Getting started with Stokemonkey
version 1.0; the most up-to-date version of this document resides at http://cleverchimp.com/products/stokemonkey/support/getting_started/?v=1
Your first ride
Before riding with Stokemonkey, confirm that you aren’t wearing anything that could touch Stokemonkey’s drive chain.
Disconnect the battery and ride the bike normally to test brake and shifter function, as these may have changed during the installation. Again make sure that the throttle does not stick or interfere with other bike functions.
Connect the freshly-charged battery and flip the 2-pole power switch on the controller: the power indicator light should be on. The other, 3-pole switch on the controller is the mode selector.
You should ride only in the low-power mode (innermost switch position) for a few complete charge cycles to help condition your battery for best performance and service life, and to become comfortable operating Stokemonkey. Drawing high power from the batteries before a few gentle conditioning cycles can damage them!
Slowly and gently turn the throttle until the motor moves to confirm power, then release. Get on and ride. Twist the throttle whenever you want help; let go when you don’t. Stokemonkey helps more at lower pedaling speeds, but it is wasteful to force it to work at very low speeds, such as starting in a high gear. For best range, use your bike’s gears to keep high, steady pedaling speeds continually.
Please ride gently for a while until you learn to assess safe stopping distances and other handling characteristics of your now heavier, faster bicycle!
Keep in mind
Batteries should perform near their best after 5-10 complete charge/discharge cycles, so don’t expect full range the first few rides. We recommend you leave your battery pack attached to the charger in a climate-controlled environment between uses, as it will discharge slowly all by itself if left idle. If you don’t want to leave it connected, charge it up every 2-3 months of storage in a cool place to preserve service life.
Don’t leave the system powered on when you’re not riding it. You drain the battery all the time it’s on, and a powered system can be hazardous to curious or careless handlers.
Stokemonkey’s drive chain is likely to become loose and possibly derail as the tension cable breaks in after installation. Carry a 10mm wrench to re-tension the chain by sliding the cable yoke down the tension cable spans, then re-tightening. You may need to do this a few times before the tension stabilizes, and at longer intervals as the chain and sprockets wear.
Troubleshooting
| Possible cause | Remedy | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor drive chain comes off in use | Chain too loose | Increase support cable tension. 2-3 adjustments over the first few hundred miles are a normal break-in phase. |
| Improper installation | Re-adjust mount according to installation instructions. If the problem persists, note whether the chain comes off to the right or to the left of the chainring, and reposition the motor a very short distance in the opposite direction. | |
| Turning throttle does not activate motor, or power cuts in and out | Loose or faulty connection | Confirm that power light is on, check all connections, inspect contacts of connectors for corrosion |
| Internal wire break or failed controller | Email todd [at] clevercycles.com or call ((888) 503-4127 x102 at time of printing) for support | |
| The system is noisy or doesn’t feel smooth | Freewheel on motor wearing out | Replace freewheel |
| Drive chain tension too high or misaligned | Re-adjust mount according to installation instructions | |
| Electrical malfunction | Check all connections, inspect contacts of connectors for corrosion | |
| Range is too low | Pedal speed too low for selected motor mode | Pedal faster and/or switch to “low” mode. Always start in a low gear and shift up as you gain speed, or refrain from applying full throttle when starting in a high gear, especially when in “high” mode. Use throttle less overall; go slower. |
| Battery capacity insufficient or in poor condition | Upgrade battery; confirm that freshly-charged voltage is 42V or higher. Eat better and stay hydrated. | |
| Top speed is too low | Highest bicycle gear too low | Change bicycle gearing and/or substitute a motor freewheel with more teeth. Use “high” mode. |
| Battery capacity insufficient or in poor condition | Upgrade battery; confirm that freshly-charged voltage is 42V or higher. Ride more. | |
| Climbing assistance poor | Bicycle gear too low | Shift up to bring your pedal speeds down, where Stokemonkey works hardest. Use “high” mode. |