Nice Jackshaft Idea

[Large Filipino]

A freewheel crank means that the front sprocket spins INDEPENDENT of your crank. When you pedal foward THEN it catches the sprocket and you pedal as always.
The chain is ALWAYS SPINNING for the rear wheel has FIXED SPROCKETS.
If you're moving forward,you can pedal backwards to your heart's content.
The front sprocket will be spinning with the bike.

 

[sklein25]

The Swiss have beaten us!!!!!!!

That answers my question exactly!!!! And I see that now in the design of the freewheel crank!!!! You can stop pedaling but still continue to run the engine as it delivers power through the crank, but not to your pedals. This is a great way to utilize the engine's power with the rear derailure and gears and still be able to free pedal your way around when needed!!!!

Here's a pic of that freewheel crank (specially made by Shimano):
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sklein25/ShimanoFreewheelCrank.jpg


And here is what the set up looks like mounted on a bike (electric motor-assisted):
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/sklein25/LanzV4FreeRide.jpg

It looks like the Swiss have almost figured all this out already! Maybe they know a few things more than just how to make great swiss army knives!!!!!LOL

Mind you this company is doing it with electric motors, but it can easily be experimented on with Happy Times engines!!!
I'm currently waiting on email feedback from this company regarding pricing for the entire electric kit and just the freewheel crank assembly alone. They don't have any pricing on their site, but I'll fill everyone in on my findings. In the meantime, do check out their site, it's pretty cool all the stuff they do.

http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?h...://www.bike-elektro-antrieb.ch/startseite.htm


Cheers..........
Steve

 

[turkeyssr]

This e-bay store is doing something similar: http://stores.ebay.com/edeals-electric-bikes-and-batteries from Australia. You could ask if he would sell you just the adapter kit without the motor controller, motor, etc. His kits are too expensive for my tastes since they don't include a battery, but I do like the idea. -- John

 

[Large Filipino]

Isn't that shimano crank like over a hundred bucks? Boy if I had that,all I would need is a jackshaft and I would have...sniff..GEARS!

 

[motoredhobart]

I saw those electric ebay kits too, emailed one of the sellers to see if they could sell me just the freewheel setup, 225+p&h...
As for starting the engine wouldn't it be possible to just use the pedals kind of like the kick start on a motorbike? Assuming the jackshaft doesn't have any freewheels. But then If you just want to pedal the bike you'd still get resistance from the engine even when the clutch is engaged.

 

[Large Filipino]

Then get a pull starter and leave the rear wheel freewheel also.

...wait. Naw. When you pedal you still get resistance.

 

[Papasaun]

check it out,,, about half way down the page or just check out the whole site!
http://www.cyclone-usa.com/store.php?crn=203

Papa

 

[gone_fishin]

i've often wondered why i haven't seen any adaptations of this style...scroll down for freewheel crank parts: http://www.cyclone-usa.com/store.php?crn=203

that's what he sed

yaknow, papa...i've posted links to these parts quite a few times and am suprised noone's tried any of it.

 

[Papasaun]

I would but,,, don't need em on my trike!

I remember when you first posted that link, looked there and saved it but, moved on to my trike before I could use the info.

Papa

 

[Zomby Builder]

Bolt on JACK

This looks like a lot of potential... I like it a lot. Makes any frame have the ability for multi-speed with no frame mod. That is what these bikes need most. Buy it & assemble it on any 3 piece crank is what I'm reading. That is awesome.