible amount of time if you keep the grime out and lubricated. 90% of the wear and fatigue comes from the dirt and grime. You could have a chain last as long as your bike!

All in all. Bravo! I would love to try it!
  • 1 0
 the chain through the frame with a constant oiling system would be real cool to see.
  • 3 0
 I totally get it, This design solves so many problems. We are all looking at the next iteration and new standard for DH machines. Welcome to the next level. Good on the Kiwis for making it available to the world. Neat.
  • 8 3
 sweet bike!! such a rad geometry!!
  • 4 0
 yeah your right man i wanna know how all that rides i want it
  • 14 0
 this is taking it to the next level. this could be whats going to be the technology of the future.
  • 53 7
 id hate to snap a chane and the have to be the one puting it back on.....
  • 20 70
flag OliScale (Jan 20, 2011 at 10:49) (Below Threshold)
 theres 2 chains
  • 7 1
 or.. despite it being a weak comparison in the first place you could say the Mondraker is similar to the Zerode seeing as the Summum was revealed 3 months after..
  • 19 7
 the chain looks like it would take forever to put back on and it looks like rocks would hit the rebound ajustment on the rear shock.
  • 2 2
 or you could say the G-1 looks very similar to the Lahar
  • 4 1
 didnt even realize it was a gearbox bike!!!! looking fit
  • 12 2
 mmmmmmmm.... just about to buy a carbon v10, or shall I wait and give this a test ride????
  • 32 6
 no just go get the v10 carbon
  • 7 7
 Sorta looks like the 2009 lappiere 920.....
  • 40 1
 Not a good place for the shock to be sticking out though....
  • 19 3
 looks great, anyone else think that the piggyback for the rear shock might be in harms way when it comes to gnarly rock sections though?
  • 16 0
 love it! about time someone created a gearbox that doesent make the bike look like a tank Big Grin
  • 4 7
 Is the dual chains very efficient? Cool design.
  • 13 6
 in my oppinion,
1. the piggyback IS in harms way, considering "gnarly rock sctions"
2. the dual chain design is efficient in its own way, but the added friction will hurt a little performance.
3. as an overall design, it looks good and seems to be pretty well thought, so I like this

hope I helped
  • 8 1
 Beef up some plating over the shock or flip it around, Its a rock magnet and might not survive a rocky track like fort william.
  • 3 2
 aluminium frame-integrated plating, or the better choice, carbon detachable plate
  • 16 0
 Seeing how a chain is around 99% efficient, having two chains will hardly hurt efficiency. And I think it would be easier to replace a chain on here rather than weaving it through a chain guide and derailleur. The only thing is the odd positioning of the rear shock; you wouldn't want to be short clearing a log on the trail or gap landing, and there's no mention of the weight. Definitely one of the slickest looking gearboxed bikes I've seen.

EDIT: Apparently the gearbox is an altered Shimano Alfine internal hub. The weight of a normal Alfine hub (with disc tabs, hub flanges, etc.) is 1590g, or 3.5 lbs. A higher-end Shimano drivetrain with chainguide will weigh around 700-1000 grams, so the bike probably isn't significantly heavier than many other DH bikes on the market.
  • 1 1
 also whats with the chain resting on the seatstay? does it not hit the stay with rider weight on it?
  • 1 1
 yea i know i saw that to. they need to come up with a cover for the the rear shock because it sticks out on the down tube and i know rocks hit the down tube and so they are bound to hit the rear shock.
  • 7 3
 If you're hitting rocks that far up the downtube I think YOU are in harms way.
  • 2 0
 @cavedood: well I guess that's downhill biking. Why do you think does Trek now use a downtube protector on their DH-bike?
I guess the piggyback would collide with the downtube if you mounted it upside down, but one could still use a shock with a seperate piggyback.

