While Sram already buried the front derailleur in the spring, our surveys show that multiple cranks are still highly favoured by readers. This is exactly what the young Austrian component manufacturer Vyro was counting on when it launched the AmEn1 crankset via crowdfunding and offered it for sale directly. Until now, the function of multiple cranks was clear: the chain is moved back and forth between parallel chainrings with the help of a derailleur. Because the chain has to shift sideways to do this, it is necessary to take pressure off the pedal for a brief moment. The segmented AmEn1 crank from Vyro Components takes a completely different approach. Here, the individual segments of the large chainring fold into and out of the chain line at the right moment (i.e. in the unloaded nine o'clock position of the segment). The chain is therefore only lifted onto the large chainring or "drops" onto the fixed, small chainring - without any lateral load.
In practice, the Vyro driver should be able to shift gears safely at the front even under maximum load. However, the technology required for this is anything but trivial. Each segment of the large chainring on the crank is folded in or out via small slider plates on precisely defined guide tracks (both components are made of fibre-reinforced injection-moulded plastic). The shifting and guide plate is located behind the crank on the frame side. This is where the small, movable eccentric (see below) is located, which pushes the pins of the slider plates upwards or downwards depending on their position, causing the chainring segments to fold in or out. The Vyro system is shifted using a normal double or triple shifter from Shimano or Sram. Whether the innovative crank from Austria really has what it takes to slow down the advance of single drivetrains á la Sram Eagle, and whether it is a real alternative to classic crank/ derailleur systems, was demonstrated in our practical test.
Test summary by Christian Artmann, BIKE author
When the Vyro crank works, it works brilliantly - even die-hard single riders get a taste for it again. Unfortunately, the samples in our test all had functional problems quite early on. Vyro has already reacted to some of these and revised details, but the test result still shows that the system is not yet fully developed.
...
PRACTICAL TEST
A clever concept, but the complex structure and the many variables make life difficult for the Vyro AmEn1.
Vyro is treading new paths with the AmEn1 - paths with a few stumbling blocks. One of these is frame compatibility. The aluminium crank can only be mounted on frames with a BSA bottom bracket, with or without an ISCG mount. Frames with a press-fit bottom bracket require an ISCG mount, but the shifter plate often does not fit here. Boost frames are also currently not compatible. However, a suitable version is due to follow in the autumn. The assembly itself is not very difficult with a little care and the manufacturer's online tutorials. On the trail, however, enthusiasm arises. One push on the gear lever and the four chainring segments swivel in and out as if by magic with a distinct clicking noise. Shifting under full load is quick and easy, as promised.
However, the major drawback of the system during our practical test was its reliability. Despite multiple replacements, none of the test samples lasted long. Because many components have to work together in an MTB drivetrain, it is not certain that the problems stem solely from the crank, but the repeated defects show that the Vyro AmEn1 still suffers from serious weaknesses.
FACTS
Name Vyro AmEn1
Info www.vyro.com
Price 395 Euro
Weight 722 g (crank) / 125 g (shift/guide plate )
Chainrings 24/36 (further gradations in preparation)
Bottom bracket axle 24 mm, aluminium (as FrEn1 in steel)
Scope of delivery Aluminium crank, shift plate (with bashguard), small parts and BSA bottom bracket
Special features Customising with coloured plastic parts
VIDEO The Functional video for the Vyro AmEn1 can be found here.
...
INTERVIEW
Gregor Schuster, the man behind Vyro, is a passionate biker and inventor: "The Vyro Amen1 is the next evolutionary stage of the 2x crank."
Where did the idea of the segmented crank come from?
Actually from the 90s. Back then, aggressive riders either had to live with constant chain suck or ride a sluggish gear crank. Since then, there have been many stages of development up to today's series maturity.
How does an inventor dare to tackle such a complex system?
This is only possible with a lot of idealism, the firm conviction that you really have a good idea and a lot of perseverance. But as your test shows, the journey is not over yet.
There were repeated technical problems in our practical test - what do you think?
Many of the defects have never been seen before and show how intensively BIKE tests its bikes. In retrospect, every defect was an indication of deficits in the design, all of which have now been or will be rectified.
Was the AmEn1 your big coup, or can we expect more?
I'm still working on lots of exciting ideas, but I can't say anything about them here yet.
