Commuter Belt Drive

[HokieVR6]

Quick background. I got a new job that is a very short distance 2m and started biking to work. I have a decent hill that kicks my butt first thing, so I'm looking for a little help to make the commute more enjoyable and less of an intense workout.

I have a 2015 Scott Sub 10. Here is the rundown of the setup as is: Gates Belt Drive, Alfine, 700c 35mm wheels/tires, mechanical disk brakes.

I'm considering converting this to a rear hub single speed if I can figure out the belt drive thing. IF that is possible would a 750w Bafang BPM be enough to assist up the hill? gearing is 46/24 if the current sprockets work.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[LockH]

ES Bible "Search found 7757 matches: +friction +drive"

On example? "Commuter Booster - <1kg Friction Drive":
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=22187

Replies: 1340
Views: 163945

:wink:

 

[HokieVR6]

thanks I have researched a fair bit on here. If the information concerning belt drives is on here I have not found it.

Im looking for a bit of help on the hills more than the flats, so friction drive may not be helpful?

 

[LockH]

^^ Understand. Care to estimate rise over run ("height" of hill... hills?) A "tiny" bit of assist might "take the edge off" full pedal power (aka the "puff" "puff"... "gag"... "gasp")?

 

[wesnewell]

Personally, I wouldn't even try to convert that bike, but if I had to I'd just put a front hub motor on it. Simple and easy.

 

[HokieVR6]

Thanks for the info. If I can find a sprocket to work I think I will give it a go. I'm not looking for crazy speeds though 25mph on flats would be nice. I think that there are steel inserts on the back, but I have not checked. Would this mean that I could get away without using torque arms if the power is at a certain level or lower?

Thanks

 

[HokieVR6]

Okay so after doing some more research it seems as though I'm getting closer to a plan.

Keeping the scott sub10 for now and going single speed electric.

Rear Hub motor - http://www.ebay.com/itm/48V-500W-8Fun-Bafang-Brushless-Geared-Cassette-Hub-Motor-For-Rear-Wheel-/182189635588?hash=item2a6b593804:g:7UYAAOSwwo1XdN6O
22T rear gates sprocket - http://www.outsideoutfitters.com/p-33030-gates-carbon-drive-cdc-rear-cog.aspx?variantID=126065&gclid=CN31-u7v_c8CFU4HhgodnZkOeA Still working on this. May end up having to change to CDX
Battery - http://lunacycle.com/batteries/packs/52v/52v-mighty-mini-cube-ebike-battery-pack-panasonic-pf-6ah-affordable/
Controller - not sure about this

I have a short commute with a couple of hills one large one that is a 6% grade for .4 mile. Hopefully with that gearing I should be able to help pedal the hills and then get a higher top end with the motor of about 20-25mph or so.

I'm looking to have the setup as minimal as possible hence the small battery and hopefully I can get a small simple controller and not have wires running all over the place.

Any help with a controller would be great. Something capable of 52v and 20amps would be perfect.

 

[LewTwo]

The controler with the least amount of wires is the Grin phaserunner but it is expensive http://www.ebikes.ca/shop/ebike-parts/controllers/c-phaserunner.html#

 

[dogman dan]

Put a small, low power front hub on it would be my advice.

Low power, so the battery can be equally small, light, and less expensive.

Or,, as I say so often,, Don't ruin your favorite bike with a motor. Get an affordable but sturdy bike like a 7 speed beach cruiser, and put a strong rear motor on that.