Spank Industries is growing a brand new hub with a spring-loaded pawl mechanism that provides a large 612 POEs. With a 102t driver ratchet and 6 triple-stepped pawls, the factors of engagement may be multiplied by six with the offset timing of every of every pawl, such that the hub will have interaction with solely a 0.58823529° rotation of the freehub physique.
On this prototype, just one pawl is really engaged at any time, however we’re instructed by Spank that there’s sufficient flex within the system such that the torque transmitted by means of the drivetrain by the rider is sufficient to enable the opposite 5 pawls to additionally have interaction in a extra “supporting” function.
Spank are proud of the mechanism’s power and sturdiness for normal bikes, however are nonetheless testing its suitability for eBikes the place larger torque ranges may be sustained over longer durations.
How does it examine? Properly, the Spank prototype is rather a lot quicker than the three.5° engagement provided by the present Spank Hex hub that provides simply 102 POEs. And, it’s a lot quicker than any star-ratchet primarily based mechanism. However, it isn’t fairly as quick because the 0.52° provided by Business 9’s Hydra Hub, or certainly the moment engagement delivered by Onyx.
Spank Industries plan to convey the brand new new pawl association to the following era Hex hubs, with availability overlaying all frequent freehub drivers. This one is due in early 2024, and may are available at a value just like the present Hex hubs. For reference, again in 2020, Spank was promoting its entrance and rear Hex hubs for $99 USD and $199 USD, respectively.
