Grantmac
10 kW
I've just spent a day exploring with a friend on her off-road handcycle (proadaptive XCR). This is a front wheel drive delta trike using a BBS02.
The chassis (and rider) are extremely capable but a few issues really limit her ability to tackle harder terrain solo. The first is that they supply the BBS02 with a standard chainring running to an 8spd IGH and the gearing is simply too high, she's rarely out of 2nd and usually in 1st running very inefficiently. This is fortunately easily solved.
The other issue is traction. A front tire upgrade will likely help but it's hard to beat physics. So I'm thinking some sort of AWD system specifically designed as a slow speed boost for short hills (<1 minute). The ability to reverse or even run each wheel would be great but not essential since she can wheel it backward from the seat.
My first though is hub motors but that does complicate transportation (it's huge with the wheels on) plus not the best for starting on a hill. I wouldn't be opposed to them if the weight and other issues could be solved. There is at least one XCR running rear hubs.
An independent rear mid-drive would be great except the frame is not conducive (continuous axle tube) and she's definitely not willing to break out a grinder.
My last thought is dual friction drives using E-skate components. Benefit could be modularity, wireless control and a bolt on solution that still allows the wheels to be removed.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated. I've run searches but haven't seen this specific trike being discussed and most focused on a primary drive sized to run continuously.
The chassis (and rider) are extremely capable but a few issues really limit her ability to tackle harder terrain solo. The first is that they supply the BBS02 with a standard chainring running to an 8spd IGH and the gearing is simply too high, she's rarely out of 2nd and usually in 1st running very inefficiently. This is fortunately easily solved.
The other issue is traction. A front tire upgrade will likely help but it's hard to beat physics. So I'm thinking some sort of AWD system specifically designed as a slow speed boost for short hills (<1 minute). The ability to reverse or even run each wheel would be great but not essential since she can wheel it backward from the seat.
My first though is hub motors but that does complicate transportation (it's huge with the wheels on) plus not the best for starting on a hill. I wouldn't be opposed to them if the weight and other issues could be solved. There is at least one XCR running rear hubs.
An independent rear mid-drive would be great except the frame is not conducive (continuous axle tube) and she's definitely not willing to break out a grinder.
My last thought is dual friction drives using E-skate components. Benefit could be modularity, wireless control and a bolt on solution that still allows the wheels to be removed.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated. I've run searches but haven't seen this specific trike being discussed and most focused on a primary drive sized to run continuously.