front fork mount?

[Desertprep]

I have seen two designs of front fork mounted motors. one kind of motor sits above the wheel and has a chain from the motor to the wheel - probably steal a freewheel from a rear wheel. The second option is to attach the motor to the right or left side of the fork itself so that the weight of one of the tubes of the fork has to bear the whole weight and stress of the motor. however this arrangement usually doesn't require a chain, just connects the cog of the motor to the cog of the freewheel. I am looking at a 350 w. 24 (or 36) volt motor to start with that weighs about 4 pounds. The second option sounds a little risky to me although there is no chance of a chain or band breaking, getting caught in the hub, forcing the bike to a screeching halt and catapulting the rider over the handlebars.

With the first option is there any way to put the freewheel outside of the fork tube - in order to prevent the potential catastrophe? I plan on installing a 3 speed hub gear up front as well...let's maximize everything this puppy can give - make it a screamin demon!!!!

 

[Ypedal]

Hmmm.. I've never seen kits available for a front wheel chain driven system, i've seen some home-brew setups, but nothing you can buy and bolt on..

http://www.cyclone-tw.com/

Something like this could be made to work tho.

 

[TylerDurden]

This might be a good application for the brushless outrunner motor; belt-driving the wheel with a large diameter pulley.

 

[Desertprep]

"This might be a good application for the brushless outrunner motor; belt-driving the wheel with a large diameter pulley."

The size is great but will such a little motor have enough power to move a bike and rider? Does it really exist? And will it burn up after a few days of use?

 

[Ypedal]

This might be a good application for the brushless outrunner motor; belt-driving the wheel with a large diameter pulley.

http://www.wisil.recumbents.com/wisil/shumaker/default.htm