MoonCool TK1 Folding Trike

[Papa]

Im more concerned about the awareness of other road users not used to such vehicles

That's the whole point. After well over two decades parading odd shaped vehicles on public asphalt, my builds always attracts attention. Their glaring curiosity is one of the safety bonuses... unlike a boring, typical bicycle.

 

[Chalo]

That's the whole point. After well over two decades parading odd shaped vehicles on public asphalt, my builds always attracts attention. Their glaring curiosity is one of the safety bonuses... unlike a boring, typical bicycle.

You don't ride on the same roads I do. These fckers resent anything other than a bigger vehicle in front of them.

Recently I tried to let a shtty Jeep driver go by me and my sweetie a couple of times without success. When he finally passed, he yelled out the window, "why would you ride a bicycle?"

If I hadn't been flabbergasted, I would have replied, "because I'm not a feckless pussy!"

 

[Papa]

On the TK1, I suspect that single disk is connected to the 'differential' rather the left or right axle. I think that I would rather have the braking force applied equally to both wheels. So a single disk might no be very bad.

Wrong.

You are correct, in that the single rotor is secured to the differential housing. But the only way it can apply effective braking equally to BOTH wheels... Is if BOTH wheels posses identical grip on the riding surface. If just one tire loses grip traveling over gravel, for example, it'll lockup and slide.... while the tire on clean pavement will continue to roll, offering no significant braking assistance what so ever.

Your funds, your skin... buy whatever you wish.

 

[LewTwo]

Wrong.

You are correct, in that the single rotor is secured to the differential housing. But the only way it can apply effective braking equally to BOTH wheels... Is if BOTH wheels posses identical grip on the riding surface. If just one tire loses grip traveling over gravel, for example, it'll lockup and slide.... while the tire on clean pavement will continue to roll, offering no significant braking assistance what so ever.

Your funds, your skin... buy whatever you wish.

Point Taken ...

 

[LewTwo]

I know, because I own one of the axle assemblies . The rear axle's frame assy (easily separable from the trike) and is fabbed from 6061t6. Mine is scheduled for customer's build this winter.

Pray tell how you acquired it. I have searched all the usual sources (Alibaba, Ebay, Amazon, Craig's list, AliExpress, .banggood, etc) for something similar. All I came up with was a conversion kit by 'DreamBike" (that uses a janky ratchet mechanism) and a differential by "Hase" that is nearly $600 for the bare differential.

 

[Papa]

..., differential by "Hase" that is nearly $600 for the bare differential.

II thought you were gung-hoo for a rideable granny.

I do have a New Hase differential for sale.

https://endless-sphere.com/sphere/data/attachments/211/211260-3d815eeb50af36f4dbb99aa09802735f.jpg

New in the box,,.. $200 +$15 sh.

 

[LewTwo]

II thought you were gung-hoo for a rideable granny.

I do have a New Hase differential for sale.

There are darn few thing that I am "gung-hoo" over these days. I would consider a trike a convenience compared to a golf-kart. Therefore I am considering the possibilities.

There is another Giant Revive bike for sale on ebay. It is a DX model that has a 7 speed rear IGH hub and horizontal dropouts (verses vertical dropouts on the earlier Revive model that I have). Horizontal dropouts would be a BIG improvement for the BBS02 mid-drive setup I currently have. Alas if I did that then I would have a spare Revive frame. Maybe I could re-purpose it as a trike ... (but only if it has differential on the rear axle) ???

There are lots of differentials for ATVs, go-carts, golf-carts and the like but the HASE was the only gear based "tricycle differential" that I found.

 

[LewTwo]

Mooncool trikes are "tricycle shaped objects". They don't look too bad, but they are abominably cheap and janky. I've whipped quite a few of them into good operating condition, which I expect they'll retain for at least fifteen minutes of riding. Less if they sit outside all the time like most trikes do.

To be fair, there isn't really a "nice" version of granny trike available. But some are nastier than others. Husky, Sun, and Worksman are crude but reputable. That's if you want to do your own conversion. Lectric makes an e-trike that I would consider a much better bet than Mooncool.

Well none of the above.

You are correct, in that the single rotor is secured to the differential housing. But the only way it can apply effective braking equally to BOTH wheels... Is if BOTH wheels posses identical grip on the riding surface. If just one tire loses grip traveling over gravel, for example, it'll lockup and slide.... while the tire on clean pavement will continue to roll, offering no significant braking assistance what so ever.

Your funds, your skin... buy whatever you wish.

