{
  "id": 8895691,
  "title": "'It's the star of the show' – the famous bike with two chains just got an upgrade",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/its-the-star-of-the-show-the-famous-bike-with-two-chains-just-got-an",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T10:03:36.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Cycling Weekly",
    "slug": "cycling-weekly",
    "url": "https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/its-the-star-of-the-show-the-famous-bike-with-two-chains-just-got-an-upgrade"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "World Bicycle Relief (WBR), a charity that provides bicycles to rural communities worldwide, has unveiled the first upgrade to its two-chain Buffalo bike. Dubbed the Buffalo Pro, this new model is an evolution of the Utility S2 bike introduced in July 2024, which featured an innovative two-chain drivetrain. This week, WBR announced the release of two updated bike models: the two-chain Buffalo Pro and single-speed Buffalo One.\n\nThe Buffalo Pro boasts several enhancements over its predecessor. It now features front and back disc brakes, an updated stand for improved cargo loading and unloading stability, and two frame sizes: standard and large. The previous model was a one-size-fits-all design. According to Andy Samways, WBR’s VP of product development, these changes aim to make the bike more comfortable and functional for a wider range of users. Samways explained that taller riders had previously complained about the bike's size, and that women in Kenya had requested child-sized bikes, leading to the development of shorter, more accommodating frames for younger riders.\n\nThe Buffalo Pro is not merely a technical upgrade; it is part of WBR's broader strategy to continuously improve its flagship bike. The cost to donate a single-speed Buffalo One is £138 ($185), covering the expenses of materials, manufacturing, and distribution. The two-speed Buffalo Pro is priced around £20 ($27) higher. Samways emphasized that while the two-chain drivetrain remains a significant innovation, it is still in the early stages of development. He noted that the team is already working on refining the bearings and materials and exploring ways to further reduce costs. Ultimately, WBR aims to integrate this two-chain technology into all Buffalo bikes in the future, although this will require time, efficiency improvements, and cost reductions. The charity continues to run distribution programs in Zimbabwe, Uganda, Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Colombia, with the Buffalo bikes now present in at least 28 countries.",
  "summary": "The updated Buffalo Pro and One bikes are built for hard-wearing use",
  "key_points": [
    "Buffalo Pro is upgraded two-chain Buffalo bike",
    "Features disc brakes, stand, and two frame sizes",
    "Priced £20 ($27) higher than single-speed Buffalo One"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}