Friction Drive New Kepler carbon build
Friction Drive New Kepler carbon build
Time for a new project. Straight up, sorry all, it's going to be another friction drive project but bear with me as i have a few new ideas.
So my motivation for this build stems from my love of not only riding ebikes, but also riding non assisted high spec carbon road bikes. I am always blown away when I get on my road bike on the weekend after riding my relatively heavy ebike commuter all week with just how easy it is to propel along.
This is my current road bike for anyone interested but not the bike I intend to convert.
So my motivation for this build stems from my love of not only riding ebikes, but also riding non assisted high spec carbon road bikes. I am always blown away when I get on my road bike on the weekend after riding my relatively heavy ebike commuter all week with just how easy it is to propel along.
This is my current road bike for anyone interested but not the bike I intend to convert.
Last edited by Kepler on May 29 2016 3:01am, edited 3 times in total.
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
Still inthralled by your design. Still hoping to someday do a friction on my Trek Lime. Never ridden anymore, but gathering dust for the day a Kepler drive gets mounted. Dreamer.
Looking forward to more details!
Looking forward to more details!
Thanks Justin_le we're here thanks to you. All the best to the mods for their tireless work keeping it on an even keel.
Re: New Kepler carbon build
As an owner of a 6.9kg Trek Madone 5.5, I've often wondered the same. Road bikes are so fast with a strong rider... a little assist could go a very long way.
9kg is a respectable goal. Very interested in knowing the final kit weight.
Good luck on the build.
9kg is a respectable goal. Very interested in knowing the final kit weight.
Good luck on the build.
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- Modbikemax 1 kW
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
This will be interesting. I got one down to Under 15kg but have since scrapped that bike. It goes fast ok just a bit too fast.
I found myself doing stupid things on skinny tyres and thought it's only a matter of time before I come unstuck. I have since gone to cruiser style bikes for a more relaxed ride on fatter tyres. There was a thread on lightweights.
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewt ... =6&t=61266
I found myself doing stupid things on skinny tyres and thought it's only a matter of time before I come unstuck. I have since gone to cruiser style bikes for a more relaxed ride on fatter tyres. There was a thread on lightweights.
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
I know what you mean. Too easy to get carried away. Plan is to keep the power low though. I just want to be able to lift my average speed a bit and maintain better pace on inclines. Give this 55 year old rider some 20 year old legs again 

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Re: New Kepler carbon build
I'd be reveling having 55 y/o legs! <wink>
Thanks Justin_le we're here thanks to you. All the best to the mods for their tireless work keeping it on an even keel.
- soaresdacosta 1 kW
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
This going to be, an airplane on land.
My bike build:
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- midwest mayhem 100 mW
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
Subbed! Looking forward to how you plan to stealthily accomplish throttle input.
Check out my first build!
Re: New Kepler carbon build
Managed to get the bike rolling on the weekend. Went with drop bars to start with but the riding position is a little too aggressive for me at this stage.
So installed some mountain bike handlebars to see how the bike would go as a flat bar road bike. Was happy with the riding position but it just killed the overall look of the bike.
So next thing is to go with some Bullhorn bars to give the bike a TT look without making the riding position too aggressive. Just waiting on the bars to arrive from Wiggle
So installed some mountain bike handlebars to see how the bike would go as a flat bar road bike. Was happy with the riding position but it just killed the overall look of the bike.
So next thing is to go with some Bullhorn bars to give the bike a TT look without making the riding position too aggressive. Just waiting on the bars to arrive from Wiggle
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
Ape hangers and a banana seat?
- LockH 100 GW
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
Subbed here too! "Donor" bike NOT looking very "aero"...midwest mayhem wrote:Subbed! Looking forward to how you plan to stealthily accomplish throttle input.

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Eff. June, 2014 Phoenix Ebike Promotions
(Current ride? High speed lawn chair.)
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=57408
Phoenix Ebike Promotions conversion kit (work in progress. More drink holders, etc etc)
viewtopic.php?f=15&t=60564
Joined yer local chapter of EA yet?
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
keyde motor or friction drive?
Re: New Kepler carbon build
Plan "B" I think.Modbikemax wrote:Ape hangers and a banana seat?

