chain drive vs friction drive

[hheltzer]

hey i was just wondering what kind i should get chain drive or friction drive what r advantages and disadvantages of both

 

[Najuto9tail]

chain drive is better because it won't damage the tire but it may break some spokes,Fricition drive will probably waste the tire really quickly(friction drive is when the motor moves the tire by friction force right? So yeah you get my point.I am a newbie on the site,Nice to meet you.

 

[chefdouglas]

friction drives have less vibration, but a higher center of gravity and in my opinion just don't look as cool but a lot of people on this site who use their bikes for transportation seem to prefer them. For what it's worth.

 

[Hawaii_Ed]

Friction drive uses much better quality and more expensive engines. There is debate about which is more efficient, they directly drive the tire, wear a chain has drag and resistance. Friction does wear the tire, and is not so good in the wet. Chain drive is cheap, and looks more like a motorcycle. I like chain drive, my buddy likes friction, and we both move along just fine.

 

[Esteban]

There is some tire wear on friction drive, but not as much as some people state. Once you get used to them, & ride correctly learn to " feather " the acceleration, assist with pedals on hills & in the rain, they are fine. I can ride one for a LONG time on the same tire. Friction drives are the simplest to install & remove. Very handy when fixing a flat !! They usually come with a much better quality engine, compared to th Chinese ones , so much less time spent on repairs .
Chain drive, frame mounts do look better.

 

[Mountainman]

I also enjoy my little friction drive
but must admit
in the rain last winter
that THING was not the best
but hey
here in this neck of the woods
we do not see rain often anyway
MM


oh yes I agree with Esteban
tire wear is not bad at all -------- note -- keeping ajusted properly

 

[augidog]

there's more to MB'ing than chains and rubbers

after owning and/or riding most everything available, i've come to the personal conclusion that a geared-belt is best...

imo, if you go with a rack-mount & don't explore GEBE's setup before deciding, you're selling yourself short.

a little rain ain't nuthin'...we golden eagle riders aren't afraid of any conditions...beach cruzin's full-suspension mongoose: http://www.motoredbikes.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25216&d=1269803577

take your time, and welcome to MBc

 

[loquin]

Staton's chain drives aren't cheap. They're a VERY well made, very reliable drive system. (His gearbox comes with a lifetime warranty!) The chinese 2-stroke, in-frame chain drives ('Happy Time') are, though...

As far as in-frame systems 'looking better,' that's purely a matter of opinion, LOL. I happen to like a motored bicycle that looks like a bicycle with a motor added, not like a motorcycle wannabe... ;-)

 

[Happy Valley]

As far as in-frame systems 'looking better,' that's purely a matter of opinion, LOL. I happen to like a motored bicycle that looks like a bicycle with a motor added, not like a motorcycle wannabe... ;-)

Yes indeed, couldn't have said it better!!

I want my MBs to retain the look of a bicycle with all the inherent stealth that provides plus I'd hate to sacrifice any of the sweet funtionality of the original bike purely to look like some lowball entry into two-wheeled motorsport.

 

[Gh0stRider]

Hmmmmmmmmm.....

Like the "Ginger or Mary Anne" debate.

One is better looking but high maintenance, the other is not as flashy but lower maintenance. Both are fun to ride.........