I came to the conclusion that the only way to get a "bicycle open differential" was to purchase a trike with one on it. I looked at a lot of Trikes and lots of Youtube Reviews (all sadly lacking much technical content). Tonight I pulled the trigger on a PuckiPuppy Husky Folding Electric Trike (in white):

Husky| Folding Electric Trike For Adults| PUCKIPUPPY Ebikes

PUCKIPUPPY Husky is a fat tire electric cargo tricycle & trike for adults and seniors, featuring a folding design and hydraulic brakes, ideal for city commutes. Get this 3 wheel special needs bike!

www.puckipuppy.com

It is the only trike I found under $2,000 that has a rear differential and dual rear hydraulic disk brakes and 750 watt hub motor. It is rated at at a 20 MPH top speed (realistic 18 MPH) and has an 48 volt, 18 Ah battery. At 108 pounds it is one of the heaviest trikes I considered. It also has gawd awful 20x4.0 knobby tread fat tires that are heavy, inefficient, low pressure, bouncy, noisy and butt-ugly. First thing that I am going to do is try replacing those with 20x3.0 semi-slick road tires.

 

[LewTwo]

I managed to track down the differential manufacturer in China (not that I found anyone selling them).
JIANGSU TAIKIN MECHANOTRONICS TECHENOLOGY Co.,LTD.
E-Mail: yjy18706187193@gmail.com
Tel/Wechat: (86) 18706187193
Whatsapp:+8618706187193

That have 14 different differential versions but it seems these two are the most common. They also manufacture the subframes, axles, etc.
Drat ... I forgot that I need to convert these from .webp to .jpg

 

[fill]

I managed to track down the differential manufacturer in China (not that I found anyone selling them).
JIANGSU TAIKIN MECHANOTRONICS TECHENOLOGY Co.,LTD.
E-Mail: yjy18706187193@gmail.com
Tel/Wechat: (86) 18706187193
Whatsapp:+8618706187193

That have 14 different differential versions but it seems these two are the most common. They also manufacture the subframes, axles, etc.
Drat ... I forgot that I need to convert these from .webp to .jpg

Sample request perhaps?

 

[Papa]

https://www.samagaga.com/products.php?cID=6

 

[Papa]

Tonight I pulled the trigger on a PuckiPuppy Husky Folding Electric Trike (in white)

Has Mr brown delivered your Pucki yet?

I took a peek at your Puckipuppy link and noticed no reference to a differential. Are you sure it has one?

 

[LewTwo]

Has Mr brown delivered your Pucki yet?

I took a peek at your Puckipuppy link and noticed no reference to a differential. Are you sure it has one?

Nope ... it has gotten trapped in the FedEx 'merry-go-round' in Cypress, Texas

Regards the differential: I have come to realize that much of their web site is as bogus as a $3 bill. However the things that are consistent in ALL the YouTube reviews are the price, differential and dual rear hydraulic disk brakes. A screen-capture from one of those videos is how I managed to identify the Chinese manufacturer. For everything else I shall have to wait until I can lay hands on it ... then I am going to do my own review.

Note: During the Civil War, Mississippi actually issued $3 dollar bills (but of course they are no longer valid).

 

[LewTwo]

Has Mr brown delivered your Pucki yet?

I took a peek at your Puckipuppy link and noticed no reference to a differential. Are you sure it has one?

Just received it. First thing that I did was dig down to the battery/charger and plug it in.
Next I check the rims: outside width is 85-86 mm ...... damn, damn, damn !
I either have to install new rims or order new 20x4 fat tires. I am NOT a happy puppy.

 

[Chalo]

Next I check the rims: outside width is 85-86 mm ...... damn, damn, damn !
I either have to install new rims or order new 20x4 fat tires. I am NOT a happy puppy.

BIG BOAT

Experience unbeatable durability and performance with the CST Big Boat Tire, specifically designed for fat bikes. Equipped with a robust Aramid layer, this tire is built to withstand the rigorous demands of e-bikes, providing puncture resistance and peace of mind during your off-road adventures...

shop.csttires.com

Available in 20x3"; I use one on the front wheel of my fat tire trike.

JBI - Product Details

www.jbi.bike

I haven't tried this one, but it's made by Chao Yang... so not top quality.

Kenda, Kraze, Tire, 20''x3.00, Wire, Clincher, SRC, 60, Black

Carson City Bike Shop for all of your bicycle parts and accessories. We have daily discounts on tires, tubes, brakes, cables, forks, and many other components

carsoncitybikeshop.com

This model is unusually nice for a novelty size tire. It's what I used to use on the front of my fat tire trike, and what I still use on the trailer for it. Sidewall is almost as thin and supple as a road bike tire, but the tread rubber is thick.

Here's a streety tire in the unusual 20x3.5" size:

Carless Whisper Reflect

Multi Terrain tire designed for the GLOBE cargo bike family. The tire is great for around town, daily commuting, weekend travels and wherever exploratio...

www.specialized.com

It's smooth in the center which is the only part of a trike's tires that do much negotiating with the ground, and it has an anti-puncture belt.