I like the construction a lot actually! It seems really well sort out!
  • 3 6
 to be honest it looks alot like a balfa bb7 with a gearbox if you look hard enough
  • 2 0
 looks nice, very similar styling to a summon, any ideas on how much they are going to be and will they be available in the UK?
  • 9 1
 Lets just hope these guys don't start dealing meth and fuck a load of people over! Looks absolutely sick. Not many gearbox bikes look good as well as perform good but this looks like it'll do both.
  • 5 0
 Yes oil scale there is also two wheels
  • 2 0
 best looking gearbox bike i've seen..... EVER!!
  • 1 5
flag superdanu (Jan 20, 2011 at 15:23) (Below Threshold)
 what ever happened to keeping it simple and light?
  • 16 0
 gear box is the way of the future, derailers are bull shit
  • 1 0
 how much?
  • 6 12
flag vano (Jan 20, 2011 at 17:19) (Below Threshold)
 1) Super nice looking frame, the gearbox ruined it IMO.
  • 6 4
 2) They say "the lack of a rear derailleur means less stuff to break". I sort of agree here. Although it may be harder to break stuff here, breaking a component in the gearbox is likely going to be harder to fix, harder to find (bikeshops aren't going to stock this stuff), and extremely expensive to replace.
  • 4 10
flag vano (Jan 20, 2011 at 17:21) (Below Threshold)
 3) This isnt the first time we've seen a gearbox. Other companies *cough* honda *cough* have tried this idea with no sucess, for a reason. Its an interesting idea, but I honestly don't think we will see the gearbox modernized just yet for the reasons listed above. Also, for weight weenies, these probably weigh 2x more then a derailleur.
  • 2 1
 Maybe with some more R n D we will start to see it on our bikes in the future. I guess we will see what happens with this, because eventually I can see it taking over.
  • 6 1
 id tap dat
  • 2 2
 I don't know what to think about that bottom pivot point. It seems like it would extend the chain stay pretty far out when you reach the bottom of the stroke. And the pivot points are pretty close together, and they are pretty high on the bike. What do you guys think about it?
  • 5 0
 Reward travel bikes are good lego. Reason companies don't use it much is chain stretch. Being it's basically a single speed in theory, you can't have any reward travel... thus the bike would not work. IE, this bike doesn't have chain stretch as it would be impossible with this setup. (2 add... by the looks of it, just like most gear box bikes, it' has an eccentric bb)

Now, the chain install people... seriously? It would be easier to put chains on this bike and it would with a rear der. Seriously... people think just because they are dealing with 2 chains it is hard. Remember.... it's basically 2 single speed loops. done. I bet changing a chain on this bike would be quicker than with a normal bike. (hint... do a comparison in a vid!!!)

only downside is you would have to always ride with 2 chains on ultra long rides, but being it's dh specific... doubt you will ever have to worry. Well unless your riding the megaavalance. Awsome looking bike mates. Only thing I don't dig is the welded pitch fork on the down tube. Not too keen on welds in that area in such a manner. Regardless I know it's more than strong... just my personal likes and dislikes I guess.

Keep it up... you guys can take on specialized with that frame... GUARANTEED.
  • 1 1
 Haha Tim. Nah it's all go from here on. Different guy, similar design, but far more attention to detail and far less drugs.
  • 3 0
 vano, honda bike was totally different it didnt use a gear box, the zerode looks atlot more promising imo
  • 1 0
 rffr, look closer at the pictures there is a tensonier therefore the bike must have some chain stretch?
also with the pivot where it is how would it be possibel for the rear axel to only move upward surely the initial bit of travel will always be backward and up with a pivot this high?
  • 1 1
 What I mean is Honda was testing with a gearbox but didnt put it out onto their team bike because it just wasnt practical.
  • 3 0
 Nah bro, Honda ran gearboxes on their team bikes. That's what set them apart from everyone else. Gearbox is extremely practical. People just haven't ran it because in the past it has been heavy. It's extremely reliable and really really useful. The Honda gearbox meant you could change gear in corners, in the air, and it would be in the gear you changed to immediately.
  • 1 0
 Honda did have the gearbox on the team bike, they only had a gearbox bike. Unknown as to why they scrapped the project. Maybe it was too expensive,
  • 2 0
 They scrapped it because they had achieved what they wanted to achieve. That added to the fact it cost thousands of dollars.
  • 1 1
 Sorry, they had it on the team bike, but the bike didnt go into production.
  • 1 1
 no i meen rocks flying up and hiting the shock.
  • 4 0
 sorry i wasnt clear the honda 'gear box' was just a mech in a a box on a very expensive biketeam only bike. the zerode is a step closer to a production mtb with an actual gearbox or at least something that functions like one.
honda= publicity stunt
zerode = potentially awsome
  • 1 1
 The Honda was far from a publicity stunt. The Honda team and bike pushed this sport into the next level. They brought money and brains to this sport which wouldn't have been here otherwise. They had special Showa forks and shocks, and their gearbox. You say "just a mech in a box". Some of the best things in life are simple. Just because it was simple, it doesn't mean it was a publicity stunt or wasn't awesome. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that the Honda was more awesome, because it was the first gearbox bike we'd really seen.
  • 3 0
 You say that Honda tried a gear box without success? Taking world cup titles isn't success? Or how about the fact that every year they competed they had more riders on the podium than any other team? Sorry but the Honda bike was straight up sick and they absolutely dominated in a sport where they had no experience at all.

