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Crank assist for e-bikes

Jochen Donner

 · 25.05.2021

Crank assist for e-bikesPhoto: Daniel Simon
Crank assist for e-bikes

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With mid-drive motors, the freewheel of the crank prevents the chain from cranking backwards. We have tested four clever tools that still make this possible.

To oil and clean the chain, it makes sense to crank the chain backwards. This makes this tedious task easy and straightforward. However, a freewheel between the crank and the driven bottom bracket shaft decouples the chainring and chain from the pedalling crank on the mid-motor. Otherwise you would have to keep pedalling when the motor engages.

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Several manufacturers have recognised the problem in recent months and offer a solution. In principle, this involves linking the chainring and crank together for maintenance. This is done with four clever tools that work perfectly when used correctly. To be on the safe side, only carry out maintenance work with the system switched off and/or the battery removed to minimise the risk of injury.

The Crankstick comes from the 3D printer. Its angled claw allows it to grip most, but not all, chainrings. It sometimes sits a little awkwardly there and can also tilt slightly when removing it. But with a little practice, you can work with the plastic hook in no time at all. There is a money-back guarantee for completely unsuitable chainring-crank combinations. RRP 9.90 euros, free shipping in Germany >> e.g. <a href="https://amzn.to/2RCZwoy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">available here</a> *.The Crankstick comes from the 3D printer. Its angled claw allows it to grip most, but not all, chainrings. It sometimes sits a little awkwardly there and can also tilt slightly when removing it. But with a little practice, you can work with the plastic hook in no time at all. There is a money-back guarantee for completely unsuitable chainring-crank combinations. RRP 9.90 euros, free shipping in Germany >> e.g. available here *.The Kettenmeister B is the more universal of the two models: its bracket clamps firmly to the chainring with a clamping screw, the crank leans against it and takes the chainring with it when cranking. The short bracket slips off easily if misaligned and on contoured chainrings. RRP 19.95 euros, free shipping in Germany >> e.g.<a href="https://amzn.to/3ukvJyb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"> available here</a> *.The Kettenmeister B is the more universal of the two models: its bracket clamps firmly to the chainring with a clamping screw, the crank leans against it and takes the chainring with it when cranking. The short bracket slips off easily if misaligned and on contoured chainrings. RRP 19.95 euros, free shipping in Germany >> e.g. available here *.Rep cord, a wooden stick and a knot: so simple, so ingenious. You thread the cord through one of the openings in the chainring and around the crank, wrap it around the slotted wooden stick - and you can start cranking backwards straight away. McQuade's EBike Tool works simply, flexibly and convincingly. RRP 9.90 euros, free shipping in Germany >> e.g. <a href="https://amzn.to/3yE556P" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">available here</a> *.Rep cord, a wooden stick and a knot: so simple, so ingenious. You thread the cord through one of the openings in the chainring and around the crank, wrap it around the slotted wooden stick - and you can start cranking backwards straight away. McQuade's EBike Tool works simply, flexibly and convincingly. RRP 9.90 euros, free shipping in Germany >> e.g. available here *.Until 2018, all Bosch motors had small chainrings and cover discs. The chain master A is responsible for many, but not all such cases. Its fork rests on the crank shoulder, a lockable pin fixes it in recesses in the cover disc. Spacers ensure a tighter fit on narrow cranks. A little complex, but useful. RRP 19.95 euros, free shipping in Germany >> e.g. <a href="https://amzn.to/3vfmXCK" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">available here</a> *.Until 2018, all Bosch motors had small chainrings and cover discs. The chain master A is responsible for many, but not all such cases. Its fork rests on the crank shoulder, a lockable pin fixes it in recesses in the cover disc. Spacers ensure a tighter fit on narrow cranks. A little complex, but useful. RRP 19.95 euros, free shipping in Germany >> e.g. available here *.
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