If you decide you want to use 20x4" for whatever reason, check out Vee Speedster and Vee Apache Fatty Slick.

 

[LewTwo]

BIG BOAT

Experience unbeatable durability and performance with the CST Big Boat Tire, specifically designed for fat bikes. Equipped with a robust Aramid layer, this tire is built to withstand the rigorous demands of e-bikes, providing puncture resistance and peace of mind during your off-road adventures...

shop.csttires.com

Available in 20x3"; I use one on the front wheel of my fat tire trike.

JBI - Product Details

www.jbi.bike

I haven't tried this one, but it's made by Chao Yang... so not top quality.

Kenda, Kraze, Tire, 20''x3.00, Wire, Clincher, SRC, 60, Black

Carson City Bike Shop for all of your bicycle parts and accessories. We have daily discounts on tires, tubes, brakes, cables, forks, and many other components

carsoncitybikeshop.com

This model is unusually nice for a novelty size tire. It's what I used to use on the front of my fat tire trike, and what I still use on the trailer for it. Sidewall is almost as thin and supple as a road bike tire, but the tread rubber is thick.

Here's a streety tire in the unusual 20x3.5" size:

Carless Whisper Reflect

Multi Terrain tire designed for the GLOBE cargo bike family. The tire is great for around town, daily commuting, weekend travels and wherever exploratio...

www.specialized.com

It's smooth in the center which is the only part of a trike's tires that do much negotiating with the ground, and it has an anti-puncture belt.

If you decide you want to use 20x4" for whatever reason, check out Vee Speedster and Vee Apache Fatty Slick.

Thank thee ...
I seem to remember someone saying:

The trend recently is towards slightly narrower rims than used to be used on fatbikes. ....
So if your rims are 65mm wide (outside width), I'd recommend 2.25" and wider tires. If your rims are 80mm wide, I'd recommend 2.7" and wider tires. ...

That trend seems have done a complete 'U'-turn. I have a 'Chao Yang" (aka Sunlite Utility) 20x3 semi slick and a 3 inch tube. I will try that on the front wheel.

 

[Chalo]

That trend seems have done a complete 'U'-turn. I have a 'Chao Yang" (aka Sunlite Utility) 20x3 semi slick and a 3 inch tube. I will try that on the front wheel.

Yeah, there's a somewhat different market for 26" and larger (now with Surly's New Moonlander, 24" and larger) fatbikes that are for doing fatbike things, and 20" fatbikes that are for... not doing anything well.

Since the latter are designed to appeal to people who don't understand cycling, mechanics, electrics, or anything else, they tend to have some weird features. Like super thick spokes that super ignorant people believe are somehow better, cheap horrible leaky hydraulic disc brakes for the same demographic, plank seating that doesn't fit anybody but sells well to the above, and fat rims and tires for no reason except how they look. If the tires and rims are fat for no practical reason, then fatter is better-- for draining money from the target market.

 

[Papa]

As I alluded to, tires safely capable to at least 50-60 PSI. This is primarily for roll stability. High TPI (threads per inch) is also preferred. Vee tires, IIRC, are not manufactured in China. Their tire specs are PDF available.

 

[LewTwo]

As I alluded to, tires safely capable to at least 50-60 PSI. This is primarily for roll stability. High TPI (threads per inch) is also preferred. Vee tires, IIRC, are not manufactured in China. Their tire specs are PDF available.

I am going to start a new thread with a proper title.
Spoiler alert: it ain't going to be pretty.
On a scale of one to ten, I give it about a two at this point.

 

[eMark]

Wouldn't consider either the MoonKool or HuckPuppy or any etrike with a 7-speed derailleur with cadence sensor as a "Granny" etrike.

It is the only trike [HuckPuppy] I found under $2,000 that has a rear differential and dual rear hydraulic disk brakes and 750 watt hub motor. It is rated at at a 20 MPH top speed and has an 48 volt, 18 Ah battery.

Wish my LT was 48v instead of 36v for a little more cruising speed (15mph) and hill climbing power/speed.

At 108 pounds it is one of the heaviest trikes I considered. It also has gawd awful 20x4.0 knobby tread fat tires that are heavy, inefficient, low pressure, bouncy, noisy and butt-ugly. First thing that I am going to do is try replacing those with 20x3.0 semi-slick road tires.

Wish the HP came with a torque sensor option instead of cadence sensor for this "grandad." As much as i like the riding/traction advantage of 4" fat tires they aren't quiet enuf for my riding pleasure. If i was buying one or the other i'd favor the MoonCool for a more enjoyable non-noisy urban ride or if the HuckPuppy i'd also replace the 4" fat tires with 3" urban tires.

