Pedal a Quando

[Harv]

My Quando battery cut out and I had to pedal home and it was very difficult.

So is it easier to pedal if the motor is completely turned off (keyed off) or does it matter?

 

[keithhazel]

My Quando battery cut out and I had to pedal home and it was very difficult.

So is it easier to pedal if the motor is completely turned off (keyed off) or

does it matter?

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having a Quando myself i am at last able to answer a post and give correct technical data.........."quote"........."battery cut out and pedal home"......

my deepest comiserations to you Harv. wouldnt wish that on anybody... lol

 

[flecc]

No it makes no difference, the Quando is a pig to pedal without power, in part due to it's 2.125" Kenda tyres, in part due to motor internal gear drag, in part due to it's lack of optimisation for cycling.

It's primarily biased to motor power, and it's pure cycling deficiencies are poor geometry, incorrect riding position, too narrow handlebars, saddle too wide, slop in handlebar joint, shorter than standard cranks, narrow and flexing folding pedals, and it's single gear is too high when without power. Otherwise it's perfect.

In fairness, making a bike compact and folding can introduce all sorts of compromises that affect cycling efficiency, and eZee's larger bikes are not so greatly affected.

As I think you probably know, I converted mine to the Q bike to alleviate these cycling deficiencies, but that has compromised it's foldability a little.
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[Harv]

Keithhazel it sounds as if you've been there, done that.

Yes, I do know you converted yours flecc and I'm curious to know if or how your conversion compares (other than cost) to a Brompton w/electrics for example or another folder/elec. built for riding comfort. You may remember that I spoke to my LBS about converting my Quando.

I imagine the riding bikes eliminate most deficiencies except (hub) motor drag and I'm guessing that a Cyclone or Currie style motor probably doesn't drag.

 

[flecc]

The Nano Brompton is undoubtedly more free running Harv, that Tongxin motor free of drag, and the Quando motor couldn't compare.

Like Keith I ran out of juice on the Quando once, and though it was only a hundred yards from home, it was still a miserable experience pedalling it. It would have been better if I'd pushed it.

The Currie can have a tiny bit of drag due to it's chain drive, but it's not as much as most hub motors. The Cyclone I haven't tried, but it has a poor chain path around a tiny nylon idler which could add a bit of drag, though if anything like the drive through chain Panasonic motor it will be ok.
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