[salty_biscuits]

2wd on a bicycle is just plain silly. Weight and friction are such huge disadvantages to overcome. Even on a mountain bike extra traction from the front seems like a very limited benefit. I think Yamaha and Ohlins made a hydraulic motorcycle 2wd prototype. There the loses and weight aren't such a big deal. My understanding was that the extra material you have to add to strengthen the suspension sort of negates any weight benefits for telescopic forks. On motorcycles a single sided swing arm has the same issues, but at least there is a practical benefit when you need to change a tyre quickly.

[atourgates]

I think you're right, though 2wd eBikes might be different.

Our local trail association currently uses a Rokon: https://www.rokon.com/ - for trail maintenance, and it's just about perfect for that application. I could imagine them replacing it with a 2WD eBike at some point.

[salty_biscuits]

It really depends on center of mass and friction coefficient. Most cycling situations are wheelie before wheel slip. Even on dirt and up a hill the rider can just shift their weight backwards to get traction. A powered bike is probably different, with lower center of mass.

[lmm]

> 2wd on a bicycle is just plain silly. Weight and friction are such huge disadvantages to overcome.

Chains are pretty efficient (otherwise we wouldn't use them in the first place) and the weight difference would be tiny for a normal-weight person. If you've ever skidded in rain or ice 2wd seems like it could make sense.

[salty_biscuits]

Did you skid from beastly leg power or from braking or cornering though...