Rans Screamer conversion to a Bionx assist.
11-21-12, 05:30 PM
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Rans Screamer conversion to a Bionx assist.
Curious to know if anyone out there, with a Rans Screamer recumbent tandem, has made this conversion for electric assist. If so, care to comment on pros and cons, drag brake arrangement, etc? Thanks. Mike
11-21-12, 09:08 PM
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Have never seen an e-assist Screamer. Nor any other tandem, for that matter. Which isn't to say it hasn't been done. Are they available in 145 OLD? Are there limits on max load/weight? Available with disc hubs?
Most recent Screamers are set up for a V-brake and a disc brake on the rear, neither of which is an actual drag brake. We use the disc brake for rear braking - removed the V. I would consider adding the V-brake back in if we planned any mountain or fully loaded touring. Would V-brakes front and rear not be adequate for your needs?
Cons: The Screamer is already too heavy. I'd be happy to sell five pounds of ours to anyone who wants it.
I now see that you are already riding a Screamer.
This from the BionX site:
" Does the BionX system support different axle sizes?
The BionX systems are only compatible with 135 mm axle sizes."
Most recent Screamers are set up for a V-brake and a disc brake on the rear, neither of which is an actual drag brake. We use the disc brake for rear braking - removed the V. I would consider adding the V-brake back in if we planned any mountain or fully loaded touring. Would V-brakes front and rear not be adequate for your needs?
Cons: The Screamer is already too heavy. I'd be happy to sell five pounds of ours to anyone who wants it.
I now see that you are already riding a Screamer.
This from the BionX site:
" Does the BionX system support different axle sizes?
The BionX systems are only compatible with 135 mm axle sizes."
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Last edited by JanMM; 11-21-12 at 09:27 PM.
11-22-12, 04:22 PM
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A couple folks locally have a 'bent tandem with a Bionix on the rear rack.
We ride a tandem but so far and ages 80/77 have seen no need for a booster setup.
We ride a tandem but so far and ages 80/77 have seen no need for a booster setup.
11-22-12, 08:42 PM
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It's doable! https://www.gbnpro.com/news.htm
I just have to figure out how to go from the 135 to 145 spacing (typical tandem) without compromising the installation of the kit with spacers, etc., and to have some way of scrubbing speed as we would lose the Arai drum brake. We ride in very hilly country and while we have the gears to climb, but slowly, we do need something to control our descents without blowing tires off over-heated rims. It has happened, on the front wheel in the pouring rain, and that's not a pretty sight. As captain, I should have called for the drum brake from my stoker, but thought I was managing feathering front and back rim brakes alternately, holding our speed at about 45 kph. I was wrong. It has been suggested that the regeneration mode on the Bionx would suffice as a drag brake, but I have my doubts. If we go to a disc set up, (we have tabs) perhaps a hydraulic with "ice" rotor and really good pads, I'm happy. But I don't wish to compromise safety with a rotor alignment that is not "bang on" perfectly true because I've added spacers or twisted the steel frame a few mm to make it all fit. That doesn't cut it. Mike
I just have to figure out how to go from the 135 to 145 spacing (typical tandem) without compromising the installation of the kit with spacers, etc., and to have some way of scrubbing speed as we would lose the Arai drum brake. We ride in very hilly country and while we have the gears to climb, but slowly, we do need something to control our descents without blowing tires off over-heated rims. It has happened, on the front wheel in the pouring rain, and that's not a pretty sight. As captain, I should have called for the drum brake from my stoker, but thought I was managing feathering front and back rim brakes alternately, holding our speed at about 45 kph. I was wrong. It has been suggested that the regeneration mode on the Bionx would suffice as a drag brake, but I have my doubts. If we go to a disc set up, (we have tabs) perhaps a hydraulic with "ice" rotor and really good pads, I'm happy. But I don't wish to compromise safety with a rotor alignment that is not "bang on" perfectly true because I've added spacers or twisted the steel frame a few mm to make it all fit. That doesn't cut it. Mike
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