[polar8]

Hi guys,

I'm going to be attending the University of Arizona (in Tucson, AZ) next year and I'd like to find a relatively easy way to make the 100-mile trek from Tucson to Phoenix on my bike. I'm an avid racer and I could bike 100 miles without a problem, but I'd like some assistance just to get home faster.

I don't want to buy a whole new bike and I'd like to use my existing road bike. So, I'm planning on using a design similar to the Bidwell Bike Pusher (http://www.21wheels.com/pusher.html).

My question is this- what kind of electronics should I use? Would it be a viable option to buy a cheap electric scooter and use the parts from that? And my main question is:

Is a 100 mile range on an electric bike pusher even possible? If not, would a gas engine work?

Thanks!

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[BroadwayJoe]

Pusher trailers run the risk of jack-knife and getting 100 mile battery capacity will be very difficult. I've looked into 'em and the Bidwell isn't my favorite. Yak/Bob trailer with a hub motor looks like something I would explore if you're set on a pusher setup.

However, for your needs I suggest a Golden Eagle 4-stroke engine belt drive system. Staton offers a nice chain drive setup too but the GE belt drive can be more easily disconnected in the event you need/want to pedal.

The 4-stroke Subaru or Honda are fine, quiet little engines and should get you over 100 mpg.

[AllenG]

bharnett made a Bob trailer pusher. I agree with BroadwayJoe, I think I would prefer the trailer to be rigidly connected to the bike frame.


The bob trailer attached to my recumbent is retrofitted with a 600 watt brushed hub motor.
I am using lead acid gell batteries 12v 12 AH X3 for 36 volts.
The nice thing about using the trailer is I am back to having my regular bike just by unhooking my trailer.

My intent was to use it for my commute from the house to my shop 20 miles one way with some steep hills.
It works well I pedal along with the assist and just use it on the hills, I have not run the batteries out yet even when I take the long way 33 miles.
I used to do it without the assist but I commute now more with it.
The bike and fairing are homebuilt carbon fiber the bike I made in 2003.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l249/brianharnett/DSCN3317.jpg
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l249/brianharnett/DSCN3319.jpg