Treading lightly into the realm of assist.

[Jimmy smith]

Having been a cyclist most of my life and a number of Trans continentals and working in the industry most of my adult life I’ve been bitten by desire. I’ve always said what I like about bicycles is all you need to feed them is a peanut butter sandwich.
That being said here is my quest. I/we travel extensively in a small rv and have two Bike Fridays folding 27 geared folders.
I would like to explore a quality simple electric assist. My thought is to do a front hub motor do to the ease of switching back and forth with my regular wheels if I desire. Any thoughts on a decent kit for that upgrade?
We call Southern Oregon home

 

[fooferdoggie]

I think a mid drive would make you happier and a decent one will give you a much better feel your used too. yes it will cost more but it will feel better.

 

[Tars Tarkas]

You want to be able to use your present acoustic bikes with, and sometimes without, a front hub drive kit? Interesting. There are some kits on Amazon that might be a staring place. I've been thinking about converting an old Trek; it looks pretty easy but I haven't done it or even done near enough research to recommend anything specific.

I don't know why in the world you won't love PAS. You can still pedal as much as you want but you can go further, faster, longer, up steeper hills than you could 20-30 years ago.

TT

 

[JRA]

I live in the northern part of OR and I fully support your idea. Front hub motors get a bad rap primarily because people are afraid of their front wheels in general. Rightfully so but not to the extreme if the proper set up is done.

I have had a few folders on boats over the years and they are great for getting around on unless you like to walk, a lot. The little wheels really wind up fast and they make motors with windings specific to that. If I was to get another I would for sure give it the juice but not too much, 500w would be enough.

You are right that it's just a matter of undoing some wire connections, loosening the axle nuts, I only know of one front hub motor that has a QR, putting it aside and reinstalling your stock wheel. About a 15minute operation at most.

For quality I recommend the folks at ebikes.ca aka Grin Technology. They have years of experience in adapting assist to folders and their focus is purely hub systems. A real nice young group of folks also.

As much as I like mid drive on my mtb I prefer a front hub for the road, any road. I am just building up a bike with a Grin AnyAxle, the one front hub motor that does have QR but also adapters for any standard from 10-20. I am using a 12mm one that they were nice enough to chef up for my during a visit, my son lives in Van so it is convenient to stop in and highly recommended if you have the opportunity.

Rolling Chassis:



I don't use any PAS on my road bikes but the Grin system has a cruise control feature that you can basically set your watts desired with a simple thumb throttle and pedal away as you normally would with no motor influence in the drive train. Not popular but it works, at least for me.

As an aside mid drives on small wheel bikes can't provide enough gearing as they don't the accept larger chainrings necessary, at least none that I know of.

 

[Jimmy smith]

I live in the northern part of OR and I fully support your idea. Front hub motors get a bad rap primarily because people are afraid of their front wheels in general. Rightfully so but not to the extreme if the proper set up is done.

I have had a few folders on boats over the years and they are great for getting around on unless you like to walk, a lot. The little wheels really wind up fast and they make motors with windings specific to that. If I was to get another I would for sure give it the juice but not too much, 500w would be enough.

You are right that it's just a matter of undoing some wire connections, loosening the axle nuts, I only know of one front hub motor that has a QR, putting it aside and reinstalling your stock wheel. About a 15minute operation at most.

For quality I recommend the folks at ebikes.ca aka Grin Technology. They have years of experience in adapting assist to folders and their focus is purely hub systems. A real nice young group of folks also.

As much as I like mid drive on my mtb I prefer a front hub for the road, any road. I am just building up a bike with a Grin AnyAxle, the one front hub motor that does have QR but also adapters for any standard from 10-20. I am using a 12mm one that they were nice enough to chef up for my during a visit, my son lives in Van so it is convenient to stop in and highly recommended if you have the opportunity.

Rolling Chassis:

View attachment 44963

I don't use any PAS on my road bikes but the Grin system has a cruise control feature that you can basically set your watts desired with a simple thumb throttle and pedal away as you normally would with no motor influence in the drive train. Not popular but it works, at least for me.

As an aside mid drives on small wheel bikes can't provide enough gearing as they don't the accept larger chainrings necessary, at least none that I know of.

Thank for taking the time to share all your experience and thoughts. I will look into and likely contact the folks at grin. Smooth sailing

 

[Jimmy smith]

Thank for taking the time to share all your experience and thoughts. I will look into and likely contact the folks at grin. Smooth sailing

Thanks again! I have been noodling their site and expect, with a little help from them to find the perfect set up for my little bike friday. Might have to rename it after the transplant.

 

[PDXzap]

@Jimmy smith Have you talked to Bike Friday about electric? They appear to use some of Grin's parts for their kits.

 

[Jimmy smith]

@Jimmy smith Have you talked to Bike Friday about electric? They appear to use some of Grin's parts for their kits.

I plan to. I dropped them an email yesterday but it’s the weekend. I live south of Eugene and hope to have a conversation with them. Thanks