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Re: New Kepler carbon build
cwah wrote:keyde motor or friction drive?
Friction drive. Similar to what we have already seen before but with a few new tricks in relation stealth, activation, and quick removal.
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
How about a magnet sewn into your glove and a Hall effect under the bar tape?midwest mayhem wrote:Subbed! Looking forward to how you plan to stealthily accomplish throttle input.
Re: New Kepler carbon build
Subscribed. I enjoy the concept of "the less bike you have, the less power you need" and look forward to putting my first ebike together. This is probably a newb question, but is there any commercial way to mount a PAS system to a standard GXP or BB30 bottom bracket? I have only seen the dedicated torque sensing BBs, and they use the square tapered drive. I prefer SRAM components, and would like to continue using them if possible.
Re: New Kepler carbon build
Not a bad idea. Will keep that one in the bank.Modbikemax wrote:How about a magnet sewn into your glove and a Hall effect under the bar tape?midwest mayhem wrote:Subbed! Looking forward to how you plan to stealthily accomplish throttle input.
In the case of this bike, activation is going to be though the front dérailleur infrastructure. I want this drive to have a positive activation so the motor will be drawn to the tire via the shifter mech and activation will be via micro switch down at the BB. At least that's the plan at this stage

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Re: New Kepler carbon build
BB30 a SRAM components don't let themselves well to fitting PAS sensors. I think PAS is a good option on a bike that needs constant assist however a build like this only needs the occasional boost. I am tipping what you have in mind with a BB30 and SRAM complementary doesn't really need constant assistance either so perhaps PAS isn't the best fit.Mikebergy wrote:Subscribed. I enjoy the concept of "the less bike you have, the less power you need" and look forward to putting my first ebike together. This is probably a newb question, but is there any commercial way to mount a PAS system to a standard GXP or BB30 bottom bracket? I have only seen the dedicated torque sensing BBs, and they use the square tapered drive. I prefer SRAM components, and would like to continue using them if possible.
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
I think my thinking behind it is, if I regularly ride 18-19mph avg for a commute, with assistance, I could ride 24-25mph.
Re: New Kepler carbon build
Great to see another friction build Kep!
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"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing that a 165mm rear shock can't deliver 220mm of rear swingarm travel." - Oprah Winfrey.



"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing that a 165mm rear shock can't deliver 220mm of rear swingarm travel." - Oprah Winfrey.
Re: New Kepler carbon build
So I think I finally have the cockpit layout I am looking for. I am liking the Sram TT aero brake levers but also have some series brake levers that will work well with bar end TT style gear shifters. The riding position with the Bullhorn bars is similar to riding in the cups of my roadbike so that suit me fine. Plan is to have the bike fully rolling by the weekend and getting some non assist miles clocked up. With beautification complete, electrification will be next. Really enjoying this build.
Last edited by Kepler on Nov 30 2015 4:48pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
If a boost up hills is what you're after, why go for 250W instead of a more powerful ~500W motor? During downhill or flats, keep the motor off.
I'd skip the "ebike criteria" and build it exactly to your need. My need would be somewhere along 140Wh battery, with the abillity to climb two very long hills at a fast pace (14 km commute).
I'd skip the "ebike criteria" and build it exactly to your need. My need would be somewhere along 140Wh battery, with the abillity to climb two very long hills at a fast pace (14 km commute).
2013 VW E-UP!
Kona mtb: Cromotor, Kelly KEB, ~6kW peak, 1,4kWh 90V battery 29E cells, 38 kg
Kona mtb: Cromotor, Kelly KEB, ~6kW peak, 1,4kWh 90V battery 29E cells, 38 kg
Re: New Kepler carbon build
I think we are on the same page and I am definitely building this to my needs. My rides are often 100 km plus so two hills worth of assist isn't going to cut it. Friction drive and road bike tires could be a risky mix so low powered friction drive reduces risk of tire damage and at the same time lifts range for a given battery size.
250W with my added input will be plenty for this bike. Still deciding on battery size. I am thinking 150Whr might be all I really need.
250W with my added input will be plenty for this bike. Still deciding on battery size. I am thinking 150Whr might be all I really need.
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- danjpendleton 100 W
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
im digging this. i bet it will be a lot of fun. ive hit almost 60mph downhill on my trek madone. nothing beats the feeling
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Re: New Kepler carbon build
Managed to get the bike finished for the weekend as planned. Took the bike out for a 70km ride with my Saturday Beach Road crew. Was very pleased with the way the bike performed and had no problems staying with the peloton and taking my fair share of time at the front. Riding position is aero but comfortable and the bar end shifters easy to use without moving away from my prefered grip position.
At this stage the left hand shifter isn't doing anything however it be used to activate the friction drive and put it up onto the wheel.
I have nearly finished modeling the friction for this bike and will start building the drive next week.
At this stage the left hand shifter isn't doing anything however it be used to activate the friction drive and put it up onto the wheel.
I have nearly finished modeling the friction for this bike and will start building the drive next week.
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