If Honda wanted to they could still dominate the downhill scene.
  • 3 0
 im not saying the honda team was unsuccessful. what im saying is they got us nowhere nearer to the dream that many people share of having a mech free bike. mechs suck we can all agree on that.
what would you say hondas motivation for beingin the sport was ? my point is that it wasnt to bring a product to market.
how exactly did honda push the sport into the next level?? no one rides mech in a box bikes or anythign else they so cleverly developed.
im glad honda was in the sport but what was their lasting legacy? nothing
in contrast the zerode could be the first of a new kind of bike if it actually works it could change everything.
  • 2 0
 well atleast we wont have piss take with tuning a deraileur anymore if this is the future of bikes.
  • 2 0
 I think the shock must be reinforced , or have some sort of testing to prove you can nail any section you want without a worry, i highly doubt they would prodouce something if there were problems like that..
  • 1 1
 i dont understand why they would leave the shock so exposed.... its such a perfect looking bike with a seriously weird flaw.. i cant imagine it would be too difficult to somehow cover it up like on a glory... other than that good job guys!
  • 2 0
 If it turns out to be an ongoing problem in sure they'll develope a bash garde.
  • 4 0
 Nice bike! Cool to see them using the Shimano Alfine internal geared rear hub as their gear box! Can't wait to learn more.
  • 1 0
 I love the bike and design, the gearbox is an awesome idea if can withstand the abuse, great job. I can't help but think that this gearbox would be more beneficial on an AM bike where shifting is more important. To me in DH suspension and braking are more important than shifting (at least for average riders, I understand in races it may be just as important, but isn't the market 90% average riders). Anyways with AM riding; suspension, braking, and drive-train are closer in importance, meaning a better drive-train setup such as this might sell better and be more important in AM riding?
  • 2 0
 I think the high pivot is the big selling point for DH with this bike, the lack of derailleur is a bonus that their 6 inch all mountain bike will enjoy when it comes out.
  • 1 0
 I'm interested in the claim that the suspension is fully active, despite brake forces, I can't see it work like an FSR, though the pivot being so high makes it look very stable. It kind of looks like a faux bar linkage? ( like say a Kona).. in which cae there will be brake jack.. I hope I'm wrong, as I'm really impressed... I'm not too bothered about weight ( not a racer, just like riding DH type trails.. I agree that a carbon bash is needed for the shock.

If the suspension is fully active under braking then I would be seriously interested as I seems to be an extremely active back end, stable and generally a good design.
  • 2 0
 I bet it rides nothing like a typical single pivot bike. I'm speculating that because of the high pivot, you'd not get any brake jack since the centrifugal force when braking would follow an arc path towards the seat and more in line with the (stationary) seatstays. Also, descending on this must be excellent since the wheel travel unravels upward/rearward from the bike, and the wheelbase increases.
  • 1 0
 god this bike looks damn sexy...would give mine for it Big Grin wonderful. BUT: the placement oft the rear shocks piggyback looks a lil bit dagerous?! at least concerning rocks or roots smashing in your downtube..against mud, you could build a mudflap like the one on the giants or lapierres..but overall, its the sweetest and cleanest looking gearbox bike ive seen!
  • 1 0
 This bike rocks and looks sick!

Great to see its finally in production and frames will be here soon though probably sold out!

Next batch I'd def be in, these guys have been developing this in the real world for years e.g at the races! not on online or with some bs FEA, where a small country and smaller support, I hope they do well, this could be the Britton of the MTB world and kick arse! The bike speaks for itself imo, Not some over hyped copy cat and marketed BS linkage kinematics rubbish we hear about all the time.

Ive seen the ugly original NZO [pre Zerode] mule raced and rated and be competitive in the Nat series to the steel ver of the above, apart from the GEO which surprises me re HTA, but I guess with 1.5 HT and angle headsets gives everyone lots of options, rest looks great CS, BB TT etc, they will have this dialed it will shred and work more importantly on the track not online!!

