Steve Best
Well-Known Member
I have never had a motorized bicycle before. If you choose not to use the motor can one still pedal without a lot of drag. I still want to use the bike for fitness. I want the motor to help me out on hills and when I get tired. I have congestive heart failure and bike riding is really good for cardio.
I use my bike like you suggest, as power assist for hills and for speed on long runs.
I use pedal only (with motor off) in town and on shared use (motor prohibited) pathways.
I was able to significantly reduce non-motored friction by:
1) getting the chain line alignment straighter (chain bend or rub is a friction maker)
2) using a larger diameter idler with a high quality roller bearing (again, chain bend is bad)
3) keeping the chain lubed with a high quality lube (synth bicycle lube)
4) keeping the chain tension adjusted perfect (no tightness, minimal slack)
5) adjusting the clutch for minimal drag (this was quite important)
6) using lighter (less viscous) grease on the 6202-2RS clutch bearings
7) removing the inner seals on the 6202-2RS clutch bearings
8) switching from heavy high friction 410 chain to lighter BMX bicycle chain (not done yet)
The first 7 steps have significantly reduced the friction and noise of the chain system while pedaling.
I am looking forward to getting the BMX chain on. It requires a thinner (or thinned) front sprocket.
Steve