Inspired by the Moulton TSR-2C - My Abio 2C belt-drive, kick-shift, 2 speed cruiser
#1
Eschew Obfuscation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Inspired by the Moulton TSR-2C - My Abio 2C belt-drive, kick-shift, 2 speed cruiser
A couple of months ago, I was totally inspired by BruceMetras' Uno Duo creation - https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ht=dahon%20uno . Totally cool vintage Duo hub, 2 speeds, coaster brake, clean lines and stunning. I immediately ordered one from his supplier in Germany https://hubstripping.wordpress.com/fs-torpedo-automatic/ . Bruce got the Automatic shifter, I got the Manual model.
I had originally intended to put this Duo hub on my restored 1970 Moulton MK3, restoring it to an original configuration of that time. But, after reading about Moulton's new prototype TSR-2C, belt-drive, 2 speed, kick-shift, coaster brake model (https://www.moultonbuzz.com/2009/10/m...the-new-tsr-2/), I became enamored with matching this Duo hub with my Abio Verdion belt drive bike. The simplicity of the hub and belt drive seem like a real good match.
So I went to work on the Abio Verdion. I upgraded both wheels with Dahon's Kinetix line. Built up the rear wheel with the Duo hub, eliminating the cables to the back, upgraded to a Brooks saddle and MKS EZ pedals. Chopped about 3 inches off the handlebars and added Brooks leather bartape. And the result is this:
Been riding this bike almost exclusively for the past few weeks, to the dismay of my other folders. Here are some pics of the Abio Verdion around town.
I love this configuration - matching up a simple hub with a clean belt drive train. It's totally counter-intuitive. One can get 30 speeds on bikes now, yet the simplicity of this 2 speed is somehow refreshing. Amazingly, the 2 gears (48/68) meets all my needs for going around town. Of course, this bike is not built for getting anywhere in a hurry - it's for taking time and smelling the roses on the way to someplace. Ahh, what a joy!
When Sturmey Archer comes out with the S2C hub (which works the same way), I will put the S2C on the Abio Verdion and put the Duo hub on the MK3, the lineage matches up better. Can't wait to do that too!
I had originally intended to put this Duo hub on my restored 1970 Moulton MK3, restoring it to an original configuration of that time. But, after reading about Moulton's new prototype TSR-2C, belt-drive, 2 speed, kick-shift, coaster brake model (https://www.moultonbuzz.com/2009/10/m...the-new-tsr-2/), I became enamored with matching this Duo hub with my Abio Verdion belt drive bike. The simplicity of the hub and belt drive seem like a real good match.
So I went to work on the Abio Verdion. I upgraded both wheels with Dahon's Kinetix line. Built up the rear wheel with the Duo hub, eliminating the cables to the back, upgraded to a Brooks saddle and MKS EZ pedals. Chopped about 3 inches off the handlebars and added Brooks leather bartape. And the result is this:
Been riding this bike almost exclusively for the past few weeks, to the dismay of my other folders. Here are some pics of the Abio Verdion around town.
I love this configuration - matching up a simple hub with a clean belt drive train. It's totally counter-intuitive. One can get 30 speeds on bikes now, yet the simplicity of this 2 speed is somehow refreshing. Amazingly, the 2 gears (48/68) meets all my needs for going around town. Of course, this bike is not built for getting anywhere in a hurry - it's for taking time and smelling the roses on the way to someplace. Ahh, what a joy!
When Sturmey Archer comes out with the S2C hub (which works the same way), I will put the S2C on the Abio Verdion and put the Duo hub on the MK3, the lineage matches up better. Can't wait to do that too!
__________________
Last edited by SesameCrunch; 01-08-10 at 02:12 PM.
#2
Eschew Obfuscation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Oh, and here's the best part - my 6 year old son riding it. I just lowered the seat and turned the handlebars around. He likes it too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7OhSwjQD-4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7OhSwjQD-4
__________________
#4
crazy bike girl
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: CA Central Coast
Posts: 3,325
Bikes: '07 Orbea Onix, '07 Birdy Yellow, '06 Cannondale Bad Boy (stolen)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Looks really fun Alan.
__________________
Countries I've ridden in: US, Canada, Ireland, UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, China, Singapore, Malaysia
States I've ridden in: Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Nevada, Missouri, Colorado
Countries I've ridden in: US, Canada, Ireland, UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, China, Singapore, Malaysia
States I've ridden in: Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, California, Nevada, Missouri, Colorado
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
I had a folder with a Sachs Duomatic combined with a Speed Drive for 4 gears and no cables. Way before the Moulton that came out like that. I didn't like it. Tokk off the Speed drive (it's now on my Birdy) and sold the folder with the Duomatic still on it.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Rafael, California
Posts: 2,097
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 113 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 8 Times
in
6 Posts
Nice SesameCrunch!! .. I know the joy you are feeling .. you can cover a lot of territory with a 2 speed .. . your rims will last forever with a coaster brake.. I find I do almost all my slowing with the coaster brake and hardly use the front brake at all.. certainly the opposite with my other bikes where I normally use the front brake the most..
