Electric Bikes - Front Shock Fork w/ Front Hub Motor... Does it matter?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
veganheart
05-05-09, 12:41 AM
What are the pros and cons of have a hub motor on the front wheel that has a shock fork?

cerewa
05-05-09, 09:40 AM
The con is that you might bust the fork, fall flat on your face, and be seriously injured. The fork is designed to handle vertical forces and braking forces very well, but not accelerating forces. That said, MOST designs that can handle hard braking should also handle accelerating IF they have plenty of strength to spare. Under acceleration, the front suspension system will be lengthened (in that position it's not as strong) whereas under braking it will be shortened.

Try it at your own risk.
snowranger
05-05-09, 11:58 AM
The dropouts on suspension forks are usually aluminum, too soft for the axle torque. At least use a torque arm or better yet get a steel fork and torque arm.

The positive with front hubs is ease of installation.

alfonsopilato
05-06-09, 11:46 PM
falling flat on your face is not something you wanna risk, i agree
i have a dual suspension mtb, rear wheel hub motor, battery placed in front to balance the system
edpol
05-07-09, 08:24 PM
Some hub motor manufacturers say their hubs are not designed for use with suspension forks. Others say only high quality steel suspension forks are acceptable. It's best to check with the manufacturer to see if your particular fork is acceptable.