Fricton Drive for Fat Bike Ideas Please

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maniac57

Old, Fat, and still faster than you
Oct 8, 2011
4,484
22
0
memphis Tn
My biggest concern would be tire wear. Those 4'' tires ain't cheap!
I think I'd try to go with a chain drive rack mount instead....or an electric hub motor like Paul suggested.

Just my opinion.
 

Albula vulpes

New Member
Mar 16, 2010
419
0
0
FL
I drove/rode around a friction drive down in the Florida Keys for a while. If you plan on riding it off road, the Florida keys coral/marl will take its toll on the roller and make it wear down sooner than it normally would. Just a heads up. I'm building a shifter/scooterguy now.
 

phatcruiser

New Member
Sep 23, 2013
95
0
0
San Diego
Contact Staton Inc and ask them if they can make you a unit that will fit the bike. All you really need is a channel that will fit over the tire.

Can you put a smaller tire on it? If your going off road a friction drive isn't the best choice. I would go with a rack mount chain drive for off road or an electric set up.
 

BigPineJV

New Member
Mar 2, 2014
22
0
0
Big Pine Key Fl & WNY
it will take a bit more than just a wider channel - the shafts will need to be longer - the mounting bracket wider !!! I don't plan on a lot of off roading but I will hit some gravel roads between paved roads - I am not interested in tons of speed, but would like to see 15+ MPH --- I am not super mechanically inclined Thus the Friction System - I really want it to just assist my exercise program helping me get home against the wind or assist on long up grade climbs - I am a 250lb old guy lol pushing 60 -- pounding against the wind is not my idea of fun anymore :)
I was considering the Bumble Bee Bolt on (that I am fairly sure will work) but I don't think it has the power I require at only 24cc..
I wrote Staton an email hopefully they can solve my problem!
 

Mike B

New Member
Mar 23, 2011
2,256
7
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Central CA
Have you considered a smaller tire?

I'm 6-2. 225 lbs and ride around on 26 x 1.95's.

How about a 3 inch tire?
 

phatcruiser

New Member
Sep 23, 2013
95
0
0
San Diego
it will take a bit more than just a wider channel - the shafts will need to be longer - the mounting bracket wider !!! I don't plan on a lot of off roading but I will hit some gravel roads between paved roads - I am not interested in tons of speed, but would like to see 15+ MPH --- I am not super mechanically inclined Thus the Friction System - I really want it to just assist my exercise program helping me get home against the wind or assist on long up grade climbs - I am a 250lb old guy lol pushing 60 -- pounding against the wind is not my idea of fun anymore :)
I was considering the Bumble Bee Bolt on (that I am fairly sure will work) but I don't think it has the power I require at only 24cc..
I wrote Staton an email hopefully they can solve my problem!
Good point about the mounting bracket. Now you know why I went with a friction drive. My mechanical skills are pretty poor.

The smaller the drive shaft the more torque but you sacrifice top end speed. When I started I weighed 300+ and the Mitsu clone would pull me at over 20 MPH on flat ground. I weight considerably less then that now. The .910 roller is installed on my bike. It will easily pull you at 15 mph, no problem. I would consider a smaller tire. Would save the cost of a custom bracket and channel.