RESISTANCE OR NOISES WITH MOTOR OFF / FREEWHEELING

CAUSE:

Resistance when the motor is off is almost never an issue in the Cytronex motor. This is because it has a very efficient roller freewheel which cannot resist forward motion and reported cases of noise and resistance usually relate to the adjustment of the brakes on the bike, something rubbing, or perception (see below). We have also found that with some Brompton bikes, a loose assembly in the bell on the handlebar can cause apparent motor noise when the motor is on, this happens due to the resonant frequency of the loose bell assembly and can be cured by tightening the bell.

The most regular reports of resistance have been shown to be entirely due to what we call the “perception gap”. Whatever speed you are doing with assistance on and whatever the terrain the physics mean that your power plus Cytronex power are equivalent to the forces preventing you from going faster at that moment. If the Cytronex power is instantaneously removed by switching off then you will experience what feels like resistance equivalent to the power that has been removed until the bike slows to the speed that is equivalent to just your power. So even though you may have reached what appears to be the top of a hill, Cytronex power is still resulting in the speed you are going and removing that power will give a temporary sensation of resistance. This is entirely perceptual and is in fact enhanced by the very quiet and smooth performance of Cytronex.

So, if your wheel spins freely off the ground in the forward direction then it is not possible for the wheel to slow you down and provide resistance because the freewheel disconnects the motor, it can only push, not resist forward motion.

FIX:

Please also bear in mind that because the motor hub has a mass that a standard hub does not – when you spin the wheel off the ground it takes a little more push to get it moving, but once it is spinning, it moves freely. The Cytronex freewheel also continues to improve in use, but if you are sure there is a problem and you have eliminated any possible factor in the bicycle fork (brake or something else rubbing) then please support your bike safely off the ground in a stand so that the wheels are free to move and use motor power for a second or two just to get the wheel up to maximum speed. Then time how long it takes to come to a standstill and please message us with the answer using the Support Contact Form. Please make sure you have moved brake pads or mudguards away from the wheel if possible so that you are sure nothing is rubbing.

Cytronex Motors have sealed bearings that are very durable. However, all bearings eventually need replacing. If your motor hub is making noticeable noises whether assistance is on or off, then your bearings may need replacing. If only during freewheeling it is possible that your freewheel needs re-greasing. In either case – please contact us with the Support Contact Form so your bike can be booked in to our workshop for investigation.