Cycling has a new CVT on the horizon: Infinity Drive™ CVT enters prototyping phase

April 2, 2010 - PRLog -- Boise, ID, April 2, 2010 – Io DuPont, llc is prototyping a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) for bicycles called “Infinity Drive™” that has recently been validated in computer models. A working model is expected in the coming months. This is the company’s second foray into the cycling industry, following Power Cordz™ synthetic bicycle cables.

The Infinity Drive™ transmission aims to replace derailleur systems common on bicycles since the mid 20th century. “This is potentially one of the most significant developments in the bicycle industry I have seen in over 30 years,” said Michael Nover, a veteran insider in the cycling industry and founder of Kinesis USA. “Derailleurs have served us well for a long time but, we’re ready for something better.”

Io DuPont’s transmission is expected to have significant advantages over current systems. It is expected to enter the market at a weight competitive with high-end derailleur systems while offering unique properties that solve many derailleur-related problems.

With the Infinity Drive™, all gear changes happen from within the transmission meaning; there will be no more mis-shifts or slippage and reduced chain wear.

The first generation Infinity Drive™ CVT has a gear range of 1:0 through 1:6 (pedal revolutions: tire revolutions)—the highest range currently available. Tony DuPont, Founder of Io DuPont, predicts the new transmission’s wide range of gears will eliminate spin-out on fast down-hills and may lead to new land speed records for the bicycle. “Our aim is to reduce limitations to riders on both the low, hill-climbing end and at high speeds,” said DuPont.

Because this transmission is capable of continuous energy optimization using low-friction, direct-drive forces, Infinity Drive™ is expected to have greater efficiency than any previous design. Energy savings could be in excess of 5% (in terms of the amount of effort required to climb a hill or stay at top speeds).

“Theoretically, the gearing goes so low that a person who would normally have a hard time walking under their own power could ride a bike up a vertical wall without losing their breath—if you could get the tires to stick well enough,” said DuPont.

The Infinity Drive™ is designed for the cycling industry. Additional potential markets include: automotive, energy, and refrigeration.

For more information, please contact Aaron Olson at 208-908-0630 ext 1704 or aolson@powercordz.com.  

About Io DuPont, llc: Founded in Boise, Idaho in 2004, Io DuPont’s first product release was the Power Cordz™ synthetic fiber cable sold internationally as the world’s only synthetic fiber bicycle cable. Io DuPont has several technologies in varying stages of development to meet the goal of creating world-class technologies to change industries.

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Power Cordz™ synthetic fiber cable system was designed to address the problems of steel control cables currently used on the bicycle. Power Cordz™ are 75% lighter than steel, resist dirt, dust and corrosion, and never stretch or lose precision.