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College of Engineering

A Pioneer in AWD for Motorcycles and Mountain Bikes: Villanova Engineering Alumnus Steve Christini ’95 ME

Steve Christini ’95 ME
Steve Christini ’95 ME

Who: Alumnus Steve Christini ’95 ME, president and CEO of Christini Technologies, Inc., a Philadelphia-based company which manufactures a range of All-Wheel Drive (AWD) bicycles and motorcycles

The Bikes: Christini’s dream began as an undergraduate at Villanova when, for his senior capstone design project, he and his team created a two-wheel-drive system for a bicycle that would give riders much better control and climbing abilities on slippery terrain. At the College’s year-end competition, their project earned top honors, and the judges advised Christini to apply for a patent.

  • In 2002, after seven years of developing his prototype, securing investments, and growing his company, Christini delivered 50 of the world's only AWD mountain bikes to Jeep® Bicycles. 
  • The patented mechanical All Wheel Drive system on the bikes delivers power from the rear of the bicycle to the front wheel through a series of gears, shafts, and chain all mounted within or on the frame.
  • In 2002, he also built his first AWD motorcycle and, by 2004, had a functioning prototype. 
  • The bike went into production in 2007, and in 2008, was named Dirt Rider magazine’s Bike of the Year. 
  • Christini’s bikes have competed in ESPN’s X-Games and are even used by the military.

Giving Back: Christini has given back to his alma mater in numerous ways. His company has partnered with the College of Engineering on two senior design projects involving mechanical engineering students, and he donated one of his new electric AWD Fat Bikes (FAT-E 4 750W Mid) to Villanova’s Department of Public Safety.