First Automatic CVP Shifting System for Bicycles - a New Era of Cycling Experience Begins With NuVinci® Harmony™

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fallbrook Technologies Inc., developer and manufacturer of NuVinci® continuously variable planetary (CVP) technology, has introduced the first continuously variable shifting system offering the option for seamless automatic or manual shifting. The NuVinci Harmony intelligent drivetrain is an innovative and intuitive shifting system leveraging the unique benefits of the NuVinci N360™ to create a riding experience second to none.  The new Harmony system is designed specifically for the fast growing and advancing e-Bike market worldwide.

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) can shift through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum settings.  Fallbrook's NuVinci CVP is a new and improved type of CVT.  It offers smooth, step-less shifting for bicycle drivetrains and the potential advantage of increasing both performance and efficiency for vehicle accessory drives, electric vehicles, lawn and garden equipment, small wind turbines and other potential applications.

At the heart of NuVinci Harmony lies the incredibly smooth-shifting bicycle drivetrain – NuVinci N360.  The NuVinci CVP has revolutionized drivetrain technology and won several accolades including two iF Design/Eurobike awards and is now offered by over 40 international brands.  Fallbrook Technologies was the first company to introduce a commercial bicycle CVT in 2007, and in 2010 introduced a lighter, smaller, better shifting and more affordable model, the NuVinci N360 CVP. The NuVinci Harmony constitutes another major step forward in bicycle drivetrain technology.

"A new era starts today as riders experience the next evolution in shifting that is truly automatic, without any limiting or jarring gear steps," said Alan M. Nordin, President, Bicycle Division for Fallbrook Technologies Inc. "This revolutionary system — fittingly named 'Harmony' — delivers a smart, simple and smooth automatic operation for seamless e-Bike shifting that improves vehicle range, durability and overall ride quality."

Harmony intelligent drivetrain features the choice of two controller versions — Base and Advanced — to optimize the ride with increased comfort, safety and fun.

For riders who do not like shifting or for those who just prefer simplicity, the Harmony Base Controller intelligently manages the ride by automatically maintaining the pedaling cadence the rider chooses, with push button (automatic-only) shifting with three cadence settings (typically slow – medium – fast). e-Bike manufacturers will pre-set the cadence choices reflecting their bike and gearing specifications.

The Harmony Advanced Controller offers both fully automatic and manual shifting options. In "Automatic" mode, Harmony automatically and continuously adjusts the drive ratio to maintain the rider's preferred cadence. The rider is able to select and seamlessly maintain a cadence set-point by twisting the shifter. Pressing a "mode" button switches to "Manual" operation. The rider is then able to directly control the NuVinci CVP ratio manually. The Harmony Advanced Controller provides an attractive visual display of mode and setting similar to that of the NuVinci N360 controller.

"When designing the Harmony system, it was clear that we wanted to bring a new level of performance to bicycle shifting, while keeping it simple and intuitive. e-Bike manufacturers now have the ability to offer customers exactly what they want — a smooth and organic interaction between rider and bicycle that works automatically and seamlessly with the NuVinci N360 drivetrain," said Chris Vasiliotis, NuVinci product manager.

Brands such as Panther, Union and Simpel already have Harmony equipped e-Bike models under development for the 2012 model year. "The simple and easy e-Bike ride experience created by Harmony also improves battery and motor performance" said Kai Wippermann, Head of Marketing & Product Management at Pantherwerke International GmbH. And, Philip Douglas, CEO, Founder of Simpel.ch noted:  "After riding Harmony for a few hundred kilometers, I have to say that it's a bit like a surprisingly affordable upgrade to business class travel."

For more information and complete specifications on the Harmony intelligent drivetrain, visit http://www.fallbrooktech.com/harmony.

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 next-generation products that are better tailored to their unique business, market and competitive requirements. An example of a next generation product is a NuVinci CVP that controls the speed of automotive accessory drives (including air conditioning compressors, alternators, and superchargers) independently of engine speed, thereby improving fuel economy or increasing performance or both.

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.