All the best to these guys, NZ is def going to be full of these rippers!
  • 4 0
 Deraillers get mashed. Gearbox wont Wink
  • 2 1
 unless they require a bolt-on chain tensioner as well. LOL.
  • 2 0
 A bolt on tensioner that sites inside the chain stay completely away from anything that could hit it.
  • 2 2
 aaaand, aand, and the shock is exposed through the downtube so it might get broked. i dont think anyone mentioned that yet. but of course i am illiterate and have more important things to do than read about something before I submit my expert opinion on it. Dictated but not read - because reading is for losers. also i am the most smarter people in tha earth.
  • 1 0
 Well done.
  • 2 0
 hahaha, just so you guys know, they ride silently!!!! not a noise... at all!. a mate of mine has one and the only noise was the loose bearings in his pedals. definatly get one, you could custom make a protector for the shock of you'd like;
  • 4 0
 thats the first nice looking gear box i have seen
  • 1 0
 does anyone else see that the downtube is two pieces? looks like its welded together just above the split for the shock. perhaps a one piece downtube would add more strength and rigidity
  • 1 0
 or two tubes all the way from the head tube to the BB, would look a little silly
  • 3 0
 this is by far the nicest looking bike with the gearbox fitted to it, insane job!
  • 1 1
 ya this bike is pretty nice but just my thoughts, the Millyard racing bike is alot better lookind bike than this and looks like it could take alot more bitting.
(just my thoughts)
  • 1 1
 Looks mint..I wonder how the weight increase on the centre of the bike effects the ride, it's around the centre of gravity so I bet you would not be able to notice. King Dongs of this world would not far well with the chain mechanism!
  • 1 0
 It's so beautifull! i've just little concern about the braking effect on the bike balance, because rear brake squat is huge. Anyway, it's a great job from New-Zeland dudes, congratulation!
  • 1 1
 even if there are minor flaws, this is the first bike of its kind and as technology and riding knowledge with this type of bike increases the bike will get much better, I mean think of the first suspension mtb way back in 1995 look at what they are now.
  • 1 1
 how similar is the pivot design to an FSR? (I noticed the rear pivot on the Zerode is situated behind and below the rear axle much like the Horst link.)
Then what sort of leverage ratio does this fame achieve; progressive, digressive, or linear? I really like linkage design and its innovative incorporation of a internally geared hub as a gearbox. Though I'm having a hard time understanding why not just use the I.G. hub at the wheel, eliminating the need for the extra hub. (Is that a Shimano Alfine hub?) Any who props on using an American manufacturer! Can't wait to see one on the track!
  • 3 0
 I think you are mixed up on your interpretation of the suspension. It is a single pivot, with pullrods to actuate the shock linkage. Think about the Kona design but upside down. Your would'nt use a Alfine hub on the rear as you would destroy it very quickly, and adding 1kg to unsprund weight has a big performance penalty.
  • 1 0
 Ok, that makes more sense. weight at the wheel = rotational weight. Where as weight in the frame = static. Yeah I looked further into it apparently the Alfine hub isn't designed for "off road" riding. cool thanks for the info!
  • 1 1
 i like the bike. its neat looking compared to the other bikes that employ gearboxes. but i dont like the shock sticking out of the down tube and that the down tube itself is skinnier than the top tube. in my opinion, if they're gonna make a stiff frame, i'd make the down tube stiffer than the top tube coz the down tube holds the bottom bracket and the lower part of the head tube where all the shock from the fork gets transmitted to the frame first and foremost.
  • 1 1
 Tight looking rig, but here are a few of my initial thoughts. That expensive shock needs a bash guard in a hurry (Didn't Giant already try, and toss the pierced down tube idea)? In one of those pics there appears to be chain rub on the frame, on top near the gear box? And lastly, not a biggie, but the name is a twister... why not just Zero? or at least something easy to say?
Again, I like this bike and hope it's the beginning of something big, because we all loath noisy derailleurs.
  • 1 0
 from what I gather the original name was zero, but a certain bike manufacturer wasn't too happy about the name due to the same name on their product.
So a "de" was added to avoid the ensuing court case.
  • 1 1
 cough.mondraker.cough
  • 1 1
 I'm interested in the claim that the suspension is fully active, despite brake forces, I can't see it work like an FSR, though the pivot being so high makes it look very stable. It kind of looks like a faux bar linkage? ( like say a Kona).. in which cae there will be brake jack.. I hope I'm wrong, as I'm really impressed... I'm not too bothered about weight ( not a racer, just like riding DH type trails.. I agree that a carbon bash is needed for the shock.

