SRAM, Trek, Giant and Karasawa create ‘industry first’ utility bike
While the cycling industry is in the midst of a downturn – the smart money being on 2025 to see the overstocks situation resolved – innovation has not been taking a back seat. Visitors to this week’s Eurobike appear to be knee-deep in fresh new product and fresh takes on familiar challenges, not least Schwalbe’s CLIK VALVE.
The Frankfurt-set show has also seen the debut of World Bicycle Relief’s Buffalo Utility S2, a unique collaboration between product designers and developers from SRAM, Trek, Giant and Karasawa – quite the list.
The Buffalo Utility S2, a winner in the Eurobike Awards, features an innovative 2-chain drivetrain that provides riders with two gears without the complexity of sensitive external components. The AK2 Freewheel system with back-pedal shifting marks the milestone of World Bicycle Relief’s first patented product.
The multi-speed drivetrain consists of a switchable freewheel with two cogs that are each paired with a corresponding chainring via their own single-speed chain. Riders can effortlessly switch between high gear for speed and low gear for climbing by simply back-pedaling just under half a turn, then pedal forward.
The AK2 Freewheel system is integral to the sustainable nature of the durable bike, designed to cope with some of the world’s harshest environments, designed to address the critical mobility needs of communities where transportation is a significant barrier to accessing education, healthcare and financial opportunities.
SRAM, Trek, Giant Group, and Karasawa contributed product design expertise and
product testing capabilities in the evolution of the Buffalo Utility S2.
The sustainable design principles played into other key features too, including Dual-Pivot Caliper Brakes: These brakes are easy to install and adjust, corrosion-resistant and offer superior control, especially when carrying heavy loads. The Buffalo Utility S2 also sports heavy-duty aluminium rims: The “deep-box section” aluminium rims provide high strength and lighter weight. Updated wheel construction with 3x lacing ensures consistent spoke tension and reduces spoke breakages.
With over two years of rigorous testing in the diverse landscapes of Sub-Saharan Africa and
South America, the Buffalo Utility S2 has been refined through direct feedback from the
end-user.
Dave Neiswander, CEO of World Bicycle Relief, said: “At World Bicycle Relief, our mission is to mobilize people through the Power of Bicycles, and the Buffalo Utility S2 is a prime example of our commitment to this goal. This innovative bicycle is a significant step forward in our growth strategy, enabling us to reach more individuals and communities in need of reliable transportation. We are proud to continue expanding our impact and transforming lives through
sustainable mobility solutions.”
Chris Raymo, Product Development Lead at World Bicycle Relief, added: “We are incredibly proud to deliver the Buffalo Utility S2 to the communities we serve. This new innovation is the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration designed to meet the unique challenges faced by our users. It is an honour to be part of a project that has such a profound impact on people’s lives.”
