World Bicycle Relief explains that its Buffalo bicycles are designed to be “extremely durable to serve the needs of people who travel long distances over rugged terrain with heavy cargo in some of the world’s harshest environments.” With that in mind, simplicity and ruggedness are absolutely critical, and the redundant chain system is designed to provide a high/low gear solution that involves as few breakable, externally mounted parts as possible. These bikes are being delivered to places that don’t have access to bicycle shops or spare part overnighting, so making something that’s as tough and easy to repair as possible is an essential part of WBR’s job.
I don’t mean to brag, but I read the article. All the comments talking about chain breaking are missing the actual point. The original bike was a fixed gear. Having two chains allows this model to have 2 gears to aid with hills or carrying cargo.
Why 2 chains you ask? Imagine you wanted to have a two gear bike with as few moving parts as possible. Chain repair is also relatively easy with a simple tool.
Apparently they avoid even the cables.
I have doubts about how that behaves going down a slope, I would like to see it in action.
(Edit: Reword)
Kickback-shifted hubs and coaster brakes have been a thing absolutely forever and they all perform perfectly fine downhill, not sure why this would be any different!
And redundancy, if one chain breaks you can still get home (or to someone with tools) and repair
Ok, that’s pretty cool. Why not a gearbox though? Weight, maybe?
Presumable complexity and therefore cost and reliability, but given the simplicity and mature robustness of 2 and 3 speed hubs I’m a little surprised this is truly superior and worthwhile.
These bikes sacrifice weight for other priorities at every oportunity