Dahon Mariner - looking to add chain drive

[ElementX]

Ok, I just picked up an old Dahon Mariner today and I'm pretty excited. I have no idea how old it is, but its in pretty good condition. The only thing it needs is a new front wheel. The current one spins far from true and the hub seems very loose.

This isn't mine, but looks exactly like it:

I plan on adding a Staton chain drive to this very soon. Anyone have any tips or suggestions?

If anyone has pics of their motorized Dahon's, post them up! Thanks!

 

[5-7HEAVEN]

I cut my teeth on a 20" Dahon Mariner. First install was a Staton friction drive w/Subaru engine.

With 1.125" roller, it was a perfect match as a starter MB, with top speed of 27mph.

Then I installed a Staton chain drive with 18.75:1 gearing. That's when I began to feel the bike's squirrelly handling characteristics.

Too much power for a small bike...for me as a noobie. Top speed was probably low-30's mph.

Once I became serious about commuting and yearned to ride the highways, I removed the 2.2hp Mitsubishi and chain drive.

Then I gave the Dahon away and moved up to 26" bicycles.

 

[ElementX]

Well, I called Staton and ordered the chain drive w/Robin EH035 for the 20" Dahon. I also ordered a rear wheel thats set up for this kit, but they said it wasn't on hand and would take a few days.

I also ordered a friction drive kit, minus the engine, for my 26" mountain bike. I'll be using this one with the Honda GX25 that I already have on hand.

Next step is to get new tires. The tires that came with my Dahon are Tioga slicks 20x1.75. I am going to replace them with some good street/commuting tires that can handle some rain and gravel. These tires can get pretty expensive. I'm gonna limit myself to tires under $20.

 

[5-7HEAVEN]

What sizes are your rollers, and how fast do you wanna go?

How much do you weigh?

 

[ElementX]

I ordered the friction drive with the 7/8" roller since I'll be using a GX25 with that one.

I'm ~180 and not really looking to go fast. I would like to be able to propell myself on a slight uphill grade without having to go full throttle...or whatever that range is right before the engine pitch gets twice as high. If I can go 5mph up a medium hill, that'd be great. Hopefully I will be able to cruise around 15mph on flat land without having to give it too much gas.

When the kits show up, I will work on the friction drive first since that should be quick and easy on my 26" mountain bike.

 

[ElementX]

oh and after reading some stuff about electric conversions, I'm thinking this dahon frame would make a good platform for adding a big heavy battery. The frame area right above the crank would allow me to easily strap down a couple small 7-10ah 12v batteries. How to figure out what kit is affordable.

 

[Happy Valley]

I have always thought a folder with a friction drive would be a great way to travel, by bus, train or rental car and have the bike for when I got there. It will be a project in the near future.

 

[Porkchop]

One thought that deserves great consideration, friction drives aren't worth a flip when they get WET ! Not bashing friction drives, that's what I ride ! Just giving you a heads up !

 

[Happy Valley]

friction drives aren't worth a flip when they get WET !!

Friction drives with steel spindles don't perform as well when wet.
The Dimension Edge friction drive with aggregate spindles performs great in wet weather and btw goes wonderfully with a folder as seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGm2aCF3bvo

 

[Esteban]

Have you looked at trying to repair the front wheel & hub ? Easy to do, & not $$ if a shop does it, either.