Good setup for mostly manual pedaling?

[Freki]

Hi all,

I would like to motorize my bike in a way that minimizes issues with regular pedaling. My goal is to have something that helps me get up hills faster. Occasionally I may also use it if I'm dead tired. The rest of the time I would prefer pedaling. So I don't care at all if the engine can't move the bike super fast

Are there any good options for me? From the light reading I've done it sounds like pedaling becomes much more difficult after motorizing the bike, so I think I may be out of luck.

Thanks

 

[Happy Valley]

Hi all,

I would like to motorize my bike in a way that minimizes issues with regular pedaling. My goal is to have something that helps me get up hills faster. Occasionally I may also use it if I'm dead tired. The rest of the time I would prefer pedaling. So I don't care at all if the engine can't move the bike super fast

Are there any good options for me? From the light reading I've done it sounds like pedaling becomes much more difficult after motorizing the bike, so I think I may be out of luck.

Thanks

You want a true free wheeling motor set-up, one that impacts the original functionality of the bike as little as possible. IMO, best thing that fits that description using an ICE is a small 35cc 4 stroke Robin or Honda engine, and a friction drive. Total weight about 14 pounds and you simply lift it off the tire to return to pure pedal mode.

FDs have some drawbacks, what doesn't, but one nice advantage is you can mount them on/off the bike in about a half hour and the bike is not affected in any way.

 

[Freki]

Thanks; I checked both options and the engines alone appear to be over $600. Is there any way to get this done for under $200?

 

[Happy Valley]

Where are you located, not in AUS by chance?

$200 is low for a kit and quality engine. You could DIY with a used weedwacker engine and, if you're handy, come up with a way to mount it for under 200 probably.

Just one example:

$389
http://www.staton-inc.com/store/pro..._Four_Cycle_Engine_kit_24_oz_tank-335-13.html

Also, there was a guy here trying to sell one recently, look in the classified forum.
EDIT: scratch that, I see it's sold for $325.

 

[Freki]

No, I'm the the US, CA specifically. I believe that engine would require DMV regulation due to being over 1 HP

 

[Happy Valley]

I thought CA was under 2 HP/50cc but I don't live there. Maybe someone who does can chime in.

Best of luck with what you decide.

 

[motorbikemike45]

Friction drive requires you to raise the drive spindle off the tire to pedal freely/lower the spindle to the tire and press the spindle into the tire fairly hard to drive with the engine. You will have to stop and dismount to do these things. Not my first choice to fill your needs.

The Subaru Robin 33.5cc and Honda 33.5cc are 4 cycle engines that would work ideally for you with little maintenence and no fuss. Both cost about $250.00 new without a drive kit to put the power to the wheels.

There is a new Chinese copy of the old Solex front mounted kit with a 2 stroke engine that might work for you, but I know nothing about the quality, reliability, freewheel, or cost. If memory serves, it might be around $300.00.

You could consider an electric geared motor in front or rear hub. The geared motor freewheels when not in use, so pedalling is no more effort than a standard bike. The only extra work is from moving the added weight of the motor and battery. Electric seems perfect for the assist on hills you want. Cost will be slightly higher than gas engined kits, but maintenence will be limited to taking care of the batteries.

To the best of my knowledge, Staton's axle kit, or chain drive kit with the SR or Honda 33.5cc engine would fit your needs perfectly, but at much higher cost than you seem interested in paying.

For $200.00 the only new kit to motorize a bike will be the cheap, low quality kits with the Chinese 2 stroke engines we call Happy Time (HT) or China Girl. You can pull the cluth lever(some kits come with a clutch lever lock) to pedal more freely, but you will still have the resistance of turning the chain, tensioner, and transmission when pedalling only. Not my first choice. Maintenence/tinkering is high with all the HT kits.

 

[Esteban]

I agree a friction drive is the best for you. I have had several with clutches, & never had to stop to make any changes when pedalling. Install in 30 minutes,,, easy to remove to repair a flat on the rear tire,, simple design.
For $200,,, you are not getting much, though. You may run across a good used one for about that, or even a little less.

 

[wheelbender6]

If you are only using the assist to climb hills, an electric internally geared hub motor with SLA batteries may work for you.
Jackshaft/shift kits are said to provide freewheeling pedaling. They cost around 150 bucks.
The HybriPed is a freewheeling rear motor sprocket. However, you must dismount to "freewheel" the motor sprocket.
The HybriPed is the least expensive option.

 

[Freki]

Thanks guys, sounds like I have a lot to read.

PS $200 was not a strict budget. I can pay more; I'll just have to wait longer.