N
nms
Guest
Hello all.
I'd like to describe my current ideas (very rough) for adding an engine to a bicycle without any kits or pre-fabbed parts.
Right now I'm planning on using an approximately 30 cc weed eater engine for the powerplant.
I've done a little research, and I've found that there are two basic types of drives: friction (direct to wheel), and chain drives. I'm more interested in chain drives.
However, all the chain drive designs I've found have a separate chain for the engine. I would prefer to put the engine on the same chain as the pedals.
Why? For a couple of reasons:
1) I don't have to modify the rear freehub/free wheel assembly
2) No extra chain to worry about and get tangled up in things, etc.
3) It would allow me to shift gears, thus changing the drive ratio, and allowing me to achieve a higher top speed on a smaller engine.
Now, there are two main disadvantages:
1) Where to put the engine? The place I have settled on that is out of the pedal-sweep area is about midway up the chain-side seat stay. I don't think putting the engine between the pedals would work for me, as I also ride "real" bikes a fair amount, and the wide spacing needed would upset my knees (it happens stationary bikes like you find in gyms).
2) The pedals need to be able to rotate independently of the chain/front cogs, otherwise you would have to pedal the same pace as the engine - not fun! This is a pretty big problem.
My current solution to #2 is to modify a free hub assembly to fit in the bottom bracket. This would allow the pedals and front cogs to spin independently. I realize this is not a simple task, and it may prove to be impractical. But as I said, the goal for me here is to learn and experiment.
So, what are your thoughts on my idea(s)?
Thanks,
nms
I'd like to describe my current ideas (very rough) for adding an engine to a bicycle without any kits or pre-fabbed parts.
Right now I'm planning on using an approximately 30 cc weed eater engine for the powerplant.
I've done a little research, and I've found that there are two basic types of drives: friction (direct to wheel), and chain drives. I'm more interested in chain drives.
However, all the chain drive designs I've found have a separate chain for the engine. I would prefer to put the engine on the same chain as the pedals.
Why? For a couple of reasons:
1) I don't have to modify the rear freehub/free wheel assembly
2) No extra chain to worry about and get tangled up in things, etc.
3) It would allow me to shift gears, thus changing the drive ratio, and allowing me to achieve a higher top speed on a smaller engine.
Now, there are two main disadvantages:
1) Where to put the engine? The place I have settled on that is out of the pedal-sweep area is about midway up the chain-side seat stay. I don't think putting the engine between the pedals would work for me, as I also ride "real" bikes a fair amount, and the wide spacing needed would upset my knees (it happens stationary bikes like you find in gyms).
2) The pedals need to be able to rotate independently of the chain/front cogs, otherwise you would have to pedal the same pace as the engine - not fun! This is a pretty big problem.
My current solution to #2 is to modify a free hub assembly to fit in the bottom bracket. This would allow the pedals and front cogs to spin independently. I realize this is not a simple task, and it may prove to be impractical. But as I said, the goal for me here is to learn and experiment.
So, what are your thoughts on my idea(s)?
Thanks,
nms
