MP5 & SP5 using Shimano HG 9spd cassette

[Socalbiker]

The bike I'm planning to convert has Shimano 9 spd cassette. Will this fit and work with MP5 or SP5?

Thanks for feedback

[Bikemad]

Hi andto the forum.

Unfortunately, you cannot use a cassette with the Magic Pie or Smart Pie as they both require the older style threaded freewheel unit.
Although a 9 speed threaded freewheel can be fitted, it might require the use of additional spacer washers and widening of the rear dropouts (which is not recommended with an aluminium or carbon fibre frame).

Alan

[Socalbiker]

thanks for the info. 
I definitely am not going to widen the dropouts. This is a bummer since I'd have to probably have to get a new cog, deraillur and shifter. based on the GM.Canada page I assume 8 sp is max.

Is there a link to a spec page showing dimensions of motor, disc mount and the freewheels?

[Bikemad]

Erik managed to squeeze a nine speed freewheel onto a Magic Pie, and that was with one of the early Pies which had the off centred rim:

(Click the picture for more details)

Unfortunately there are no detailed drawings for the later Magic Pies, but here is a pdf diagram of the original Magic Pie:

Original Magic Pie measurements.pdf

Alan

[Socalbiker]

Anybody have the dimensions?

would like to know if it will fit in the 135mm space between dropouts and if my brake calipers will fit btwn disc and motor.

[Dangwillo]

Yes, it should fit. the Magic Pie 5 is designed to accommodate a disc. I just use a 7 speed freewheel and forgo a few gears.  The MP5 has threaded cassettes. Is the Socal biker in Socal? If so I have MP5's you can bring your bike over see if it fits. You can also ride my Specialized FSR and see what you think.  I am in Norco.

[Socalbiker]

thanks for the offer Dangwillo I'm about 90 minutes from Norco.  Were you able to keep your disc without mods? How about your shifter & derailleur, did you have to get new ones or were you able to adjust your shifter for the different gear spacing?

[Dangwillo]

I never had disc breaks on the rear of this bike, but I could fit them easily if wanted to.  The regen braking does most of the work, but if you turn them off you might need disc brakes.  I didn't touch the shifter or derailer and the original cassette was a nine speed.  I just put the MP5 with a 7 speed cassette, and the bike shifted fine-well as good as did before through the seven gears.  In fact, I have done about 5 bikes 4 bikes and the only thing that needed any fine tuning was the brakes.  Also, in regards to the shifters and brake levers themselves, the kit comes with new brake levers built in with wiring for regen braking.  If you have a one piece unit with shifter and brake lever you will not be able to use brake levers which come with the kit- at least as they were intended (some have mounted both levers). Also to consider is the throttle device.  I find the thumb the easiest to mount without messing with your original setup.  I will post some pics.

[Dangwillo]

As I mentioned another consideration is the arrangement of the handlebar and controls. I took off the stem and handlebars from a EVG, which gives me a great upright riding position. 

[Socalbiker]

thanks for posting all these pictures, it really helps!  Did you just choose not to add the rear disc from your FSR when you upgraded to the MP5?

[Dangwillo]

I bought the FSR used, it was the RIM version and did not have disc brakes.  I had already used the MP5 so I knew how effective the regen brakes were.  Also, as far as disc brakes go, I have read that if used in conjunction with regen brakes, they might cause too much stopping power and force the wheel out of the drop set. 

Something to consider- I have been riding mostly on the street, and the regen brakes work great. However, I went to the Alabama Hills and did some real mountain biking, and I find the regen brakes to be too much.  When you are going downhill and you want to gently brake, the regen brakes overdo it and cause you to lose your balance.  If I want to continue to use this bike as an off-raod mountain bike, I think it would be wise to get a rear disc brake.  The beat of both worlds is to have the Bluetooth, so you can shut it off and on from your bluetooth device.  I shot some video I will edit and post later.