I've made so many custom mods and repairs to my Liberty(granny)Trike (7,355 miles to date), and still no regrets as the best etrike (for the money) for my recreational/utility use. When it comes time to buy another etrike i'd buy a refurbished like new LT and make the necessary modifications.

 

[LewTwo]

Wouldn't consider either the MoonKool or HuckPuppy or any etrike with a 7-speed derailleur with cadence sensor as a "Granny" etrike.

Wish the HP came with a torque sensor option instead of cadence sensor for this "grandad." As much as i like the riding/traction advantage of 4" fat tires they aren't quiet enuf for my riding pleasure. If i was buying one or the other i'd favor the MoonCool for a more enjoyable non-noisy urban ride or if the HuckPuppy i'd also replace the 4" fat tires with 3" urban tires.

I've made so many custom mods and repairs to my Liberty(granny)Trike (7,355 miles to date), and still no regrets as the best etrike (for the money) for my recreational/utility use. When it comes time to buy another etrike i'd buy a refurbished like new LT and make the necessary modifications.

I was holding out for dual rear brakes. The Husky is about twice the weight of the Electric XP Trike. Of course some of that weight is in the derailleur, larger wheels and battery. However I figure most of that additional weight is in the rather substantial frame. I have it up on wooden jack stands now so I can take a closer look at the rear wheel mounting, test the 'unloaded' speed and make some measurements. Another interesting point is the head tube has an OD of 50 mm but uses a 25.4 mm stem. I am wondering if a person with the correct equipment could resize inside diameter to accept a 28.6 mm threadless fork (likely not worth the expense).

 

[LewTwo]

BIG BOAT

Experience unbeatable durability and performance with the CST Big Boat Tire, specifically designed for fat bikes. Equipped with a robust Aramid layer, this tire is built to withstand the rigorous demands of e-bikes, providing puncture resistance and peace of mind during your off-road adventures...

shop.csttires.com

Available in 20x3"; I use one on the front wheel of my fat tire trike.
decide you want to use 20x4" for whatever reason, check out Vee Speedster and Vee Apache Fatty Slick.

As the 20x3 Fat tire did not fill the rim, I order a CST 20x4 Big Boat (sans paddles).It works, fills the void and the casing is round which is more than I can say for 20x4 knobbies that came on the trike. However I was surprised to discover the inflation pressure is "20 to 30 PSI Max" (per the lettering on the side of the tire). Regardless, I have ordered two more for the ass end.

Thank Thee

 

[Chalo]

Do keep in mind that tire displacement under load (hardness) is a function of both pressure and the width of the tire footprint. So in effect, 30 psi in a 4" tire is like a great deal more than that in a 3" or a 2" tire. Let the ride quality, and not the number on the gauge, tell you whether the pressure is right.

Also note that hoop stress, or the tension applied to the tire casing, is proportional to tire pressure times tire width, so the tendency to blow off the rim or rupture the casing of a 4" tire at 30 psi is the same as a 3" tire at 40 psi, a 2" tire at 60 psi, or a 1" tire at 120 psi.

 

[LewTwo]

Do keep in mind that tire displacement under load (hardness) is a function of both pressure and the width of the tire footprint. So in effect, 30 psi in a 4" tire is like a great deal more than that in a 3" or a 2" tire. Let the ride quality, and not the number on the gauge, tell you whether the pressure is right.

Also note that hoop stress, or the tension applied to the tire casing, is proportional to tire pressure times tire width, so the tendency to blow off the rim or rupture the casing of a 4" tire at 30 psi is the same as a 3" tire at 40 psi, a 2" tire at 60 psi, or a 1" tire at 120 psi.

Thank Thee again

 

[Zambam]

Wouldn't consider either the MoonKool or HuckPuppy or any etrike with a 7-speed derailleur with cadence sensor as a "Granny" etrike.

Wish my LT was 48v instead of 36v for a little more cruising speed (15mph) and hill climbing power/speed.

Wish the HP came with a torque sensor option instead of cadence sensor for this "grandad." As much as i like the riding/traction advantage of 4" fat tires they aren't quiet enuf for my riding pleasure. If i was buying one or the other i'd favor the MoonCool for a more enjoyable non-noisy urban ride or if the HuckPuppy i'd also replace the 4" fat tires with 3" urban tires.

I've made so many custom mods and repairs to my Liberty(granny)Trike (7,355 miles to date), and still no regrets as the best etrike (for the money) for my recreational/utility use. When it comes time to buy another etrike i'd buy a refurbished like new LT and make the necessary modifications.

Do you have the 16" classic? Amazing it's only 56 lbs and splits into 2 pieces! What kind of custom mods have you done? Just curious.