DualDrive caters to the specific shifting needs of a comfort rider while presenting the market’s most revolutionary transmission system. Single-sided shifting allows riders to use one hand to easily click through a 24- or 27-gear option. By eliminating the front derailleur, allowing the rider to shift at all times (even when stationary), and including load-shiftable servo technology, DualDrive redefines the concept of bicycle transmission systems.
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: March 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
I needed to get my trike gear-inches down for steep hills. The trike has a 26" rear wheel with 34T rear and 26T Biopace chainring. That's 19 gear-inches. Adding the DualDrive gave me 14 gear-inches. The trike now climbs like a banshee... And my top gear? (52x11 +DualDrive) and insane 160 gear-inches at top end (think long decent!)
Weaknesses:
Reports have stated that these things can 'blow up' and leave you stranded. Some reports on tandem tours where the DualDrive gave up are reported in blogs/forums. SRAM specifically states DualDrives are not Tandem approved. It does give me concern although for touring, I will need the low gearing for hills when pushing a trike. Don't expect anyone to help you get replacement parts from SRAM in the USA. It will be a futile quest. Even if your warrantee covers it, you still need to lace and true the wheel to the replacement hub.
Similar Products Used:
3 speed kick-back hubs as a kid.
Bike Setup:
Actionbent Tadpole Trike; 26" drive wheel
Bottom Line:
For the deal I got on this unit, it was a no brainer to give it a shot. peripheral parts are easy to get and relatively cheap. As for performance, you hardly notice the drive is there. There is a bit of clicking and whiring depending on what gear you're in but it all adds to the rythm of the ride. With ratio's of .73/1, 1/1, and 1.36/1, you can easily replace your front chainrings or just enjoy the massive gear range of your new setup. If you can get a good deal on an NOS hub already laced to a wheel (3x9), go for it. You'll be in awe of what this thing can do for your riding pleasure. Lightweight and relatively unchanged in 6 years, it is a nice gear system. Available for 32 and 36 hole rims.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Weinrich
a
from Toronto Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
Excellent shifting, smooth function, stable and practical, works even when the bike is stopped, It's very stylish and light weight.
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
Shimano, Suntour, other Sram products
Bottom Line:
I believe it's a wonderful revolutionary products that is a huge step toward refining the bicycle transmission systems in the world. It's very practical, functional and for it's capability light weight enough. German craftsmanship with stylish up dated style.
Very enjoyable and easy to use for everybody... Great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick McAllister
a
from Orinda CA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Wildcat Canyon-Tilden Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Bike Friday
Strengths:
Very smoooth shifting. You should shift into climbing range easily even when under load
Weaknesses:
No guard is made for this. One could be made that would fit onto a rear carrying rack, and my boatbuilder buddy is going to try to help me do this.
Bike Setup:
Bike Friday Pocket Llama-with the SRAM Dual Drive- for commuting and Gary Fisher Paragon (for off road)
Bottom Line:
I ordered the Bike Friday last year and I am very pleased with the operation of the SRAM Dual drive. I am thinking about adding the Dual Drive to the Paragon. Cross-chaining would is not an issue with one of these, and you can shift to the climbing gear any time-even under load. The lack of a protecttive guard for the Plastic Dual Drive Hub Control and the little axel inside it make it a potential problem for the Bike Friday when it is being carried in the bag. For a Mountain bike, which is laid over from time to time, the lack of a guard would be a much more serious defect. We are going to try to jury-rig somthing for the Bike Friday, and if it is successful, I may convert the Paragon. I would give this a 5 overall rating if we can make a workable guard. Without one, I would not even consider it for a Mountain Bike. I do not understand why SRAM does not make a Guard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
