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“Christini’s patented mechanical All Wheel Drive system delivers power from the rear of the bicycle to the front wheel through a series of gears, shafts, and chain all mounted within or on the frame.”
Interested in one of the world’s first all wheel drive fat bikes? Well, it’s going to cost you. You can kickstarter pre-order a base model Christini for $4,995, with the high end models going for as much as $9,650. They are all hand built in Philly and if you get in early they are shipping the first five by December.
Here’s a quick demo how the AWD TECH works:
AWD explained on the Christini’s website:
“The CHRISTINI AWD is equipped with standard mountain biking components. Pedaling, shifting and braking are just like on a traditional bike.
A handlebar-mounted switch controls the AWD “shift on the fly” clutch. When the clutch is engaged, the rear spiral gear interlocks with the rear hub and power is transferred via internal shafts to the forward spiral gear set, which drives the CHRISTINI freehub.
Due to a slight gearing differential, the front wheel is not actively powered on smooth level ground. However, the moment the rear wheel slips, power is instantaneously transferred to the front wheel. Similarly, the moment that the front wheel decelerates, as in hitting a rock or starting to wash out in a corner, power and traction are transferred to the front wheel.
The effect is awesome. Instead of stalling when the rear wheel slips – the front wheel hooks up and you keep climbing. Instead of glancing off a slippery root – the CHRISTINI AWD tracks right over it. Instead of washing out the front end in an off-camber corner – the front wheel literally chews it’s way through the turn. The CHRISTINI AWD is simply the best climbing mountain bike on the market with the amazing downhill benefits too. When a front end tucks, the wheel stalls, stops turning, and begins to push. With the AWD system, as soon as the wheel begins to stall, power is delivered to the front wheel, forcing it to turn. With the front wheel under power, it is nearly impossible to wash out the front end.
With added up hill traction and downhill control, you’ll be amazed at what our bikes can do!”
