Old Guys Simplex moto-peddle bike

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Ludwig II

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Jul 17, 2012
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That's quite a vertical angle, are you using it to limit the vertical travel of the wheel? Watsonian had the "wobble wheel", where a short swinging/hanging arm went down from the wheel to the chassis without any springing at all. It sounds horrible, but from what old charioteers said, seemed to take the worst of the sting out of the bumps
 

indian22

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Dec 31, 2014
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Actually
That's quite a vertical angle, are you using it to limit the vertical travel of the wheel? Watsonian had the "wobble wheel", where a short swinging/hanging arm went down from the wheel to the chassis without any springing at all. It sounds horrible, but from what old charioteers said, seemed to take the worst of the sting out of the bumps
I'm actually using the long extension to lower the ride height by 8" keeping the frames heavy components as low as possible. I may have to also fab a limit stop for the torsion spring, but rather doubt it will be necessary. Visually I'm wanting to keep the overall car height quite low to match up well with the extremely low height of the bike itself & keep the completed rig profile "racy". Like the bike the car will have no wind screen or fender, but by adding the dual suspension system, leaf springs for the car body and torsion spring (both mounted below the frame) I've really no options with this design, but to raise the axle height, in order to keep the side car lower than the seat height of the bike itself. I'm thinking that I can keep the car to not much more than 20" overall height & 6' 6" in length...svelte!

Caliper & rotor could be install on the inside of the wheel onl

Rick C.
 

indian22

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Dec 31, 2014
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I got my fat tire electric up and running yesterday some detail work to finish up but no problems. Fun to ride and kinda' like an old '43 Willy's Jeep so ugly it's rather cute, hope it's not as prone to rollovers though. Rode it in the rain and grip was super. I left it on the charger overnight & hope to get an idea of how far I can go with the small 5 amp batteries I used for this first 48 v. pack. The next pack is with 20 amp hr. batteries, just got to get round to it.

Leaf springs are ready to mount on the sidecar frame.



Rick C.
 

indian22

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Dec 31, 2014
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Wet and cold all weekend so I chose to ride the electric for fun and a test and it was. It's quick but not fast, 22 mph on level terrain, but gobbles steep inclines well. Since I've no knowledge of such things I'm guessing the internal gearing is low? Speed isn't a concern with this one and though I didn't set up pedal assist I've found myself pedaling most of the time, but not because it's ever been required; other than when I let the battery go flat empty. It's very stable and comfortable on the 4" tires & 10 mph seems where I've settled in town.

I reached 6 miles with pedal assist over mostly flat terrain & still had some battery capacity left in the 5 amp hour pack. but don't know if that's good or not. Will 20 amp hour pack pull me past 20 miles? I'll probably put one together one night this week & give it a test....I've got plenty of batteries.

Anyway it's back to sidecar matters this week, but my education with the electrics is just beginning & will continue.

Rick C.
 
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indian22

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Dec 31, 2014
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I ordered a Comet CVT today for the 3 hp Lifan 4 cycle to mount on the Fat ebike bike, just seemed the way to go.. hybrid & AWD. Pedals stay active as well so tri powered as well.

Bottom bracket tube will be cut to allow for more engine mounting space & I'll run a peanut tank on the straddle tube, nothing fancy for sure. Still using parts I've already paid for.

Rick C.
 
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indian22

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Dec 31, 2014
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Alberta clipper's been transferring cold air in waves, yeah, so I've been pretty inactive other than riding to my coffee shop and to lunch. I'm using the e-fat bike only & other than it's gotten no prettier; I'm pleased....20 amp lead packs are a great improvement and with the eventual addition of the gas motor's weight along with doubling the battery weight; the extra battery capacity will be welcome. I was surprised at how well the 5 amp 48 volt pack worked. It was fine for my daily use, but really demanded overnight charging. Again fine for me, living in a small town, but not for most. I'd say a daily, round trip, 8 mile commute with the 5 amp pack would be iffy even with much pedal assist.

I plan on mounting the Lifan motor with all the factory stuff, except the governor, in place including carb, air cleaner, gas tank etc. I like the little 4 stroke's quiet and smooth operation in symbiotic conjunction with the electric hub. Power and speed isn't really a concern with this but*yugly experiment. Peanut tank will be used to increase the bikes range. Adding a trailer hitch is also coming. Really no fabrication involved just adding pieces and making them fit for a purpose. Free form?

Rick C.
 

indian22

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Dec 31, 2014
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Curt max pressure 30 lb. but after blowing a tube I'm at 20 lbs. so yes very soft ride & super traction .Fun even in the cold...not to compare it with the temps up north yeah? I need to get back on the side car but really got into this fat e-bike deal...especially the riding!

Rick C.
 

curtisfox

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Dec 29, 2008
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I have been drooling over them, just haven't got one yet. To many others in front of it, that need to get done. A lot of trail riders around here have them, i would have to put drop loop on the frame for motor. Maybe a 4G kit engine, or a old Briggs and a CVT, also have Lauson or Clinton. My favorite is belt drive to rear wheel, but got to cut the stays sometimes. Unless its mounted Whizzer style.......Curt
 

indian22

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Dec 31, 2014
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I like your vision for a vintage look in a fat tire bike, a lot, Curt. My fat tire e bike is definitely not classic or even classy, just a down and dirty "user" & when completed I'm certain my investment in it in both time and dollars will make it hands down the least expensive bike I own, motorized or not. It's not supposed to look like much and really doesn't, but it's great fun to ride. When I get the gas motor mounted it's going to be a great "adventure" bike for my country rides.

Rick C.
 

indian22

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Dec 31, 2014
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I wonder about the steering technique employed between the two drivers including weight transfers of the car pilot while he steers. The coordination of efforts seems quite an impressive demonstration of practice & teamwork on single direction tracks, but really amazing on a true road course.

Curt I'm a great fan of one off shop tools and devices a throw back to my youth and time spent in country blacksmith/welding shops and engine machine shops. I had an encyclopedia of such devices first printed at the turn of the 20th. century, that described in detail hundreds of these, in detail; Alas it was liberated from my possession many years ago and to my knowledge is not in print. I mourn my access lost to it's many insightful marvels.

Rick C.
 

indian22

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Dec 31, 2014
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I'm waiting for parts on both the sidecar and the e-fat bike, but the CVT is scheduled for delivery today. That being the case I'll cut the frame of the e-bike to make room for the gas engine mounting. Tire and frame clearance will be a problem as is typical with larger tires, so altering a seat stay is probable. Throttle control for the gas engine will be the unused left brake lever. I'll post photos when it's finished.

Rick C.