Currie fans

[skutter]

I recently got hold of a Currie kit, lots of fun. However there's quite a bit of drag when the motor isn't running and it doesn't want to go past 20MPH downhill, does anyone know if this is by design or can be derestricted? (Version is blue battery box with "Currie" logo/black motor with "Electro Drive" logo.)

 

[flecc]

There is quite a bit of drag in the design, and that does hold up the rolling speed somewhat. There isn't a derestrict as such, but there have been various parts available to speed them up when under power. Not many sources now, the best one in the USA at EV deals

Uk agents Electrodrive may also be able to help.
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[lectureral]

That does not sound right to me - on mine there was not very much drag, the freewheel worked reasonably well - no problem exceeding 20 mph downhill - I once made 38 mph down Byker Bank. I gave up no mine because it started destroying rear wheels but before that I found it ideal for my short steep commute.

 

[skutter]

Yes, I've noticed the spokes have started pinging after 180 miles suggesting it's stretching them.

I thought there might be a freewheel in there, looks like I'll have to be dismantle it to find out if anything is clogged up. I found a link to a manual here Carter Review: US Pro Drive Bicycle Conversion which might be useful to other Currie users.

 

[flecc]

There's definitely a freewheel, the drag I referred to being that of the chain transmission, but I agree with lectureral that it's not severe.
.

 

[skutter]

I took off the motor and the freewheel thing appeared to be working, so it must be the chain. It seems to be getting better though, may be the chain needs to loosen or stretch a bit to fit the sprockets better.

 

[john]

I took off the motor and the freewheel thing appeared to be working, so it must be the chain. It seems to be getting better though, may be the chain needs to loosen or stretch a bit to fit the sprockets better.

Chains don't stretch, they just wear out.

Is the chain oiled and the links moving freely?

 

[skutter]

Thinning the chain lube seems to work, probably the worst thing to do to a chain.

 

[john]

The lube needs to be thin enough to get inside the links but still provide lubrication. Best to use a specialist lubricant. I use Finish Line Cross Country. It's not expensive because it lasts quite well.

It might be worth giving the chain a good clean and then applying the lube.

 

[Andy Day]

Hi. I've done over 6000 miles on my Currie and I can tell you it's been an absolute trial of my backstreet mechanicing skills!

Firstly downhill performance. Set up correctly, next to zero drag. The adjustment and condition of the chain is important. The original chain is made of putty, contact your local Renolds chain supplier and get a good one, you may need to buy a 5 metre length (about £115 delivered) but that will last you forever! I've also turned up on my lathe a cylindrical tensioner from hard nylon to replace the original. Set the chain up with 8mm slack at the tightest point. DO NOT NEGLECT CHAIN TENSION! If you do the chain can centrifuge off the back sprocket and lock the back wheel at speed. That will cause an embarrassing underpant moment, it did me!

Next is binding brakes. Any contact between the rim and block is bad news, set them up with clearance at all points of rotation. If the wheel runs out of true it may be due to busted spokes, a common Currie fault. I ordered a set of custom 12g spokes from Central Wheel Components and after drilling out the rim and hub relaced the wheel at 2000 miles, I've not had to touch it since.

Tyre pressure are also crucial, my Currie is in a mountain bike that rivals the Titanic for weight, I run both ends at 70lb per inch. Fortunately I have a compressor which saves elbow grease with this.

Then all you will need to overcome is the unreliability of the motor (on my 3rd), and the fact it eats batteries every 1500 miles!

Good luck.

 

[fishingpaul]

Well youve certainly put me off,i did think about an izip at one time (currie motor),but i dont think ill bother.

 

[skutter]

It's a flawed design but works. I prefer to add a kit to a standard bike, electric bikes look like girls bikes.

 

[andrewelectricbike1]

I saw the izip mountain style bike had a second free-wheeling sprocket on the other side of the wheel. I have been searching for these wheels but have had no luck..