Rowing Cycle - Drive Train

Drive Train

Rowed vehicles generally have one of three drive trains: chain, linkages, or cable.

The Rowbike brand uses a standard bicycle chain, rear gears, and derailleur. The chain does not travel in a loop, as is the case with a standard bicycle. It moves back and forth over the rear cog in a reciprocating motion. The chain is connected at one end to the frame of the rowbike and to a bungee cord on the other. As the rower pulls back the chain engages the rear cog and the bungee cord is extended, and when the rower returns forward the bungee cord contracts, pulling the chain back and ensuring there is no slack in the chain. All Rowbikes have a rear derailleur, even single speeds, due to the need to keep proper tension in the chain.

Rowbikes that use linkages include Champiot and Powerpumper. They use linkages connected to a crank shaft, similar to a pedal car.

The Thys Rowingbike and Streetrower use a cable which coils and uncoils about a spool. Thys calls his version a snek drive.

Read more about this topic:  Rowing Cycle

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