A gear system isn’t just a component. It defines the operating system of a bike.
When cyclists choose a trifold bike, many first look at weight, foldability, or design. But seasoned riders know: the true heartbeat of the ride lies in its gear system. The way a bike shifts, climbs, and handles everyday terrain transforms not only performance but also the freedom you feel on the road.
For years, trifold bikes leaned heavily on internal gear hubs. Compact, tucked away, and seemingly practical, they became the default solution. Yet behind the neat appearance lay compromises riders had to quietly accept.
The Limits of Internal Hubs
At first glance, internal hubs sound ideal for casual riders. Everything is hidden, protected from the elements, and marketed as low-maintenance. But in real-world riding, internal gear systems often fall short:
Limited range and coarse gear steps
Some internal hubs offer a respectable overall range, but the gaps between individual gears are often significantly wider. That means you may not find the “just right” gear for the moment. One click up or down can feel too big a jump, breaking your cadence, costing momentum, and making pedalling less efficient and less smooth—especially on rolling terrain or during steady climbs.
Added bulk
The design of internal hubs is inherently heavier and bulkier, which adds unnecessary weight to the bike. This extra load not only slows down acceleration but also makes the ride feel less agile and responsive compared to bikes with lighter, external systems.
Complex maintenance
While promoted as low-maintenance, when issues arise, internal hubs are costly and difficult to repair. Repairs often require specialised knowledge, proprietary parts, and service from trained technicians, far from ideal for riders who value convenience and hassle-free ownership.
Few system options and slow updates
The internal-hub ecosystem has limited choice and a slower pace of updates. Even Shimano, the largest drivetrain manufacturer, only has 2 internal-hub system, Nexus or Alfine. For riders who value personal fit, upgrade paths, or future compatibility, this narrower set of options can feel restrictive compared with external drivetrains.
Internal hubs may still work for simple commuting, but their limitations make them far less versatile when conditions change.
The Shift to External Gears — A Closer Look
As internal gear hubs began revealing their real-world limitations, many cyclists and brands turned toward external derailleur systems, the same trusted gear technology found and proven for centuries on road, mountain, and performance bikes worldwide. The move wasn’t cosmetic; it unlocked real mechanical advantages:
Advantages That External Gears Bring:
Wider gear range & better flexibility
Modern derailleur setups deliver gear ranges of 400%–500%, giving riders both climbing power and speed on flats. Internal hubs often cap out around 200%–400%. That extra spread matters when you transition from flat roads to steep climbs or need both low and high gear leverage.
Single shifter simplicity
External drivetrains can achieve a wide range with one intuitive shifter. Some trifold designs, for example the classic British trifold bike rely on two-shifter combinations to span their range. A single shifter keeps operation natural and immediate, so you stay in rhythm and in control. No complicated combinations, no risk of jamming the shifters, just shift "Up" or "Down" intuitively.
Lighter system weight
Because external derailleurs don’t need to package multiple planetary gears in a sealed hub, they tend to be much lighter, often 500 to 1,000 grams lighter than comparable internal gear hubs. That weight saving directly translates to better acceleration, easier handling, and less inertial drag during folds and lifts.
Easier, globally serviceable parts
Chains, cassettes, jockey wheels, and derailleurs are standard components worldwide. If something wears out, replacement is fast, affordable, and supported by a broad network of bike shops.
Personal fit and upgrade freedom
External drivetrains are the default operating system for most bikes, including high-end road and mountain bikes. That means more options to dial in a perfect fit: cassette sizes, chainrings, derailleurs, and shifter ergonomics can be tailored to your riding style. As your needs evolve, upgrades are straightforward and widely available.
These advantages make external derailleur systems appealing on paper. But when applied to trifold bikes, external gears introduced a new set of challenges: chain drops during folding, low-hanging derailleurs at risk on curbs, and designs that force riders into a “safe gear” before folding. These compromises interrupted the hassle-free experience folding-bike riders truly wanted. Solving these is where the TAKACHIA TIIME SERIES changes the game.
