Bicycle Frame Hindsite

[JemmaUK]

For all you cruiser lovers including myself but hate the hardtail concept, I found something at wallyworld. It's pretty much a full suspension cruiser for only $112.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=2061606

Don't know if it would work with a frame mounted motor, but it would sure work with my racked gebe. lol

It would also work perfectly with a chengine mounted forward of the crank cotter like the old autocycle designs.. would just need a mount to be fabbed up...

If I *ever* get a job and money my next bike will be specced as follows...

Cruiser frame - most likely the one I have with the addition of all white tyres
Frame mount engine - most likely a 2-stroke
Jackshaft to rear wheel
Shimano cyber-nexus 8 speed rear hub and coaster brake set up
Computer controlled transmission with autoshift or manual option
recoil starter (chengine)

As you can see I like a challenge lol

Jemma xx

 

[BSA]

I motorized my mountain bike.. I think I'll go with a cruiser with a more upright seating position next just for comfort. My lower back (i have back problems anyway) has been hurting lately due to the hunched over MTB riding position.

Exactly the same here. I would get a cruiser bike and add sprung saddle and front springer forks.

BSA

 

[4doora]

I've got a Schwinn Stingray.
It's off the charts with the "looking cool" factor.
But as far as comfort and speed, it's a little lacking.
If I did it again I'd probably pick up an old Schwinn cruiser from the flea market

 

[Alaskavan]

I sure spaced it on that one. How could I forget the problem of running power to a suspension rear? Sorry 'bout that.

 

[Snax]

Jemma, why install a jackshaft?

 

[lennyharp]

Frame

A few thoughts I have had on a frame for my next bike are... I like the idea of a longer frame with space built in for mounting a motor low, behind the seat tube. This Big Dummy from Surley is a great version of what I am thinking of. I Would rework the area just behind the seat tube to be open for the motor and not longer than needed.

I like the predictable handling of a racing geometry so would go with about 72 degrees at head and seat tubes which is, I think, what Surley did for this bike. This makes slow riding easier as well as quick maneuvers more sure and safe. Have you ever noticed that a cruiser with say 70 or 69 degree head angle will sink and raise as the bike is steered, which is a drag when you are going slow on a climb or on an obstacle course.
Here are the specs on the frame.

I would have a fairly upright set of bars so I could not have to bend over too much. The longer wheelbase will soften the ride somewhat. I would also have a Rock Shock or other suspension fork. The added stability from a lower center of gravity is another plus.

 

[JemmaUK]

Jemma, why install a jackshaft?

In order to transfer drive from a chengine or similar with a left hand side PTO to drive the cyber-nexus hub I am looking at I need to transfer the power across to the chain on the other side of the bike... hence the jackshaft..

Thinking about it if I can spec the jackshaft with a gebe style gear at one end I could run the rackmount as I have it through the gears on my current bike... hmm $180 + delivery for parts... *ponders* ...

Jemma xx

 

[SirJakesus]

I wouldn't say this is something said in hindsight, I already knew the limitations of using the XR75 being that its somewhat short wheelbase, rim brakes and "entry level" full suspension.
I just figure that when I decide to upgrade to a larger downhill mountain bike with long travel suspension and disc brakes I can just swap the system over to the new bike and put another staton kit on the xr75 to sell or whatever. I already had the bike so I figured it was wise to put it to good use rather than let it collect dust. Overall I'm extremely happy with the machine but I like to upgrade replace and sell once I've done everything I can to a project. I'd have to say building these and bringing them to life is my favorite part of motoredbiking.