If the suspension is fully active under braking then I would be seriously interested as I seems to be an extremely active back end, stable and generally a good design.
  • 1 1
 it seems like the maintenance could be a little too much and complicated... still, is good to see there are some people thinking out of the box and going a differente direction than the industry. I still cannot figure out how this suspension works.
  • 1 0
 If you bought one as soon as it came onto the market and broke something in the gear changing box, not many bike engineers are going to know how to fix it? (Until the bike becomes known and on sale for a while)
  • 2 0
 Because it is an existing, mature product: Shimano Alfine 8 speed Hub, (not a gearbox as everyone is incorrectly speculating). The hub will hold up just fine mounted inboard as there is little stress on it there..
  • 2 0
 Nice looking, but the shock looks like it could take a hit from a rock or something. Oh, hold on, it's already been mentioned a bazillion times.........
  • 1 1
 I like the progression of technology, but you'd think they could design the shock mounting to not be exposed underneath the down-tube. It seems like you're putting your shock at risk. I know it's for low center of gravity, but what if you keep smashing your rear shock on logs, etc?
  • 2 0
 Yeah, it's only the 1 billionth time some one said that.
  • 1 1
 Like I'm going to read every comment, I'm just going to say what I want. And your comment adds more value to the discussion? Ridiculous.
  • 1 0
 nto to keen on where the shock is, personaly i would turn it the other way so the air cansiter is at the top and then add a shock guard similar to the giant bikes to help protect it, but still, such a nice bike
  • 2 0
 I love the derailleur less design derailleurs are the reason i went to single speed i always find a way of smashing them
  • 2 0
 sweet design. sick how its tucked away.no way i would wear long pants and go near that thing.
  • 3 0
 Nice bike, but they will have to protect the shock better :S ...
  • 1 0
 agreed... ride that in new mexico an i bet you will destroy some shocks.
  • 1 0
 in the last pic it looks like the shock bolt is bowed up too! they could tweak the width of the link for a smaller bold and spacer kit
  • 1 0
 so sick. only thing i worry about its nailing that lower shock mount without any bash guard on there.. otherwise its awesome!
  • 3 0
 finally some better pics of the important parts
  • 1 2
 New ideas/bikes are great, nice to see someone carrying it out to the production prototype stage.
Would be nice to see a bike with the G-box weight lower down.
For me a G-box bike will come into its own when the rear brake is moved to the g-box, removing the unsprung mass of the cable, calliper, adaptor and rotor and the probability of bending the rotor, getting it dirty to effect braking etc.
This may require a solid drive axle or more simple EBB style tensioner with the brake assembly simply moved to the g.box. Depending on loading, gear wear etc, the ratio of the input to output sprockets on the g box could be used for this purpose, with a split calliper around the rear drive sprocket. This would also eliminate the unsprung components associated with the freehub as the freehub would be integrated into the G.Box. Which would lead to a stronger and possibly lighter rear wheel.
Only big issue I can think of is the bearing loading as the braking would come from the frame.....
Anyone got any thoughts on this.
  • 1 0
 cba to add much other than more load on bearings = bigger bearings = more metal round bearings = more weight?
  • 2 0
 I don't think it would be a good idea, in any chain you are going to have some amount of play, for drive this doesn't matter, but for braking you are going to notice even less than 1mm of play, because 1mm of play at the hub or rotor equates to cm of play at the wheel. Braking is the 2nd most important thing in DH if you ask me (suspension being 1st), so any step back in braking due to improved drive train or weight as a negative IMO. Bikes are at the pinnacle of engineering and performance, much like racing motorcycles, or F1 cars, they all use disc brakes for a reason, even though I don't know what all those reasons are, I'm sure they are good ones, what I mean is if braking in the gearbox were a good idea one of them would have done it already or use it today.
  • 2 0
 thats a little scary... what if your chain breaks? Razz
  • 1 0
 Bike with G-box weight low. www.racebike.cz/cz/racebike/revoluzzer
  • 2 0
 ... bikes are not at the pinnacle of engineering performance.... LOL
  • 1 0
 Yeh the considerably smaller rotor size you'd need inside the gearbox would make braking power an issue surely? Would need some sort of redesign, or switch to drum brake (all of which would probably add weight). Chain snapping also an issue as mentioned. Overall I think its overthinking a problem thats not really there in the first place. Although as said, bikes certainly aren't the pinnacle of performance, I think in terms of braking they've pretty much evolved into the most efficient and lightest design.
  • 2 0
 bestie i think what your suggesting is classic case of engineering solving a problem that dosnt exist. rear disc brake work well. the weight of the rear brake is pretty negligable and if you dont want bent rotors they should be made stronger. what your suggesting is going to add alot more weight over all and only slightly reduce unsprung weight.
are you aware that the zerode isnt useing a 'g-boxx'its using an alfine hub as a kind of gear box.
whats needed to improve the zerode is shimano/ sram to produce a replacement for the alfine which is lighter, lets not foret that the alphine is designed to be rear hub so there must be some potential for sliming down / improvement?
  • 1 0
 To answer a few thoughts with my thoughts... I do OK at engineering, I have been an engineer for long enough :o)
The rear brake has not evolved, it has simply followed the path of the motorbike where unsprung mass is not such an issue and proportional weight of brakes to inertial loading of tyres etc is far greater than seen on a mountain bike.
For the brakes, I run a 160mm rotor on my Dh bike with no issues and the same on my XC bike, the big difference is the piston size and contact area. Codes compared to Ultimates.
Shimano are trying to address the weight issue of rotors with their latest XTR rotos (ICE tech), using the equivalent or better than a Hope vented rotor, you would be able to get sufficient braking power from a 160mm rotor.
Chain snapping, yes there is a possibility of this, but moving on from a weak 9/10 speed chain were at best your tensile strength is going to be 300kg, you could use a trials chain which can be found at 1500kg (KMC K910).
Overall weight is not the aim in a bike, yes it is good, but rotational then unsprung weight are the 2 key weights to a bikes performance, moving unsprung mass and a small rotational weight can only help in performance/feel etc.
I do not see it as over thinking a problem, but design and test for progression.
The big issue is the development cost of a gearbox with integrated brake!
  • 1 0
 Isnt the problem of gearbox bike that the frame is lets say complicated enough (its not, but in terms of simplicity and compare to other "normal" construction, still it is) so you really dont want to make another non standart part like a integrated brake? I mean, ok, it would be fine, it should solve some things, but at the end you have not only "non standart frame design", but also non standart rear brake,... The point is that the cost of engineering and prototyping must be really big and those companies will never sell big quantities like specialized, trek,..

