All I want to do is get some help up hills

[Oban]

Ladies and Gentlemen, I've spent ages searching this site and cannot for the life of me find a simple answer to this;
I love cycling but am finding the Scottish hills a bit of a chore, all I want is some help going up hills.
Everybody seems tied up in how fast they can go. If I want speed I'll get a motorbike. I have no wish to go at 30mph and I'm happy to pedal ( to keep my waist trim-ish).
I don't mind if going up the hill is at 5mph (that's about all I manage anyway)
To be honest I loved the idea of an electric bike but the range and battery technology still seems poor.
Can anybody point me in the right direction to help me up some of these steep little hills?
Many thanks

 

[SimpleSimon]

Scotland, eh? Well, given your weather, a friction drive isn't the best bet. I have no clue what scottish law is like regarding motorizing bicycles - if it is much like english law, a frame mount is likely to get the local bobby with his knickers in a twist. Rack mount GEBE or chain drive from a small 2 cycle seems like a good bet. Depending on your bicycle, you might still be able to use a behind the seat tube jackshaft and a driven chainring/freewheel to continue utilizing your gearing through the drive chain.

I've seen one rig with that setup, the driven sprocket and the jackshaft were mounted above the pedal swing path with a modified chain guard, and similarly down to the driven chainring at the crank. Alternately you might front mount the engine and drive ring/sprocket.

What kind of bike are you riding?

 

[tinker4]

No problem

If I were you I would look at the Golden Eagle setup (Gebe) Robin-Subaru EH035 with maybe the trail gear. You would go 25-30 mph on the flats and going up hills and some peddaling 15-20 mph. Gas mileage is around 160 per gal. The Robin-Subaru is a Great dependable engine 4 stroke.

 

[CalgarysFool]

While Oban notes a concern about the adequacy of batteries, I think we're jumping too quick to a gasoline solution to his problems.

As I understood it, he wants to do most of the pedaling, and only needs some assistance with the hills.

Correct me if wrong, but I think an electric solution may better fit his needs, in being less heavy and awkward when solely under pedal power.

Brenton

 

[Oban]

Scots law

Thankyou gents for your quick replies.
UK law says that any vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine is registered, insured etc, so its either loads of hassle/ go stealth or go offroad.
I like the idea of a friction drive for its simplicity. It does rain a lot here, however I tend not to cycle when it's wet.
I also don't have a problem with reverting to manpower if the drive is slipping.
Would something like a Staton friction drive with a 25cc honda have any hill climbing ability (obviously with me helping)?
The problem with the electric bike is range when hillclimbing - it seems very poor.
Sorry I don't understand some of your American vocabulary, are you saying that some engines can drive the chain wheel (the one with the cranks attatched) so that you can change the gearing with the derailleur? That sounds ideal.

 

[5-7HEAVEN]

You're not asking for much.

A 1.1hp Honda or Subaru engine with Staton friction drive and 1" friction roller will suffice.

 

[mabman]

How aboot a 25cc Subaru Robin set up as a friction drive with as large a knurled style roller as you can find that will alow you to roll you up those hills at whatever speed you feel most comfortable with. Keep it all as light as possible. You won't get any top end however so across the flats and down the hills you will be carrying the extra weight of the system but if you are willing and want to pedal anyway the extra weight will not be too bad across the level and certainly no harm on the downhills.

 

[5-7HEAVEN]

Mabman, you mean the SMALLEST friction roller, right?

 

[TWalker]

No No No Youre All Wrong...

ha...just kiddin.

Hill climbing or wet conditions are not a friction drives forte'.

This fellow enjoys pedaling just wants a little assist up the hills so a light weight chain drive with freewheeling capabilities is his best bet.

The Staton Robin 33.5 is a bit less pricey than the GEBE Robin , freewheels for pedaling, can be geared lower, is lightweight and chains are more durable than belts. Shipping belts to Scotland could be a drawback, chains are always available.

Thats my recommendation.

 

[Member 5549]

Get a GEBE Tanaka 2 stroke a 32 or 40 cc works great in the rain and also starts up very easy. light weight good quality super easy install. you can still peddle if you want to.