The NuBike is a chainless bicycle prototype that replaces circular pedals and a chain with two long, vertically moving drive levers. A gearbox converts each up-and-down stroke into rotation at the rear wheel. It is an inventive mechanical concept, but the 2019 Kickstarter did not reach its funding target and there is no verified current retail model.
How the NuBike’s chainless drive works
Los Angeles inventor Rodger Parker designed the NuBike around reciprocating motion rather than the circular motion used by an ordinary bicycle. The rider alternately pushes down on two long levers. Gearing inside the drivetrain turns those strokes into rotary motion that drives the rear wheel.
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The prototype described by New Atlas in 2019 was a road-bike design with four gears and a stated weight of 22 lb (10 kg). Parker’s goal was to use the lever length as mechanical leverage: “The first advantage is leverage.”
Lever strokes instead of crank rotations
A conventional bicycle keeps turning the cranks through a full circle, while the NuBike’s feet follow a shorter up-and-down path. The gearbox has to smooth and redirect that reciprocating input so the rear wheel continues turning in one direction.
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What disappears—and what replaces it
There is no chain, chainring or rear cassette in the usual arrangement. That means no chain to lubricate and no oily chain to move when removing the rear wheel. In return, the bike depends on a specialized lever, linkage and gearbox assembly whose durability, adjustment needs and repair procedures are less familiar than those of a standard derailleur drivetrain.
Is it faster or easier to pedal?
There is no controlled independent evidence establishing that the NuBike is faster, more efficient or easier to pedal than a conventional bicycle. Parker claimed that leverage could increase torque and said the motion might reduce stress on the hips, knees and ankles. Those are inventor claims, not clinical findings.
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Road.cc reported Parker’s claim that the NuBike’s pedal cranks deliver “two and a half times more power to the rear wheel using leverage.” That statement has not been demonstrated by a published, controlled comparison in the available coverage.
Mechanical analyst Reden considered the idea of a more constant effort “farfetched” and noted that only actual practice could show whether the different motion feels more comfortable. A longer lever can increase mechanical advantage, but the rider still supplies the energy; gearing, stroke timing, dead spots and gearbox losses determine how that advantage translates into speed.
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NuBike versus a conventional chain-drive bicycle
| Aspect | NuBike prototype | Conventional bicycle |
|---|---|---|
| Rider input | Alternating vertical strokes on two long levers | Continuous circular crank rotation |
| Power transmission | Gearbox converting reciprocating motion to wheel rotation | Chain, chainrings and rear sprockets or cassette |
| Gears reported | Four on the road-bike prototype | Varies by model; commonly several derailleur or hub ratios |
| Prototype weight | 22 lb (10 kg), reported by New Atlas in 2019 | Not a single comparable figure; depends on bicycle type and equipment |
| Routine drivetrain service | No chain lubrication or chain removal during rear-wheel service; gearbox and linkage service would be specialized | Chain cleaning, lubrication, wear checks and derailleur adjustment |
| Independent efficiency evidence | Not established in the available reporting | Extensive real-world and laboratory experience across many drivetrain designs |
| Availability | No verified current retail model | Widely available in many categories |
What happened to the NuBike Kickstarter?
The NuBike V2 Kickstarter campaign in 2019 sought $347,000. Kicktraq records show $3,992 pledged by 10 backers, so the campaign failed to reach its goal and did not establish funded production.
Contemporary coverage discussed a proposed $3,600 pledge for a frame and drivetrain and a planned $3,800 retail price. Those figures were contingent production plans, not prices for a released bicycle. The same reporting mentioned a hoped-for commercial weight of 18 lb (8 kg), compared with the 22 lb (10 kg) prototype; that lighter figure was also a target rather than a delivered specification.
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Can you buy a NuBike today?
No verified manufacturer store, active preorder or authorized retail listing is established in the available reporting. Treat any old Kickstarter pages, prototype photographs or advertisements quoting $3,600 or $3,800 as historical information unless a current manufacturer or authorized seller independently confirms a new production model.
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Quick Recap
- Check that a listing identifies a current manufacturer and a deliverable model.
- Confirm warranty, replacement-parts and gearbox-service arrangements before paying.
- Do not assume Kickstarter pledge amounts represent present-day retail availability.
What the concept gets right—and what remains unproven
Potential advantages
- Long levers may provide a different form of mechanical leverage.
- Vertical strokes could suit riders who dislike circular pedaling, although comfort is unverified.
- Eliminating the exposed chain could simplify some rear-wheel handling and remove chain-lubrication work.
Open engineering questions
- How efficiently the gearbox and linkages convert each stroke into wheel power.
- Whether the motion has awkward points in the stroke or demands rapid technique changes.
- Long-term wear, sealing, adjustment and parts availability for the specialized drivetrain.
- Whether real riders can sustain higher speed or lower fatigue than on a normal bicycle.
