Kepler
10 MW
urga,
Sure, if you can attach the drive to the swingarm, no need for the complication of the pivoting system i have designed here. However most modern mountain bikes have hydroformed swingarms that have complicated shapes that give you little option for mounting. Other consideration is if you mount it to the swingarm, the motor becomes unsprung weight. Probably not an issue with the motor so close to the BB but still a consideration.
I agree a chain driven system with the weight and stealth of this system is the holy grail. Believe me, i am thinking about it. So many negatives though. You cant get away from a reduction system. Even with the lowest kv RC motor and say a 4S battery, you still need a minimum 10:1 reduction. Your thoughts of using a 52 tooth chainring would probably at best be good for a 5:1 reduction. And then you have less ground clearance then i have now. Add a double reduction and you introduce bulk, complication, and noise.<br/>
I find the friction drive path so inviting because it removes all these complications. Sure there are other issues to solve but not too many now.
I thought the tire was going to be a major issue but it has turned out to be fine. Sure, for an extreme rider, its not going to cut it, but extreme riders aren't interested in assist anyway.
I ride reasonably hard and quick and still had all the grip i needed. Bonus was that the bike peddled really well with that tire. Noticeably better then with an aggressive knobby.
I am looking at ways to get the motor tighter up on the swingarm and perhaps going to a 50mm motor. Also have some ideas on reducing the size of the battery/ ESC combo.
So for now my focus is on making this friction drive the best it can be.
Sure, if you can attach the drive to the swingarm, no need for the complication of the pivoting system i have designed here. However most modern mountain bikes have hydroformed swingarms that have complicated shapes that give you little option for mounting. Other consideration is if you mount it to the swingarm, the motor becomes unsprung weight. Probably not an issue with the motor so close to the BB but still a consideration.
I agree a chain driven system with the weight and stealth of this system is the holy grail. Believe me, i am thinking about it. So many negatives though. You cant get away from a reduction system. Even with the lowest kv RC motor and say a 4S battery, you still need a minimum 10:1 reduction. Your thoughts of using a 52 tooth chainring would probably at best be good for a 5:1 reduction. And then you have less ground clearance then i have now. Add a double reduction and you introduce bulk, complication, and noise.<br/>
I find the friction drive path so inviting because it removes all these complications. Sure there are other issues to solve but not too many now.
I thought the tire was going to be a major issue but it has turned out to be fine. Sure, for an extreme rider, its not going to cut it, but extreme riders aren't interested in assist anyway.
I ride reasonably hard and quick and still had all the grip i needed. Bonus was that the bike peddled really well with that tire. Noticeably better then with an aggressive knobby.
I am looking at ways to get the motor tighter up on the swingarm and perhaps going to a 50mm motor. Also have some ideas on reducing the size of the battery/ ESC combo.
So for now my focus is on making this friction drive the best it can be.