So i think they dont want to make another thing too dificult for their customers. I think that the bike must be still a buildable thing. Like you have a frame, you can buy different shock, fork, seat. Yes, the gearbox bikes will cut some of those privileges of choice, but still they need to let you select the rest of components what you want.

Hope my point is clear :-) If not, im sorry Wink
  • 1 0
 kusa your right , an intergrated engine/gear box brake is an engineerign fantasy which is not ness for mtb
  • 1 0
 Kusa: You are right, and that is my point also, if you are going to the level of the gearbox, you have already stepped off the page, so why not try and do something that has not already been done, and has been proven to not sell?
Haighd2: Why is it a fantasy? The technology has been there for some time!
  • 2 0
 Betsie: Interestingly enough, Dodzy thinks along the same lines as you. One of his early Zerode prototypes (the one that he raced at the first Brake Burner race in Queenstown in 2007) had the brake mounted on the gearbox. I guess they decided for whatever reason in the end that it didn't work for them.
  • 1 0
 prototype. the idea that a gear box brake could in anyway provide an improvemnt is fantasy. the tech exists yes it can be done yes but it wouldnt be any good. where they are used in other applications they are used for a reason. those reasons dont exist in mtb.
  • 1 0
 get those chains internal. look at the millyard bike. external chains are subject to crazy conditions, its a totally open system, lyk runnin fully open bearings its a silly concept to start with. get it out the dirt and grit that destroys drivetrain, u have a much more worthwhile bike
  • 2 0
 Nice bike! Maybe in the next video, they'll perfect the microphone wind screen!
  • 3 0
 at least it doesn't have a motor
  • 1 0
 Very true Ryan. I hope the Germans are the only ones putting motors on bicycles. Kiwis wouldn't do that.
  • 1 0
 i actually really like the bike other than the shock being too open and the fact that the chain rubs on the top of the read triangle i definitely want to test ride that!
  • 2 0
 I want one! Even if it didnt come with a guard for the shock you could easily make one.
  • 1 0
 GT did this with a nexus hub. a high drag on those suckers. the past giant bikes had a carbon cover to protect the shock that worked well.
  • 2 0
 sexy bike and it looks pretty user friendly compaird to other similar designs id be down to try one out!
  • 2 0
 So, NZ outsources to U.S., U.S. outsources to China.... Why can't U.S. make their own bikes anymore??
  • 1 0
 This bike is made in the US.
  • 1 0
 Seems like it need a guard round the shock or boom ist a gonner!! 08 glorys have the same cut out but r blocked off wi a bash plate
  • 1 1
 The Alfine 8 speed cannot deal with downhill "stress"! Even if the hub is not the rear wheel hub,It is design for city use. It is a good idea, but a different "hub" might be better
  • 2 0
 Anyone else notice the slow reezay tire? I like the direction this bike is going.
  • 1 0
 i really like it but would have the shock the other ways so its not sticking out the bottom of the frame as much incase of contact with rocks and ruts
  • 1 0
 for all of you kissing your teeth at the placement of the rear shock, here's a solution. just flip it around! or better yet, get a DHX air.
  • 1 1
 i bet it's going to be pretty heavy. those shimano alfine hubs are pretty weighty, so can't see how these would be different. maybe lighter because it's not integrated into the hub itself, but I doubt it.