#7
Eschew Obfuscation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That was the limited edition Moulton 50 which paired up the Duo with the Schlumph. This TSR-2C is the S2C hub (modern reincarnation of the Sach Duo) with belt-drive. Not yet released.
__________________
#8
Eschew Obfuscation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
that's what I do too. I wish I could do without the front brakes all together, but the rear ones are not quite strong enough by themselves. The bike would look even better without the front brake cable.
__________________
#10
Eschew Obfuscation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#11
shaken, not stirred.
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: The Shaky Isles.
Posts: 5,250
Bikes: I've lost count.
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1412 Post(s)
Liked 971 Times
in
390 Posts
Nice! did you have any problem getting the coaster brake arm secured to the elevated chainstay of the bike?
__________________
Get a bicycle. You will not regret it if you live. ~Mark Twain, "Taming the Bicycle"
vBulletin: snafu
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Albany, WA
Posts: 7,393
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 321 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
Penny just dropped... how come a Yankee is using a right hand brake lever for front brake? (I would feel right at home on that bike!)
#13
Eschew Obfuscation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's a privilege that comes when one builds up one's own bike. I'm right handed and more comfortable with it there. So why not?
Remember where I installed the SA8 sifter on my Moulton MK3?
I swear that part of my liking of folders is that I can be different and individualistic...
__________________
#14
Eschew Obfuscation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I was incredibly lucky. The length of the brake arm fit exactly with the distance of the disk brake mount. I just threaded a bolt between them. Lucky indeed.
__________________
#15
Eschew Obfuscation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's been over a month now since I've built this configuration up. I have been riding this bike almost exclusively for my around-town rides. I can't believe how much I'm enjoying the simplicity of the two speed kickback shifter. It doesn't make any sense logically. I have so many bikes with so many different drivetrains. Yet, this little two-speeder makes me the happiest.
Yesterday was a rare sunny day around here, so I rode into town, got a sandwich and enjoyed it at a picnic bench along the Pacific Ocean. This bike just does that to me.
I did run into a problem with the hub early on. It was rebuilt improperly, with a couple of parts being out of place. With the help of a parts manual, I was able to disassemble it, ordered parts (from Germany) and put it back in proper order. The hub feels rock solid now. And the belt drive makes this bike whisper quiet when I ride it. Ahhhhhh...
Yesterday was a rare sunny day around here, so I rode into town, got a sandwich and enjoyed it at a picnic bench along the Pacific Ocean. This bike just does that to me.
I did run into a problem with the hub early on. It was rebuilt improperly, with a couple of parts being out of place. With the help of a parts manual, I was able to disassemble it, ordered parts (from Germany) and put it back in proper order. The hub feels rock solid now. And the belt drive makes this bike whisper quiet when I ride it. Ahhhhhh...
__________________
Last edited by SesameCrunch; 02-06-10 at 09:54 AM.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 862
Bikes: Swift folder, single speed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice! I think the most antiquated part of a bicycle is the dirty ol' heavy chain. Bout time it got updated. It's long since vanished from motor vehicles. What pros and cons do you find with the belt? Lately I'm just using my bike (Swift) for fast workouts, single speed, alternate days with running. I might be happy with two gears, too. Then I could have a big one to stand up on when the wind is behind me. Good video, too. Cute kid. Maybe those are my old Marathon tires...
#17
half way commuter
nice job and nice pics, thanks for sharing Sesamecrunch, I have one old folder with 3 speed backpedal brake, but sure it still needs a cable for the shifter, yours is in another class
#18
Eschew Obfuscation
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Posts: 3,845
Bikes: 2005 Fuji Professional, 2002 Lemond Zurich, Folders - Strida, Merc, Dahon, Downtube, Recumbent folder
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice! I think the most antiquated part of a bicycle is the dirty ol' heavy chain. Bout time it got updated. It's long since vanished from motor vehicles. What pros and cons do you find with the belt? Lately I'm just using my bike (Swift) for fast workouts, single speed, alternate days with running. I might be happy with two gears, too. Then I could have a big one to stand up on when the wind is behind me. Good video, too. Cute kid. Maybe those are my old Marathon tires...
Nice to hear from you. Your tires are doing duty on my Dahon SmoothHound, the front wheel of our family recumbent tandem, and a Dahon Mu P24. I sure do appreciate them!
I really like the belt drive - for casual riding around, not for racing or performance rides. Belt drive is virtually silent and very clean. I don't have problems with belt slippage under normal conditions. Only when stomping on the pedals in a standing start. I think most of the cruisers that they sell for casual riders should be belt drive. So much easier. But who knows, it's hard to get people to change habits.
__________________
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 862
Bikes: Swift folder, single speed
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nice to hear from you too, SC.
"...not for racing or performance rides...I don't have problems with belt slippage under normal conditions. Only when stomping on the pedals in a standing start. "
Guess it still needs to be perfected - and then we could get rid of chains for good! Shaft drive is another alternative to the chain, but it seems to have its own inherent and insurmountable problems.
"...not for racing or performance rides...I don't have problems with belt slippage under normal conditions. Only when stomping on the pedals in a standing start. "
Guess it still needs to be perfected - and then we could get rid of chains for good! Shaft drive is another alternative to the chain, but it seems to have its own inherent and insurmountable problems.