A company has invented a new gear box for bikes that allows the chain to run inside the frame, allowing for more durable frames with fewer delicate parts being exposed. I think this is pretty sweet, making great additions to everday products, so here are some links: A picture of a bike with the integrated shifting unit, the gear box's website, a picture of the unit, another close up of the integrated unit.
As always, for othre bike related things, check out Bigha.
rock! i like bikes, i just wish i knew more about them.
maybe you can tell me - do you think this unit could be put onto a bike I already have - specifically this one? (http://nirve.com/main/cruiser/product.asp?cid=535) I love this bike, but it's a cruiser - one gear. I'd love to give it a little more versatility.