<<< friction drive 92' specialized hardrock... my favorite so far >>>

Here is my latest build. I have had it a little over a month and only one word really describes it... perfect.

It really has the best combination of qualities for a true hard core commuter bike. Its old school cro-molly frame is super lightweight and strong. It has quality shimano drive train and brake components. It has adequate storage for the minimals on board (water, spare tube, air pump, wallet, keys, xtra gas).... most anything else can be carried in a back pack. The friction drive is simple but VERY effective, Its my opinion to say the engine/roller drive essentially boils down to a perfect blend of pedal power and motor assistance. I can use it in combination with my derailleur and pedals to get massive acceleration, or torque, depending on the situation and terrain. Disengage it via the quick connect release mechanism, and the bike behaves just like a normal bike... no chains or belts connected. The friction drive is super durable and when combined with the r/s eho35 should give me years of 1st pull/reliable operation. The 1.5 inch roller cruises very nicely at about 25 mph with little throttle... (due to the larger diameter roller a little pedaling is required to get to speed). If you notice, the headlights are offset slightly so that one points directly in front of me and the other points out ahead... that way I can see the whole road at night.

The bike is 18 years old so I picked it up for $80 on craigslist (special thanks to "noel the bike guy" for a good deal on a great bike). The kit cost a little over $400 and I have about $100 worth of accessories and new tires/tubes. So all-in-all I am out about $580 for a super durable, very roadworthy bike.

I thought about sanding it down and painting it flat black with an od green American flag... but the retro 90's graphics started to grow on me and now I like them (they remind me of the jet skis I used to ride as a kid). The guys at my local bike shop got a kick out of it.

http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3720.jpg

http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3708.jpg

http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3712.jpg

http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3721.jpg

http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3718.jpg

http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3719.jpg

 

[TREEWK]

Happy

I Never Got Close To 30 Mph. The Trike Is A Weird Ride. It Torques To One Side And Feels Like It Would Tip Over, Very Different. I Think 30 Mph Would Be Very Scary For Me. The 35 Mph Was On The Orange Bicycle. My First Fd -diy.

The Axles Are Separated, Open Space Betwen Them, On The Trike.

I Bought A Bunch Of Used Trike`s To Motorize, For Older People. But Having Second Thoughts On That. The Motor Did Not Seem To Develope Much Power, Maybe Carb Problems.

I Have A Workman Trike That I Bought For $20. On Cl, List For Over $800. They Are Hd Built!!! I Would Put A Cvt On It, came with a heavy cargo deck, leaning against the truck - black. And My 4 Wheel Would Be Cvt Drive. I Have 2 Cvt Bicycle`s And Like Them.

Bought the electric trike last fall (in the pickup), has 2 new batteries and new charger. Rode it in the sellers back yard, have not messed with it yet.

Ron

 

[happycheapskate]

Tree,

Try mounting the bracket over the front wheel, then. It will pull straight, and may help you counter the tendency to lean on turns.

 

[TREEWK]

happy
Thanks for the tip. will keep that in mind. ron

 

[Turtle Tedd]

Nice to see some more trike stuff / posts and pictures on this forum..Trike build for me next for sure..been thinking bout it for 6 months