where to buy a friction roller

[Toby woodman]

where can I buy a friction roller, I'm looking for a product or roller that can be mounted to a 5/8-inch crankshaft. I'm looking for a diameter of around 2.2 inches, it needs to be as grippy as possible, because I need to climb some hills and will probably encounter some wet weather, I know they are not great in the wet, so I am prepared to understand the limitations of the friction drive system by pedalling along with it whenever possible.

 

[darwin]

Would these work, bicycle axle pegs. Need to drill them out and tap them.

https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=dp_bc_aui_C_5?ie=UTF8&node=3494291

 

[Toby woodman]

I have tried that but I'm not sure about how much grip they would have, the ones on the kits you can buy seem to be really chunky with a sort of spline pattern, I'm just wondering what options are out there because making one seems like it would take a lot of time to balance and weld on enough grip for some rough terrain.

 

[cloakedvillain]

@Cannonball3 has done tons of friction drive builds with all sorts of engines. His favorite roller is to make his own from oak. Not too hard to do, even with hand tools.

 

[michael whiteman]

Did you give up on the belt drive Toby? or is this another bike?

 

[Toby woodman]

im just exploring different options, the main thing for this is be to be reliable, therefore a smaller engine with less stress on the frame is what I'm thinking. a 2.5 hp four stroke at the moment. the cheap centrifugal clutches seem to wear out fast so I looked into belts because they seem quiet and flexible, however I'm thinking about mounting an engine on a rear rack, and then using a 3;1 torque converter, with a 10 to 44 or 50 tooth sproket, this gives me plenty of low speed for climbing, but if the engine can pull it, the torque converter will adjust the ratio for hopefully a slightly higher top speed. the torque converters have a smooth engagement and seem to be able to handle the hills around me.

 

[darwin]

I know you know what you want, just not clear on the why. I think it will cost you way more your way, if that is the issue. Why reinvent the wheel? This is everything you want with 1in roller for torque.

Staton Inc

Roller Chain 25-3/8" Long # 35 3/8" Pitch x 3/16" wide

www.staton-inc.com

 

[Toby woodman]

I can't really get any motorized bike kits in the UK, the only ones I can get are cheap china doll motors, therefore I am planning to build a 4 stroke bike because if I use common and local parts to me in the UK, I should be able to fix it myself without having to wait weeks for aliexpress orders for parts

 

[Toby woodman]

only 4 stroke engines that are really round here are lifan's or hondas and go kart parts are available. Therefore the conclusion of using a go kart torque converter and 56 tooth sproket that I will make using a laser cut platewheel from an industrial bearing supplier.

 

[darwin]

Staton won't ship to UK? I understand the difficulties of the rules if so.