TAKACHIA TIIME SERIES: Redefining What an External-Gear Trifold Bike Can Be
At TAKACHIA, we never believed riders should compromise between convenience and performance. Instead, we set out to reimagine what a folding bike could be. This vision came to life as the TIIME SERIES trifold bike, crafted for riders who refuse to settle. Built on the proven precision of the Shimano Sora 9-speed system with an upgraded 11-32T cassette, it is elevated by three proprietary innovations that remove the frustrations of traditional folding bikes and set a new benchmark for the best trifold bike experience.
Here’s how TAKACHIA re-engineered the trifold, using design to turn everyday rider frustrations into freedom:
1. TAKACHIA Anti-Chain-Drop Technology
On many folding bikes with external gears, the chain can slip off during folding, unfolding, or when shifting at tight chain angles. Riders suddenly find themselves stopping mid-commute, fumbling with oily hands to rethread a dropped chain.
This isn’t just frustrating—it disrupts your rhythm, delays your ride, and risks damaging the drivetrain if it happens under pressure. In city traffic or during travel, even one chain drop can sour the entire experience.
TAKACHIA’s solution: Our Anti-Chain-Drop Tech secures the chain with a precision guide, optimised dropouts, and controlled tension. Even in fast folds or tricky shifts, the chain stays exactly where it belongs. That means no sudden mishaps, no dirty fingers, and no broken flow, just a smooth, confident ride every time.
2. Twice the Rear Derailleur Ground Clearance
On conventional folding bikes, the rear derailleur often hangs dangerously close to the ground. A shallow curb, uneven sidewalk, or stray bump can scrape or even bend it, leading to poor shifting or costly repairs. Riders have learned to tiptoe around city terrain—an ironic compromise for a bike meant to be versatile.
Instead of freedom, riders feel anxiety: Will this bump catch my derailleur? Will my gear alignment survive the next curb? A vulnerable derailleur means constant worry, less spontaneity, and more time in the repair shop.
TAKACHIA’s solution: We redesigned the rear triangle and dropout to deliver up to 2× the ground clearance of standard folders. By lifting the derailleur’s position and protecting its angle, the drivetrain stays well above urban obstacles. That means peace of mind, fewer repairs, and the confidence to ride anywhere.
3. “Fold at Any Gear” Capability
Most folding bikes demand that you shift into a “safe gear” before folding. If you forget this step, whether in the middle of traffic or while rushing onto a train, the chain can drop, the derailleur can misalign, or the fold may jam. This hidden rule transforms convenience into a chore.
This mandatory step makes folding feel scripted, not spontaneous. Riders who value quick, hassle-free mobility are left with a bike that adds friction to the very moments it was designed to simplify.
With TAKACHIA Fold at Any Gear, you fold and unfold in seconds. No preset steps, no mental checklist. Our custom chain-tension buffering, precision cassette alignment, and calibrated derailleur geometry absorb the movement seamlessly. Whether you’re in first gear or ninth, the fold works perfectly. That means true portability, true freedom, and no compromises
Ride the TIIME Difference
The TAKACHIA TIIME SERIES is more than a folding bike, it’s the freedom to ride without compromise. By combining the trusted reliability of the Japan Shimano Sora 9-speed system with our proprietary innovations, we’ve eliminated the usual frustrations of trifold designs and created a bike that feels effortless—whether you’re folding it in seconds, riding across town, or taking it abroad.
Choose between Chromoly steel (C16, C20) for all-day comfort and smooth resilience, or High-Efficiency Aluminium (A16, A20) at just 8.5kg+ for ultimate portability. From Chromoly to Aluminium, each frame reflects our belief in freedom, comfort, and a hassle-free ride without compromise.
From city commuters to global travellers, TAKACHIA delivers more than performance. It delivers peace of mind, confidence in motion, and the joy of knowing your bike is ready for every journey.
Discover the Best Trifold Bike Experience
It’s time to stop settling for gear limitations or folding frustrations. The TAKACHIA TIIME SERIES is available now in Chromoly Steel Version and Aluminium Version, giving you the performance, confidence, and hassle-free riding experience every modern rider deserves.
