The front gear set powers the custom front hub which has a One-Way roller clutching system. This is one of the important parts of the AWD system… The ratio is .92:1 with the freewheel clutch normally spinning allowing the AWD system to ONLY engage when the rear wheel slips. Thus the term AWD instead of 2WD.

AWD Traction Control for your Bike!

It is well-known what all-wheel drive does for a sport utility vehicle — just imagine what AWD can do for a mountain bike. Think traction control for your rear wheel!

With increased traction, available at the flip of a switch you can conquer conditions that you thought were unrideable. AWD provides greater control over wet roots and slippery rocks. You can power up steeper, sketchier hills and you’ll stick like glue to side slopes. The rear wheel simply will not slip without transferring some of the power to the front wheel. In return, when the front wheel grabs, it prevents the rear wheel from “over spinning” thus allowing it to regain traction – AWD Traction Control

The AWD system is so efficient, it is hard to tell whether it is working… until you need it.

With the front drive disengaged, the CHRISTINI AWD handles and feels just like any dialed-in full-suspension Mountain Bike. Engage the AWD system and you’ll feel increased control, stability, and traction on slippery or loose surfaces.

AWD works whether you’re pedaling or coasting. You will be able to descend with confidence and corner more aggressively due to increased front wheel grip.

How It Works

The CHRISTINI AWD is equipped with standard mountain biking components. Pedaling, shifting, and braking is just like on a traditional bike.

A handlebar-mounted switch controls the AWD “shift on the fly” clutch. When the clutch is engaged, the rear spiral gear interlocks with the rear hub, and power is transferred via internal shafts to the forward spiral gear set, which drives the CHRISTINI freehub.

Due to a slight gearing differential, the front wheel is not actively powered on smooth level ground. However, the moment the rear wheel slips, power is instantaneously transferred to the front wheel. Similarly, the moment that the front wheel decelerates, as in hitting a rock or starting to wash out in a corner, power, and traction are transferred to the front wheel.

The headtube gearset transfers the power into the bottom of the fork crown and moves the power over to the fork drive shaft via a small timing chain. The fork driveshaft then follows the fork down to the front bevel gear set which converts the power to the front wheel.

The rotational drive shaft power reaches the front of the headtube and powers a miter gear set internal to the headtube. The traditional headtube steering forces are moved to the outboard cover plate (shown to the side). The CNC precision of the headtube doubles as a driving “gearbox” thus eliminating any outside-the-frame gearing.

CHRISTINI AWD

The effect is awesome. Instead of stalling when the rear wheel slips – the front wheel hooks up and you keep climbing. Instead of glancing off a slippery root – the CHRISTINI AWD tracks right over it. Instead of washing out the front end in an off-camber corner – the front wheel literally chews its way through the turn. The CHRISTINI AWD is simply the best climbing mountain bike on the market with amazing downhill benefits too. When a front end tucks, the wheel stalls stops turning and begins to push. With the AWD system, as soon as the wheel begins to stall, power is delivered to the front wheel, forcing it to turn. With the front wheel under power, it is nearly impossible to wash out the front end.

With added uphill traction and downhill control, you’ll be amazed at what our bikes can do!

Durability

The CHRISTINI AWD has the capability to take you places other bikes won’t or can’t follow… and the durability to get you back.

In over 4 years of testing, the AWD components have required far less routine maintenance than the primary drive train (which is comprised of top-quality sprockets, high-end shifters, and standard hubs). The best corrosion and wear-resistant materials are utilized and we have “designed” extremely simple service procedures. For instance; should the sealed bearings ever need to be replaced, the entire internal drive system can be disassembled for a complete overhaul in less than 10 minutes.

* There is a 5-year warranty on the frame, a 2-year warranty on the entire all-wheel drive system, and a one-year crash replacement warranty on any Christini drive system parts.

The headtube gearset transfers the power into the bottom of the fork crown and moves the power over to the fork drive shaft via a small timing chain. The fork driveshaft then follows the fork down to the front bevel gear set which converts the power to the front wheel.

How the AWD Traction Control system Works down to the Parts