Hi
I have allmost bought a Sinclair C5 ;D
I have a lot of experience of rebuilding and tuning the City-el, and i allso want to rebuild the sinclair c5 with a 24V 4qd pwm controller.
then i have the possiblity to reverse the power to the motor, so it can reverse.
but is the back axle and gearbox made so its posible to reverse in a C5?
ps. sorry for my bad english
Regards from Denmark
I have been running a 24v c5 for a few years now.
The main problem you have is that the standard Sinclair gearbox will not cope with the extra power;
http://c5alive.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=181.0
You will have to leave the 24v c5 at such a low setting it will be little better than a 12v.
This is why we are working on a gearbox replacement project;
http://c5alive.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=811.0
Reverse isnt really an option as the large white drive cog will not "drive" backwards - its just as easy to stick your legs out and push with your feet ;D.
another issue with reversing the C5 is the pedals will also rotate backwards, so you could cause yourself a very severe injury :o
i did see a kit made that uses the C5 chain to drive the C5, this has a mechanism to disengage the pedals for reversing, but to be honest is that worth the cost and installation effort involved?
for me, getting out to reverse it is all part and parcel of the C5's eccentric charm, most use a C5 for a bit of enjoyment often as with this forum with like minded friends.
Don't forget the issue's with damaging the electronics if reversing a standard c5 too fast !!
Thanks for the answers
i think i just will restore the sinclair c5 to standard, and then upgrade to 24V, if the new replacement gearbox comes avalible ;D
first step will be getting the C5 from Holland to Denmark