Two equally sized chainrings, two differently sized freewheel cogs, and a single, very long chain, wrapped around everything, crossing in one of the loops Pedal forward for one gear, pedal backward for the second gear.
It's usually done with a modified derailleur and a single chainring but I think this method is cleaner looking.
Look up "retro direct bike" for plenty more information.
Two freewheels. When pedaling forward, you are using one ratio while the other freewheels. If you pedal backwards, you use the other ratio while the first freewheels. Both pedal directions move the bike forwards.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retro-direct
Retro direct is a beautifully different way to ride a bike, pedalling forward for the low gear then once at speed pedal backwards in a higher gear. It was one of the very first ways that multiple gearing was achieved on a bicycle. Such a clever and elegant solution. I love it, hats off!
Gorgeous build, my only critique is that I don't love the matching wheel/tire color. Grey tires to match the frame would look dope, but it looks great either way.
Holy shit where did you find a retro-direct freewheel? I've wanted to ride one of these for like 2 decades ever since I learned of them.
And what's that frame? That looks dope.
You can take 2 dicta freewheels and an old steel bb cup. Thread the big freewheel halfway on, thread the bb cup in with red loctite, thread the small freewheel on after. I think dicta is the only brand this will work for because there’s no lip for the threads, you can just thread all the way through
If I remember correctly, the frame is a Titan... I picked it up at the local bike coop for probably $10. (It's been several years ago now). Most identifying features had been stripped off. I removed the brake bosses, cage mounts, etc. Converted the dropouts to horizontal. It was a fun project.
Excellent question. You can just make out in one of the photos a small, clear piece of polycarbonate that serves as a chain guide at the crossover point. I used a heat gun to shape it just right. Yes, it has worn slightly over time but since this isn't a high mileage daily rider and it's about $.05 worth of material, it serves the purpose well.
That chain set up "looks nice" ... This its definitly ridden by someone who is really into fashion/desing has money and never had done maintenance on the bike on hes/her own. Looks good though
Yeha thats the thing though either you are a mechanic or have plenty of money to pay one. Cuz there is no way that bike is not a pain in the ass for someone who really commutes in bikes, comon you dont have potholes where you live? are all your streets nice flat smooth? or your commutes its a couple of blocks long?
Lets be real here that set up its not for most people
Definitely not looking for an argument here. I built the bike. I'm not much into fashion, I don't have a lot of money, and I definitely don't pay someone else to do bike maintenance for me. I do love bikes of all sorts and have since I was a kid. I am fortunate enough to have several bikes and I enjoy them all in slightly different ways. While this bike isn't a daily commuter for me and I didn't build it to be one, I'd make the claim that it easily could be. It is much lower maintenance than most other bikes out there. (No shifters, cables, or derailleurs to adjust and lube, just a single hydraulic disc brake that's virtually maintenance free). The only real practicality drawback for me is that it won't roll backwards due to the chain/freewheel setup! And obviously you'd need a broader gear range if your commute was hilly. (I don't understand your comment about potholes, though. Does everyone commute with a full suspension bike in your area?)
Ultimately, it's a big ol' world out there and I firmly believe there is a place for all bikes in it. 🤷
Im not looking for an argument either my comment originaly was to point out the unpractical that set up was mostly due to the chain. I mean looks awesome but is no way practical.
>(I don't understand your comment about potholes, though. Does everyone commute with a full suspension bike in your area?)
Not necesarilly my point is that if you really use a bike for commute your definitly aware of the wear and tear the road cause to the bike and how bumps and potholes affect your ride its crazy to think that set up its productive for me is as dumb as a lefty bike try to perfect something thats quite perfect already.
Yeha i know any critism or judgment its downvoted to hell in reddit i dont particulary mind it.
Can you explain that chain / routing? Never seen that before.
Two equally sized chainrings, two differently sized freewheel cogs, and a single, very long chain, wrapped around everything, crossing in one of the loops Pedal forward for one gear, pedal backward for the second gear. It's usually done with a modified derailleur and a single chainring but I think this method is cleaner looking. Look up "retro direct bike" for plenty more information.
What the actual fuck
That's absolutely wild! Never heard of it before. Great [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luQ3VRKZiN4), btw!
This is cool
Thank you! That is fascinating.
There are a few things that instantly trigger my "I need it" nerve, that definitely is one of those.. How cool is that?!
Same! How can that drive work?
