Low-maintenance bike specialists Dynamic Bicycles claim they have developed the world's first internally-geared road bike.
The Synergy, which is about to be launched in the US, is billed as either 'a fast commuter' or 'a new bike for group and club rides'.
It uses the much-lauded Shimano Alfine 8-speed internal hub, which combines relatively light weight (1,590g) with smooth-shifting and a 312 percent gear range (almost the same as a triple crankset).
The Synergy has the following spec:
- Versa 8-speed single STI-style shifter
- Synergy Versa crankset (6061 alloy crank and external bottom bracket)
- 7005 alloy frame and carbon fork
- Alex DA22 rims with butted spokes and Vittoria Rubino 700x25 tyres
- Ritchey Pro handlebar, stem and seatpost
At 9.5kg/21lb it isn't that light for a drop-barred bike, but well below average for a bike with a hub gear.
However, Dynamic's claim that it's the world's first internally-geared road bike may be stretching the truth. The great Reg Harris could often be found on a 3-speed hub geared racing bike and Sturmey-Archer hub gears were fitted on a series of top-end lightweight Raleigh racers in the 1940s. There don't seem to be any current competitors to the Synergy, though.
What do you think? Would you consider swapping a derailleur for a hub gear on a racer? Have your say in the comments box below.