Power Transmission Mechanism and Tribological Performance of Modern Bicycle Drivetrains—A Review

Bicycles are one of the most sustainable forms of transportation and sports available today, known for their environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, lightweight design, compactness, and health benefits. The efficiency and power transmission of bicycle drivetrains have emerged as crucial conc...

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Main Authors: Yook Wah Liew, Owen Matthews, Dzung Viet Dao, Huaizhong Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Machines
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/13/1/66
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author Yook Wah Liew
Owen Matthews
Dzung Viet Dao
Huaizhong Li
author_facet Yook Wah Liew
Owen Matthews
Dzung Viet Dao
Huaizhong Li
author_sort Yook Wah Liew
collection DOAJ
description Bicycles are one of the most sustainable forms of transportation and sports available today, known for their environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, lightweight design, compactness, and health benefits. The efficiency and power transmission of bicycle drivetrains have emerged as crucial concerns for engineers, bicycle manufacturers, and both professional and amateur cyclists. However, research and publications related to bicycle drivetrain systems and their tribological performance are notably limited. There is a lack of systematic reviews on technological progress and recent research works in this field. This paper aims to redress this imbalance by presenting a comprehensive literature review of power transmission and tribology in bicycle drivetrains through assessing an extensive body of theoretical and practical work encompassing bicycle drivetrains and roller chain drive mechanisms and performance. This review comprises an exploration of bicycle drivetrain mechanisms and components, an examination of subjects related to power transmission mechanics and efficiency, and a thorough analysis of tribological factors in bicycle drivetrains, including friction, wear, and lubrication. A particular focus has been put on the performance of roller chain drives. This review consolidates research findings related to power transmission within the bicycle drivetrain systems and outlines some future perspectives in relevant research. Through this review, we aim to shed light on the existing knowledge gaps within bicycle drivetrain research and offer constructive recommendations for advancements in this field.
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series Machines
spelling doaj-art-d6ccb9ac21f2451191611497acb24aad2025-01-24T13:39:20ZengMDPI AGMachines2075-17022025-01-011316610.3390/machines13010066Power Transmission Mechanism and Tribological Performance of Modern Bicycle Drivetrains—A ReviewYook Wah Liew0Owen Matthews1Dzung Viet Dao2Huaizhong Li3School of Engineering and Built Environment, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, AustraliaRide Mechanic Pty Ltd., P.O. Box 5191, Daisy Hill, QLD 4127, AustraliaSchool of Engineering and Built Environment, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, AustraliaSchool of Engineering and Built Environment, Gold Coast Campus, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, AustraliaBicycles are one of the most sustainable forms of transportation and sports available today, known for their environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, lightweight design, compactness, and health benefits. The efficiency and power transmission of bicycle drivetrains have emerged as crucial concerns for engineers, bicycle manufacturers, and both professional and amateur cyclists. However, research and publications related to bicycle drivetrain systems and their tribological performance are notably limited. There is a lack of systematic reviews on technological progress and recent research works in this field. This paper aims to redress this imbalance by presenting a comprehensive literature review of power transmission and tribology in bicycle drivetrains through assessing an extensive body of theoretical and practical work encompassing bicycle drivetrains and roller chain drive mechanisms and performance. This review comprises an exploration of bicycle drivetrain mechanisms and components, an examination of subjects related to power transmission mechanics and efficiency, and a thorough analysis of tribological factors in bicycle drivetrains, including friction, wear, and lubrication. A particular focus has been put on the performance of roller chain drives. This review consolidates research findings related to power transmission within the bicycle drivetrain systems and outlines some future perspectives in relevant research. Through this review, we aim to shed light on the existing knowledge gaps within bicycle drivetrain research and offer constructive recommendations for advancements in this field.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/13/1/66bicycledrivetrainroller chainfrictionweartribology
spellingShingle Yook Wah Liew
Owen Matthews
Dzung Viet Dao
Huaizhong Li
Power Transmission Mechanism and Tribological Performance of Modern Bicycle Drivetrains—A Review
Machines
bicycle
drivetrain
roller chain
friction
wear
tribology
title Power Transmission Mechanism and Tribological Performance of Modern Bicycle Drivetrains—A Review
title_full Power Transmission Mechanism and Tribological Performance of Modern Bicycle Drivetrains—A Review
title_fullStr Power Transmission Mechanism and Tribological Performance of Modern Bicycle Drivetrains—A Review
title_full_unstemmed Power Transmission Mechanism and Tribological Performance of Modern Bicycle Drivetrains—A Review
title_short Power Transmission Mechanism and Tribological Performance of Modern Bicycle Drivetrains—A Review
title_sort power transmission mechanism and tribological performance of modern bicycle drivetrains a review
topic bicycle
drivetrain
roller chain
friction
wear
tribology
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/13/1/66
work_keys_str_mv AT yookwahliew powertransmissionmechanismandtribologicalperformanceofmodernbicycledrivetrainsareview
AT owenmatthews powertransmissionmechanismandtribologicalperformanceofmodernbicycledrivetrainsareview
AT dzungvietdao powertransmissionmechanismandtribologicalperformanceofmodernbicycledrivetrainsareview
AT huaizhongli powertransmissionmechanismandtribologicalperformanceofmodernbicycledrivetrainsareview