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An Amazing Innovation! The New Bike Equipped With Two Chains Promises To Transform Mobility, Enabling People To Cover Greater Distances With Much Less Effort.
The NGO World Bicycle Relief launched the Buffalo Utility S2, a bike equipped with an innovative dual-speed transmission system and two chains.
The goal? To help people in rural communities travel greater distances with less effort, providing a practical and efficient solution to the mobility challenges faced daily.
A Solution For Challenging Terrain
The nonprofit organization, considered the leader in the utility bike sector, aims to empower individuals around the world.
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The new Buffalo Utility S2 allows cyclists to overcome difficult terrains more easily, promoting access to education, health, and economic opportunities.
Previously, the Buffalo had a single-speed bike, but the new AK2 transmission adds an extra gear.
This innovation avoids the use of cables that could complicate the system and increase the risk of failures, making the bike more reliable on long journeys through remote areas.
Simple And Efficient Technology
The AK2 system was developed in partnership with SRAM, a renowned company in the cycling component sector.
It allows cyclists to change gears while pedaling backward, without the need for additional controls.
The bike is on display at SRAM’s booth at Eurobike, one of the largest trade fairs in the industry.
Cherie Redecker, product manager at World Bicycle Relief, emphasizes that the search was for a simple design, eliminating components that could easily break. “If a chain breaks, you can still pedal“, she explains.
This approach ensures the bike is durable and easy to repair even in regions where spare parts may be scarce.
How The Dual-Chain System Works
The Buffalo Utility S2 features two chains installed on different sprockets. One is designed for low gears, ideal for steep climbs and rough terrain.
The other offers a high gear for flat terrain and faster travel.
Gear shifting is performed with a shift ring that engages or disengages the pawls of the freewheels.
In low gear, a ratchet with 18 teeth works in conjunction with a 27-tooth sprocket. In high gear, it combines a 19-tooth ratchet with a 45-tooth sprocket, providing higher speed with less effort.
New Brakes And Structural Improvements
With the shift from pedal braking to gear shifting, it was necessary to develop a new caliper brake system.
World Bicycle Relief tested the brakes for over two years, receiving positive feedback. “The new brakes make it easier to stop the bike, especially when loaded“, says Redecker.
Another significant change is in the wheels. The old steel rims were replaced with aluminum rims, making the bike lighter and more agile.
Additionally, the new crossed spoke system reduces breakage and simplifies maintenance, a critical need for those who rely on the bike daily.
Reliability And Durability
The Buffalo Utility S2 maintains a single frame size and continues to use Buffalo pedals, saddle, and tires, known for their durability.
Buffalo products are highly regarded in countries such as Zambia and Zimbabwe, where the bike costs between US$ 210 and US$ 230, a significant investment for many families, but one that pays off over time due to its resilience.
The bike comes with a five-year warranty for the frame, fork, and rack, although the product’s lifespan is expected to be even greater. The organization is also working to improve the bearings, further increasing durability.
More Than A Bike
World Bicycle Relief is not limited to manufacturing bikes. Since its founding in 2005, after the tsunami in the Indian Ocean, the organization has invested in support infrastructure. This includes distribution facilities, spare parts supply chains, and training local mechanics.
Today, the organization operates in countries such as Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya, and Colombia.
The partnership with the UN and other institutions enables the distribution of bikes to those in greatest need, directly impacting entire communities and driving social and economic development.
Focus On Women And Underprivileged Communities
World Bicycle Relief has a special focus on women and girls, who face cultural barriers to access education and health.
The organization works directly with communities to understand their needs and provide real solutions.
“It’s not just about arriving and saying: ‘Here’s your bike’. It’s about listening to people and understanding what they really need”, emphasizes Redecker.
Many women who receive the bikes report improvements in their quality of life, greater independence, and access to essential resources such as education and job opportunities. The bike becomes a tool for empowerment and mobility.
World Bicycle Relief continues its mission to expand the impact of the Buffalo Utility S2. New models and ongoing improvements are being planned to make the bikes even more accessible and durable.
The goal is to ensure that more and more people have access to this transformative resource.
With the support of donations and partnerships with companies like SRAM, the organization hopes to expand its reach to new areas and positively impact millions of lives.
The new Buffalo Utility S2 represents more than just a means of transportation. It is a powerful tool for transforming lives, providing opportunities, and bringing about significant changes in communities around the world.
Gostaria muito que essas Bicicletas Chegasem ao meu Nordeste do BRAZIL.Mmuito sofrido.
Espero que ela chegue Também aqui na América do Sul. BRAZIL
Boa tarde. Se bike de uma corrente é maravilhoso! Imagine com duas. Amo pedalar !
Muito bom, ainda mais com o foco na classe social mais baixa!