Fallbrook Technologies Inc. to Showcase US Bike Brands with NuVinci® N360™ Drivetrains at Interbike Expo

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Interbike Expo, Las Vegas — Fallbrook Technologies Inc., developer and manufacturer of NuVinci continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology, is emphasizing the increasing adoption of its NuVinci N360 drivetrain in the US at the Interbike Expo, September 12-16 in Las Vegas.  More than 40 bicycle brands worldwide now offer models equipped with the NuVinci N360 and at the Expo, Fallbrook will showcase 10 US models equipped with NuVinci technology.  The models on display will include the first US e-Bike featuring the award-winning NuVinci Harmony, the world's first automatic CVP shifting system for bicycles.  

The NuVinci N360 makes riding more enjoyable with seamless, continuous shifting (even under high pedal torque) over a full 360 percent range, without power interruptions, missed gears or dropped chains.  The NuVinci drivetrain's intuitive shifting dial is fun to use, quickly and easily increasing or decreasing pedaling effort.

At this year's Interbike, model year 2012 bicycles equipped with the smooth shifting NuVinci N360 drivetrain, include initial or expanded offerings from well-known brands such as Breezer, Jamis and Novara.  In addition, folding bike companies like Dahon and Bike Friday are joining the NuVinci parade.  Other new NuVinci N360 models include classic city bikes from Handsome Cycles and Urbana, a new cruiser from English Cycles, and an innovative tandem bicycle and an alternative tandem bicycle from Buddy Bike designed for family cycling, which also supports special needs.

Bodhi Bicycles' 2012 Sport and Step-Through models will be the first US e-Bikes equipped with NuVinci Harmony working in conjunction with the NuVinci N360 drivetrain to create a riding experience second to none.  The newly introduced NuVinci Harmony intelligent drivetrain is the first continuously variable drivetrain offering the option for seamless automatic or manual shifting.

"Our clients have used terms like 'smoothest ride' and 'incredibly intuitive' for our Bodhi electric bikes – all outfitted with the N360 manual shifter.  Now with Harmony's Advanced Controller, we're taking it to the next level and adding a 'sixth sense' to their riding experience," said Paul Jung, President of Bodhi Bikes.

The bicycling industry has already honored NuVinci Harmony.  Last week the system received an iF Design/EUROBIKE 2011 award and TDR's 2012 FluxX featuring NuVinci Harmony won an iF Design/EUROBIKE Gold Award. Two other bikes featuring NuVinci technology were also EUROBIKE Award winners.

Fallbrook announcements at Interbike include:

New Rear Cog for NuVinci N360 and Gates Carbon Drive

For original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) looking to offer pedal bicycles with NuVinci N360 and Gates Carbon Drive, a newly designed rear cog will be available from Fallbrook for shipment starting in September.  The unique and game changing combination of NuVinci technology and Gates Carbon Drive's new Centertrack™ System helps create the next generation bicycle – a quiet, seamless and maintenance free drivetrain.

"Gates Carbon Drive is thrilled to be partnered with NuVinci to integrate with their N360, which we see as a game changing technology in the commuter market," said Todd Sellden, director of Gates Carbon Drive.  "Both Gates Carbon Drive and the NuVinci N360 are technologies that, when paired, make cycling easier and more fun for a wider range of cyclists due to their low maintenance and high performance.  We believe that is a big step toward the goal of getting more people out of cars and onto bikes."

Increased Availability of NuVinci N360 Conversion Kits

For an increasing number of riders who want to equip their existing bicycles with a NuVinci N360 drivetrain, the availability of conversion kits is now broader through a network of North American distributors and dealers.

North American independent bicycle dealers can order kits through Quality Bike Products (QBP), Seattle Bike Supply (SBS) and J&B Importers (J&B).  Complete upgrade boxed kit options are available in several configurations, including spoke count of 32 or 36, color choice of silver or black, and brake setup for rim, roller or disc.  Distributors may also offer the option of including a NuVinci N360 CVP in a pre-laced or complete wheel.

Special Interbike Offer for IBDs

At Interbike, Fallbrook will be offering independent bike dealers (IBDs) a NuVinci Authorized Dealer Package at special prices.  The package includes two complete NuVinci N360 kits and point of sale support.

Fallbrook Technologies' NuVinci products and displays will be located at Interbike's Outdoor Demo (D2016) September 12-13 in Boulder City, NV, and September 14-16 at Interbike Expo (22073).  For more information, visit www.nuvinci.com.

About Fallbrook Technologies Inc.

Fallbrook's NuVinci® continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology improves the performance and efficiency of machines that use a transmission, including bicycles, electric vehicles, automobiles, agricultural equipment, wind turbines and others. The NuVinci technology offers companies the flexibility to design and produce products that are better tailored to their unique business, market and competitive requirements.

Fallbrook has built an extensive portfolio of over 400 patents and patent applications worldwide. The company intends to continue its research and development activities to enhance the performance and capabilities of NuVinci technology.

For more information, visit: www.fallbrooktech.com

SOURCE Fallbrook Technologies Inc.