Rodger Parker of Los Angeles has invented a bicycle that not only eliminates greasy chains but multiplies the power of each pedal stroke. Parker applied for a patent in 2016 and spent the intervening years, as well as about $250,000 in cash, finding a way to improve the mechanics of cycling. The result, called NuBike, lacks the usual front-gear assembly and instead transfers power from the pedal cranks directly to the rear wheel. The cranks themselves are therefore significantly longer than those on a standard bike, and generate much greater leverage – so much that they destroyed every rear axle Parker tried until his engineer discovered “an exotic new metal being used in military applications.” Moreover, the pedals go up and down, like the steps on a Stairmaster, and not in a circle. The prototype NuBike, with its carbon-fiber frame, weighs about 10 kg, although Parker expects to save 2 kg by replacing the aluminum of the cranks with magnesium. The original, four-speed NuBike was on sale through Kickstarter for a pledge of $3,600, but in February the campaign fell short of its funding goal. At present, the company hopes to begin production of its high-end Road Bike next month and deliver by late fall, channeling most purchases through the NuBike website. Two other models are in the pipeline. The Mountain Bike is intended to meet customer requests, while the Royal NuBike, for children, will be produced by Royal Baby, a Chinese company, and be on display at Eurocycle in early September. 

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