Anyone got a Schlumpf drive?

[Jackrabbit]

I'm coming to the conclusion that I need a Schlumpf high speed drive for my Raptor 140 as I can currently only pedal up to low 20s mph with a 48t front sprocket. It's used as a commuter mainly and I really need to be able to add some pedal effort up to around 30mph.

ATS make a slightly cheaper version under licence but cannot sell it in the US or Europe. The Schlumpf drive is quite expensive and requires a special tool to mill the bb and I also need a longer axle than standard to fit my 83mm bb.

Has anyone here fitted one? Did you have any problems during installation? Does it work well in practice and are you happy with it? Any input gratefully received, I'd hate to spend all that money, ruin my bb shell and then be disappointed with it.

 

[liveforphysics]

I have one, it seems to do what they claim and is pretty quiet. It came installed in my Nyx frame, so I can't comment on installation difficulty, but I can say it's fairly easy to convert to a gates belt-drive front sprocket .

 

[Jackrabbit]

I've found a UK supplier now (London recumbents) and have emailed them no reply as yet

 

[PRW]

Samd fitted one to my Phasor - so I can't comment on difficulty of installation (you could pm him). I find it great for high speed pedaling.

 

[chas58]

A bigger chain ring won't work?

I do 25mph with a 53t x 17t gearing. that does put me at about 100rpm, which is perfect for someone who cycles regularly - but may be a bit too high for most people around here...

 

[Jackrabbit]

I can't fit anything bigger than a 48t on the front as I've run out of space and the smallest freewheel I can find is 16t at the rear.

 

[Cowardlyduck]

As of earlier this year, I now have several Schlumpf drives, both 1.65:1 ratio.
One is on my Fighter where it allows pedalling up to 55-60kph, the other is on my Recumbent commuter where even with a 60T front chain ring it wasn't enough for the 20" wheel.

They are expensive, but well worth the cost IMO. The champfing tool required for installation is very expensive to buy, so your better of getting a LBS to do it for you if you can find one.

Cheers

 

[Jackrabbit]

Thanks. I'm thinking of the high speed drive really, that way I can have a 40t on the front for easy pedalling if I have a motor/controller failure and a reasonable pedal at up to 40 mph. I could get reasonable pedalling speed with the 1.65 drive though so it all depends on what's available. The fitting tool can be supplied from ATS in Taiwan for a little less but if I can hire one it would be much better.

 

[Cowardlyduck]

I was originally hoping for the 2.5:1 speed drive, but it cost too much. They wanted over $1000 AUD compared to the $650ish I paid for the 1.65:1 fitted.

In my case, the 46T front together with my 11T rear is enough combined with the 1.65:1 Schlumpf to still pedal at 50kph on my 20" wheel.

Cheers

 

[whereswally606]

Also look for Paterson metropolis drive, that's a 1.6x overdrive and you can get adaptor plates made so you can put on a bigger ring too. got mine from rose bikes, haven't actually fitted it on a bike yet as I need a 68mm bottom bracket one. I have one in mind but just never got a round tuit.

 

[Jackrabbit]

Thanks. I looked at the Patterson but I don't think they make one to fit an 83mm BB and I think it is operated by a cable? I would much prefer the neat Schlumpf shifting system.

 

[atarijedi]

I installed a Hammerschmidt onto a Raptor 140, as there is an 83mm BB. It's a 2 speed planetary gear system with 1:1 and 1:1.6 ratios. There are aftermarket drive rings, one guy here on ES makes one, that let you attach any chainring you want. It is cable actuated like the Patterson though.

I think the biggest ring you can fit is 38t though, so it would be a 38/61 for your front chainring depending on the ratio you choose.

 

[Jackrabbit]

I've been quoted £650-700 for a high speed drive here in the U.K. Which is quite a lot of money just to be able to pedal along a bit faster. Not sure I can justify it to be honest.

 

[Cowardlyduck]

I've been quoted £650-700 for a high speed drive here in the U.K. Which is quite a lot of money just to be able to pedal along a bit faster. Not sure I can justify it to be honest.

That's why I went with the 1:1.65 version over the 1:2.5 version.
Mine was only $650AUD (£400) including cranks and fully installed. If that price sounds more reasonable, you should shop around as what you've been quoted sounds way too high.

Cheers

 

[Jackrabbit]

The trouble is that there is only one UK supplier (who gave me the quote) and the pound has taken a proper beating since the morons voted for Brexit.