friction drive versus chain drive

[Alanj]

i get my 33cc friction drive tomorrow in the mail.

what are the pros and cons with friction versus chain drive?

the friction kit was 399, the chain drive was 600 about with a new back wheel.

thx
al

[Finfan]

The only down side to a friction drive is that you'll go through tires quicker. It probably won't be very quick but I have the impression that's not what you're going for. Good Luck!

[Alanj]

Motorized Bicycles Detail Page

the guy says 30mph with a 1 1/8 inch roller.
that is the speed limit in ontario canada for motorized bikes.

if i get 24mph i will be happy.

[Bikeguy Joe]

I would take those numbers with a grain of salt, especially with 33cc's.

[xlite]

Originally Posted by Bikeguy Joe

I would take those numbers with a grain of salt, especially with 33cc's.

Having built a few friction bikes I agree. Wind can be a big problem too. I'm talking about "wind" on the internet. Maybe should be called "fiction bikes" instead of friction.

[Alanj]

dang.

what should i expect to get for a 33cc with a 1 1/8th inch roller, 26 inch bike, 200 pounds then?

thx
al

[Alanj]

i got her assembled last night

got up to 26.25 mph on the gps mounted on bike. ended up tooling around town and put on 29 miles in a few hours first night... looks like 236 mpg so far.

it says it will get up to 27% more power after 4 tanks of gas.
I am 210 pounds.

I am happy crusing at 22 mph. for now that seems to be the sweet spot for the motor.

[xlite]

Originally Posted by Alanj

dang.
what should i expect to get for a 33cc with a 1 1/8th inch roller, 26 inch bike, 200 pounds then?
thx al

That was exactly my situation with the weed wacker engines. Same everything right down to my fat but. I got about 20-22 mph level both directions via GPS. My first ever was a 43cc (Dimension Edge). Significantly faster but really crummy rack mount which is what forced me to "roll" my own. Roller pressure is critical.

Biggest drawback to friction is when it rain they are dead in the water. Literally. Unless you use a rough roller in which case you go through tires like Kleenex.

Biggest advantage is the bike has zero resistance once you lift the roller. Also, with fewer parts, they are much simpler to build and more reliable.

The difference is not huge but as far as efficiency:

Excellent=gear
Good=toothed belt
Fair=chain
Poor=friction

[Alanj]

hi

i have the diamond hex pattern roller.

Can i put a rubber sleeve on it, so it is not so abrasive?
or ducttape?

[Bikeguy Joe]

Duct tape will last a New York minute....a rubber sleeve? If it's all just right, it may work.