  • 2 0
 jizz... thats probably the coolest bike ive ever seen. the gearbox is siick. and is the shape is perfect
  • 1 0
 Answer a few questions. 1. They are coming with a CARBON GUARD now. 2. They have started using TI bolts on em to shave some weight. 3. You can shift while coasting......
  • 1 0
 top bike , amazing !!!! stability, hold lines, jumping and turning .....impressive
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH4TYL_DLmM
  • 3 0
 Looks sickk!
  • 2 0
 Any word on the price of one of these things?
  • 1 0
 No confirmed price just yet sorry. Still finalizing things like that.
  • 1 0
 Any ballpark figures?
  • 3 0
 Their facebook page said 4699 New Zealand. I assume that includes the mandatory 12.5% GST in NZ, I'm hoping that means low 3000$ US
  • 2 0
 gotta be one of the coolest things ive seen in a while !!!!
  • 2 1
 Killer Concept! I have to ask- at this point, why do chains? This is a Perfect application for a belt drive!
  • 2 0
 Belt is heavier... that's one of the key reasons for sure
  • 2 0
 so sick, man it beats my invention
  • 3 0
 nice looks pretty sweeet
  • 4 2
 release an AM version of this!
  • 1 0
 im pretty sure theres a carbon proto am version somewhere...
  • 2 0
 Yup, they have a 6" AM version coming out too. I am hoping it has the newer 11 speed Alfine for a bit more AM range!
  • 2 0
 or a Rohloff!
  • 2 0
 WICKED
  • 2 0
 ive seen the proto AM version, looks sick!!!
  • 2 0
 Finally, something other than other frames that looks near the same Smile
  • 1 1
 only bad thing i can see on this frame is how the shock reservoir is exposed to rocks and such. other than that, looks great!
  • 3 0
 wow Wink
looks great!!
  • 1 3
 "It may look busy, but it's far more simple than running chain guides and derailleurs. The cranks power a chain that drives the gear box, which then has another chain driving the rear wheel." What you have described in that second sentence is already more complicated than a simple derailleur and chain guide setup. Two chains, two hubs, two cogs? Try one chain, one derailleur, one hub, one cassette. Booyeah.
  • 2 0
 yeah but no ramped rings and chains, you get to run the way stronger single speed cogs/chains
  • 4 0
 And a 12x150 Single speed hub (should they ever come into existence), so, wider flanges. Stiffer Wheel. awwwww yeah.
  • 3 0
 Chain slap = gone :-)
  • 3 0
 Looks nice
  • 1 0
 does anyone know how much they will be when they start to be sold and will they be available in the UK?
  • 2 0
 6 in, AM please and send it to Canada PLEASE!!!
  • 1 0
 how much does it weigh..? i feel like a carbon version of that would look sick too
  • 1 1
 the goemetry is realy nice but some modification would be required before going to production, if yo hit a rock you' re destroying your rear shock.
  • 2 0
 Bikes have changed so much since I was a little gaffer Razz
  • 1 0
 seriosly!
  • 1 0
 Nice design! They should reverse the shock though, the piggyback will be destroyed after a few rides.
  • 2 0
 I like how the gears are set up
  • 2 0
 Good work! I love the internal gearbox...its the way to go!
  • 1 0
 I don't know why you all think this is the first bike with the internal gears, what about the GT IT1
  • 1 0
 sick bike but how much is it gonna cost? probabley a lot.. Give it two years and all bikes will be like that
  • 2 0
 congrats doddzy, the bike looks amazing couldn't be happier for you.
  • 2 0
 it's weird and nice at the same time
  • 1 1
 the top tube is too bulky imo!

