Kepler said:
I think you have a fair point in relaton to over complication but I suppose it depends on what different people find complicated. I personally find the process of coupling up a roller to a motor just as complicated as making a swing arm for a direct drive setup.
Really? I just drill a hole in the motor shaft and put a roll pin in it. Here's a photo. Doesn't show the pin but in the bottom one you can see where it would go.
As for a picture. Yup, it's an old picture but same old drive I've been making. That top plate doesn't slide, it's to stiffen the small channel aluminum I was using.
adrian_sm said:
I would be really interested to see what sort of drag your "plain ol' friction drive" has. If it spins down faster than a hub, then personally I would probably just stick with a light weight hub instead. The fact that the variable pressure systems can totally disengage is the only reason I was keen to try it, and the only reason I would put up with some of the down sides of friction drive.
You have a good point about being able to totally disengage the motor. I think you missed the part of my post that said I'm still using a clutch bearing though, so the "plain ol'" version freewheels anyway. I have tried it without and the drag really isn't bad but it would depend on which motor you're using. Never had a hub motor so I can't compare the two.
Don't get me wrong. I'm still using the sliding mount on my main bike. That roller would slip like crazy if I didn't. I'm just talking about low power "assist" type systems.
I think your drive is turning out great btw.