New Friction Drive Build -featherlite 25cc

[Tinker]

Hi all, here are a few pics of my first and only friction drive build. It's a Weed Eater Featherlite 25cc on a Target aluminum frame mountain bike. Enjoy.

Aaron

[cpuaid]

very nice build, looks fairly easy to fabricate using common components. what size roller and where did you get it from? what type of performance are you getting with it? (speed, mileage)

[Will Snow]

You built the whole mount yourself I take it. Good for you, that is the kind of thing I like to see.

I also would like to learn how it is doing for you.

[Mountainman]

nice
looks like direct drive ??

ride that thing

[Tinker]

Thanks all. I fabbed everything myself. Yep, it's direct drive. Bump start. I simply push the wooden handle down to engage and lift up to disengage. I use a leather strap to secure it when idling so it doesn't slip "into gear". It works quite well.

I fabricated the spindle from 1" aluminum stock, drilled and tapped it to bolt onto the flywheel. I then (using a suggestion found here) JB welded emery cloth to the spindle for friction. The lefthand bracket is angled aluminum, the righthand bracket is a steel bar and the center bracet it steel strapping.

I don't know how fast it goes but I'd estimate 15mph. I don't notice the weight of the motor at all (I'm guessing it's 7lbs with fuel).

I've only put a few miles on it so far...noisey and fun.

[Mountainman]

Yep, it's direct drive. Bump start. I simply push the wooden handle down to engage and lift up to disengage. I use a leather strap to secure it when idling so it doesn't slip "into gear". It works quite well.

nice Tinker -- neat and simple
works for me regarding bikes and the Ladies

ride those THINGS

[Will Snow]

I thought I would check back with you now that you may of had time to use your friction drive.

How is the the JB Weld roller holding up and tire wear? I like your simple, "BUILD IT YOURSELF" approach.

[Tinker]

I thought I would check back with you now that you may of had time to use your friction drive.

How is the the JB Weld roller holding up and tire wear? I like your simple, "BUILD IT YOURSELF" approach.

Thanks. The JB Weld is holding up extremely well but the tire (Target special) seems to be wearing out rather quickly. But I haven't been riding it much since the 20" snowfall a couple of weeks ago.

[Will Snow]

20" of snow, that would make it tough to ride in alright. the sand paper roller would probably do well in wet weather though.

I Remembered something while thinking of your friction drive. I had a little friction drive a few years ago that I really liked, called a MX-5. It is no longer available but the drive roller is what I want to tell you about. The roller had several groves cut across the width of the roller and they were not that deep. What I think is good about this is, just about anyone could make the groves with a metal cutting saw or even a 3 cornered file. This roller was made of steel and seemed to last forever.

With your idea and these two types of rollers: Most do it yourself people could put this together with simple tools and very little cost. Rain or shine a person could have simple, inexspensive and reliable transportation.


What do you think?

[Esteban]

I remember the MX-5 kits. I think they were from S. Korea. I really liked the way they were mounted.