and a guard for the shock (carbon would be nice)
should come with the bike...

and whats with a bashguard?
  • 2 0
 Anyone know the weight of the bike?
  • 2 0
 So where do I send my money?
  • 1 0
 daumn it sucks that the rotorua round was canceled but least i got see this outside ZIPPY'S at 11 {inb4coolstorybro}
  • 2 0
 i actually think thats a pretty cool idea! looks nice
  • 1 1
 I think its just over complicated, simple is better.
  • 1 0
 Yea it is a complicated concept compared to standard derailleurs and stuff but you do have to give credit that it is pretty cool. No derailleur hanger/derailleur problems because it's like an inclosed gearbox but on the other hand I don't know if you have to maintain that stuff haha never had a gearbox on a bike.
  • 1 0
 Its not a "gearbox" its simply an internally geared hub, very mature reliable product(used on commuter and touring rigs across the globe), this is a creative re-configuration .. The hub itself weighs about 4 lbs and requires little maintenance.(periodic shell opening and re-greasing/oil soak) is all. (I have been running one of these for almost two years with no maint done as yet, still shiftes perfectly)
  • 1 0
 Now in stock @ Bike Culture in Rotorua, haven't seen prices yet though......
  • 2 0
 Great job guys - I love seeing design convention being challenged!
  • 1 1
 I think they're holding out on telling us the weight. great idea but I imagine its heavy.
  • 1 1
 is it just me or in the position the shock is placed isn't it going to get shredded with debris from the front wheel?
  • 1 1
 The design of the placement of the shock is a massive let down I think. Schoolboy error!
  • 2 0
 that looks sick
  • 2 0
 Looks sweetSmile
  • 2 1
 the shock is exposed.. : /
  • 2 0
 Awesome!!!
  • 1 0
 That tent in the backround. Hahaha looks like it'll kill someone
  • 1 0
 That tent in the backround. Hahaha looks like it'll kill someone
  • 1 0
 That tent in the backround. Hahaha looks like it'll kill someone
  • 1 0
 That tent in the backround. Hahaha looks like it'll kill someone
  • 3 0
 Wow, judging by all the "whats wrong with that bike" comments, there will be loads of new designs out soon.....(sarcasim)
I guess its easy to critisize when you don't know what goes into designing something like this that works, let alone the blood sweat and tears involved. Having said that it is good to hear ideas etc.
Saw these bikes at the latest dh round, man are they quiet and watching them over a fast rooty choppy holey woopy section of track they really ate it up!! The rear wheel performance was unbelievable the way it gobbled everything, (not taking anything away from the front), but when one you watch so many bikes whizz past it really stands out because it looks noticably smoother.
Thats my rant.......for now!!
  • 1 1
 im liking everything about it, but i wouldnt want to wreck me shock after hitting a rock or something
  • 1 0
 cool post. i agree...

what about the *active under braking* claim?
  • 1 0
 does anyone now how much this will cost
  • 1 3
 so so so so so awesome when bike companys are putting new technology and ideas into motion the millyard takes the cake though lp1.pinkbike.org/photo/1412/pbpic1412943.jpg
  • 1 1
 they should put some kind of a protector for the shock...
  • 1 1
 I can see piggy back getting hits from rocks jumping from front wheel Smile
  • 1 0
 Géométrie a chier
  • 1 1
 hey, the shock wasn't rely protected....
  • 1 1
 Yeah, surely that shock could get bashed on something like a log?
  • 1 0
 dirty....
  • 1 2
 Needs a guard around the piggy back if you hit a rock wrong that would be crappy
  • 1 3
 The design of the placement of the shock is a massive let down I think. schoolboy error!!!!
  • 1 2
 thay gona make a cover for da shock
  • 2 5
 So, lets review:
It has a gearbox, a KMC 810SL and a shitty Sram chain to the niner cog which is tensioned using a shitty f*cking bolt-on tensioner.

Fail steeze.
  • 1 3
 is it just me or does the frame look a little bit like the 2010 lapierre 790?
  • 1 3
 meh, not my favourite
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