What is the advantage of AWD for a mountain bike? Climbing, corning, holding a tighter line, control on loose surfaces and over rocks and roots, snowy, muddy, rainy conditions...Unless you ride on dry pavement 100% of the time, there are situations where every rider could benefit from AWD. Who came up with the idea for AWD on the bicycle? In truth, companies have been attempting AWD systems on bicycles and motorcycles since the early 1900s. It wasn't until the mid 1990s that Steve Christini finally perfected the concept and made it commercially viable. Who buys CHRISTINI AWD bikes? US and international bicycle dealers sell CHRISTINI AWD bikes to mountain bike enthusiasts, XC trail riders, long travel extreme riders, and racers. What magazines have reviewed CHRISTINI AWD? Mountain Bike Action and DirtRag both published very favorable reviews of the CHRISTINI AWD mountain bike in May 2003. The articles can be viewed online at www.christini.com. Where can I demo before I buy? If there is not a dealer in your area listed on the CHRISTINI website, please contact us at sales@christini.com so we can locate a dealer in your area or just let us know of high-quality dealer in your area. We'll be happy to contact them about placing a demo bike in their shop under our 2004 demo program. Will dirt harm the gearing? In more than 3 years of testing, we have not had a gear set break or fail. In fact the AWD system shows significantly less wear than the conventional drive train chain, deraileurs, and cassette. The precision aluminum gearing is hard coated and has the strength of steel for this particular application. What is the Warranty? 5 years on the frame and 2 years on all drive system parts, including the bearings. Components and fork internals carry original OEM warranty. How much does the AWD system weigh? Approximately 1.7 pounds on the hardtail model and 2.3 pounds on the CHRISTINI AWD full suspension models. How much does the complete bike weigh? Between 28 and 31 pounds (with pedals) depending upon component spec and finishing options. What special care does the AWD drive system require? In general, proper lubrication and cleaning is all that is required. Special care should be taken to keep the head tube gears lubricated, clean and dry. The rear clutch can occasionally be disassembled to ensure continued smooth operation. The CHRISTINI AWD service manual has complete service and care instructions. Is the CHRISTINI AWD technology patented? Yes. Christini Technologies holds several US and foreign patents on the unique CHRISTINI AWD system. US patent numbers 6,161,854 and 6,161,855 are two covering the AWD Bicycle and can be viewed at www.uspto.gov. US patent number 6,505,699 covers the AWD motorcycle design. Other US and foreign applications are on file. Do you intend to license the AWD technology to other manufacturers? CHRISTINI AWD has executed a license with Jeep bicycles for the rights to sell the AWD technology on bicycles. In the future, other manufacturers may also become licensees. CHRISTINI AWD also sells its own brand of AWD bicycles and intends to continue to sell its innovative bikes to establish and grow the market. Why does CHRISTINI AWD use only a White Brothers Fork? For 2003 and 2004, the White Brothers fork is the only fork offering, although two models are available. The White Brothers fork is a high-quality product and is a strong partner of CHRISTINI and we will continue to use the forks for technical reasons. In the future, other forks will continue to be evaluated for the CHRISTINI AWD products. What other components fit the CHRISTINI AWD frameset? Other than the fork, freewheeling front hub, and integrated headset, any standard component is compatible with the CHRISTINI AWD frameset.