Just as an automatic transmission shifts at what the engine considers the optimum moment, the NuVinci Harmony intelligent drivetrain for bicycles could change truly be a shift in cycling. This first continuously variable shifting system, which was created by Fallbrook Technologies, has recently won the Bicycle Innovation Award at FietsVAK 2012 show in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The NuVinci Harmony incorporates technology included in NuVinci CVP bicycle drivetrains. The initial commercially available NuVinci drivetrain model won the Bicycle Innovation Award at FietsVAK 2007.
The NuVinci Harmony is available in two controller versions – a Base and Advanced, which can be customized by the rider depending on desired comfort. The Harmony Base Controller (pictured above) provides a simple push-button controller with three pre-set cadence settings – essentially slow, medium and fast. This automatic-only system intelligently manages the ride by shifting (automatically) to maintain the pedal cadence that the rider selects.
The Harmony Advanced Controller (left) offers both fully automatic and manual shifting options, where a button switches between modes. In “Automatic” mode, the Harmony system controller automatically and continuously adjusts the drive ratio to maintain the rider’s selected cadence, while the rider is also offered the ability to select and adjust a preferred cadence set point while riding by simply twisting the shifter. In this “Manual” operation the rider uses the twist grip to change the specific ratio of the NuVinci CVP.
The NuVinci Harmony Intelligent Drivetrain is truly in gear.