Het CVT systeem (Continuous Variable Transmission)

The “lower gear” solution: to create a larger and lower gear range the system of shifting had to be changed. This alternative configuration shifts by rolling the cable further on or off the Snek. The cable is now attached with one end to the smallest part of the Snek (picture A).

(B) By rolling it off you’ll move to the higher gear.

(C) While rolling it on, moves the cable into a lower gear.

(D) How the system which is now standard for THYS 222 CVT and THYS 240 rowingbikes works: there is a unlockable clamping device at the foot slider that attaches the propulsion cable to the foot slider.

(E) When shifting, right thumb button, hereinafter referred to as clutch lever, is pushed all the way and thereby two things happen: the Snek is locked, it can no longer turn around its axis and the propulsion cable is unlocked from the foot slider.

When this clutch lever is pushed:

• making (a small part of) a stroke is shifting down
• making a (part of) a recovery stroke is shifting up.

Push the clutch lever all the way, or not at all! There’s no way in between!

(F) So one end of the propulsion cable is attached to the smallest part of the Snek, it is winded more or less over the Snek.

(G) Then it goes through the clamping device at the foot slider, to the bow pulley that also works as cable tensioner.

(H) After that the cable goes to the (not yet) used part of the Snek and is winded on the Snek all the way to the largest part of the Snek where the other cable end is attached to the Snek.

• This shifting mechanism is very easy to operate and it is completely stepless.
• The clamping system at the foot slider uses two hardened steel wedges to clamp the cable.
• The lifetime of the wedges is estimated at at least 5000 km.
• Just like the propulsion cable the wedges are very easy to replace and not very expensive.

With the standard CVT Snek (diameter 178/40 mm) your range of speed goes from 4 to 70 km/h, therefore this Snek is also suited for alpine use..

Warranty special CVT cable

The lifetime of the propulsion cable and Snek of the CVT system are at least twice as long as on the earlier Snek shifting system on the “regular” 222. Thys guarantees that the lifetime of the CVT cable is at least 1500 km and the Snek lasts at least 8000 km. In reality much longer values have already been realised, certainly in Alpine use!
In case heavy rowers succeed to create faster wear as stated above they are strongly advised to start racing with their rowingbikes!
Besides the racing advice THIJS I.D. will give them a discount on new CVT cable and Snek at the same percentage discount as the lifetime was under the above mentioned limits.The CVT clamping system works best with the original, specially made, CVT cable. As alternative a standard water sport steel cable Ø3,2 mm ( 7x 19) can be used. This 1/8 ” size is not easy to find in Europe but can be (mail) ordered at Thys. In emergencies a standard water sport cable Ø 3,0 (7 x19) can be used. It can happen that this thinner cable does not de-clamp as easy as the 3,2 mm cable does.