Two freewheels. When pedaling forward, you are using one ratio while the other freewheels. If you pedal backwards, you use the other ratio while the first freewheels. Both pedal directions move the bike forwards. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retro-direct
Simple but genius. Sounding at least...
Retro direct is a beautifully different way to ride a bike, pedalling forward for the low gear then once at speed pedal backwards in a higher gear. It was one of the very first ways that multiple gearing was achieved on a bicycle. Such a clever and elegant solution. I love it, hats off!
Sooo cool!! Thanks for sharing!
Gorgeous build, my only critique is that I don't love the matching wheel/tire color. Grey tires to match the frame would look dope, but it looks great either way.
That double chainring move is clean!
Holy shit where did you find a retro-direct freewheel? I've wanted to ride one of these for like 2 decades ever since I learned of them. And what's that frame? That looks dope.
You can take 2 dicta freewheels and an old steel bb cup. Thread the big freewheel halfway on, thread the bb cup in with red loctite, thread the small freewheel on after. I think dicta is the only brand this will work for because there’s no lip for the threads, you can just thread all the way through
Yes, exactly this (though I don't recall the brand of the freewheels that I used.)
If I remember correctly, the frame is a Titan... I picked it up at the local bike coop for probably $10. (It's been several years ago now). Most identifying features had been stripped off. I removed the brake bosses, cage mounts, etc. Converted the dropouts to horizontal. It was a fun project.
Certified Awesome my dude
the one brake scares me
Awesome!!
Orange you glad I didn't say banana?
I’m just very confused how they cross without touching… like what is rubbing where to let that happen? Send help.
Excellent question. You can just make out in one of the photos a small, clear piece of polycarbonate that serves as a chain guide at the crossover point. I used a heat gun to shape it just right. Yes, it has worn slightly over time but since this isn't a high mileage daily rider and it's about $.05 worth of material, it serves the purpose well.
Oh crazy! This is a very cool bike. Hope to see one/ try one some day!
Awesome looking bike! Where y'all getting these nice colorful parts? Or did you just paint it yourself?
Everything grey is powder coated and everything orange is off the shelf. Most of it came from J&B Importers (a wholesale distributor).
thanks for the info! ill check it out.
wow!
I wish I had more hands, so I could give this bike four thumbs down
Cause pedaling backwards would be easy. SMH
That chain set up "looks nice" ... This its definitly ridden by someone who is really into fashion/desing has money and never had done maintenance on the bike on hes/her own. Looks good though
So, they should fit right in on r/bikeporn then, right?
It does no hate on looks just the practicallity of it 🤷🏽
There's a video of OP literally building the bike from scratch lmao
Then he knows he wont be ridding that for real maybe loops in the park no way is a daily rider but i eat my hat send me the link please
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=luQ3VRKZiN4 I'm a bike mechanic and I'd 100% use that bike as a city commuter btw.
Yeha thats the thing though either you are a mechanic or have plenty of money to pay one. Cuz there is no way that bike is not a pain in the ass for someone who really commutes in bikes, comon you dont have potholes where you live? are all your streets nice flat smooth? or your commutes its a couple of blocks long? Lets be real here that set up its not for most people
Definitely not looking for an argument here. I built the bike. I'm not much into fashion, I don't have a lot of money, and I definitely don't pay someone else to do bike maintenance for me. I do love bikes of all sorts and have since I was a kid. I am fortunate enough to have several bikes and I enjoy them all in slightly different ways. While this bike isn't a daily commuter for me and I didn't build it to be one, I'd make the claim that it easily could be. It is much lower maintenance than most other bikes out there. (No shifters, cables, or derailleurs to adjust and lube, just a single hydraulic disc brake that's virtually maintenance free). The only real practicality drawback for me is that it won't roll backwards due to the chain/freewheel setup! And obviously you'd need a broader gear range if your commute was hilly. (I don't understand your comment about potholes, though. Does everyone commute with a full suspension bike in your area?) Ultimately, it's a big ol' world out there and I firmly believe there is a place for all bikes in it. 🤷
Im not looking for an argument either my comment originaly was to point out the unpractical that set up was mostly due to the chain. I mean looks awesome but is no way practical. >(I don't understand your comment about potholes, though. Does everyone commute with a full suspension bike in your area?) Not necesarilly my point is that if you really use a bike for commute your definitly aware of the wear and tear the road cause to the bike and how bumps and potholes affect your ride its crazy to think that set up its productive for me is as dumb as a lefty bike try to perfect something thats quite perfect already. Yeha i know any critism or judgment its downvoted to hell in reddit i dont particulary mind it.