NuVinci® Harmony™ - First Automatic CVP Shifting System for Bicycles - Wins Bicycle Innovation Award at FietsVAK 2012 Show in Amsterdam, RAI

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fallbrook Technologies Inc. (Fallbrook) today announced that its NuVinci Harmony intelligent drivetrain, the first continuously variable shifting system offering the option of automatic seamless or manual shifting, has won the Bicycle Innovation Award at FietsVAK 2012 show in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The NuVinci Harmony incorporates technology included in NuVinci CVP bicycle drivetrains. The initial commercially available NuVinci drivetrain model won the Bicycle Innovation Award at FietsVAK 2007.

Introduced in 2011 and in production, the NuVinci Harmony intelligent drivetrain is an innovative shifting system leveraging the unique benefits of the NuVinci N360 drivetrain, which can shift through an infinite number of effective drive ratios within its wide 360 percent range – creating a riding experience second to none. The NuVinci CVP is now offered on more than 40 international bicycle brands. The intuitive Harmony system is designed specifically for the fast growing and advancing e-Bike market worldwide. Several large brands have Harmony-equipped e-Bike models under development.

"We are honored to be selected for the Bicycle Innovation Award by the judges at the FietsVAK show," said Jack Brandsen, European Director of Sales and Business Development for Fallbrook's Bicycle Division. "NuVinci Harmony ushers in a paradigm 'shift' by delivering smooth and efficient bicycle shifting to dramatically improve e-Bike performance. Working in conjunction with the NuVinci N360 drivetrain, NuVinci Harmony provides automatic operation for seamless shifting that improves e-Bike range, motor life and overall ride quality."

"Receiving a second FietsVAK innovation award is a great honor that also reflects the ongoing progression and applicability of NuVinci technology," said William G. Klehm, Fallbrook's Chairman and CEO. "NuVinci technology offers the flexibility to design and produce next-generation products, like the Harmony system, that are better tailored to their unique environments whether for bicycling or other fields, even those such as controlling accessory speed independently of engine speed for improved automotive accessories such as AC compressors, alternators, and superchargers that can improve fuel economy, increase performance or both."

The NuVinci Harmony system offers a choice of two controller versions — Base and Advanced — to customize the ride for increased comfort, safety and fun.

The Harmony Base Controller offers a simple push-button controller with three pre-set cadence settings (typically slow – medium – fast) for automatic-only shifting. The system intelligently manages the ride by shifting automatically to maintain the pedal cadence that the rider selects. E-Bike manufacturers will pre-set the cadence choices reflecting the characteristics of their bikes.

The Harmony Advanced Controller offers both fully automatic and manual shifting options. A button switches between modes. In "Automatic" mode, the Harmony system controller automatically and continuously adjusts the drive ratio to maintain the rider's selected cadence. The rider is able to select and adjust a preferred cadence set point while riding by simply twisting the shifter. In "Manual" operation, the rider uses the twist grip to change the specific ratio of the NuVinci CVP. The Harmony Advanced Controller provides an attractive visual display, similar to that of the NuVinci N360 controller, displaying both mode and setting.

Overall, NuVinci technology has won 12 major awards since its introduction in 2007, including an iF Design/EUROBIKE 2011 Award in the Electronic Components/Components category and Bicycling Magazine selected the NuVinci N360 equipped Breezer Uptown infinity as its 2011 Commuter Bike of the Year. The current N360 model incorporates many improvements over the original N170 including a 30% reduction in weight, a 17% reduction in size and a wider ratio range.

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. Fallbrook's latest innovation is the Harmony™ automatic shifting system for bicycles, which generates a totally new and efficient e-bike riding experience.

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.