What is the difference between shaft drive and chain drive?

[LeEva]

The differences between shaft drive and chain drive are as follows: 1. Different transmission efficiency: The mechanical efficiency of shaft drive gears exceeds 99%, while that of chains is only 95%. In other words, when the same force is applied to the same bicycle, a shaft-driven bicycle can travel farther than a chain-driven one. 2. Different lifespan: The service life of shaft drive gears is several times longer than that of chain drives, with a mileage that can reach hundreds of thousands of kilometers, generally requiring no maintenance for 10 years. In contrast, chain-driven bicycles will inevitably experience chain elongation and breakage after a period of use. 3. Different lubrication environments: The gears of a shaft-driven bicycle are enclosed in a sturdy cast aluminum alloy shell, with the entire transmission system operating in a fully sealed environment where mud and sand cannot enter. It comes with oil rust and lubricating oil, and the oil will not leak out. On the other hand, the chain of a chain-driven bicycle is partially exposed during operation, making it easy for lubricants to leak out. Therefore, in most cases, chains without lubricating oil are prone to rust.