Noob about to get started

[Warner]

Hello all. My name is Warner and I'm very interested in the whole motorized bicycle thing. I would be building one to make my commute (about 20 miles EACH way) to work and back, and to run errands around my city. The way I caculate it, even at a very modest cost of 30 cents per mile to drive my car, I would save about $10 each day I took the bike. And if you're really thinking about it, it's more like $12.50 gross (what you have to MAKE in order to NET $10). So definitely worth exploring. I also could use a little exercise! I used to speedskate competitively and would regularly skate over 100 miles a week, but it's been several years since I did that and my exercise has dropped to almost nothing. I think the bike would be a good way to get started back up again. I would pedal it enough to make a difference, and part of my trip would be a mile or so through a forest preserve trail where the engine wouldn't be allowed. More soon...I've got lots of questions!

Warner

 

[graucho]

Hi Warner. Welcome to MBc!

If you search and are unable to find your answers, don't hesitate to post your question. Someone will steer you to a link, or reply to your question. Were here for each other! Enjoy!
You may have seen this, but here's a great MBc starter "link" to get you motoring.
http://www.motoredbikes.com/showthread.php?t=10392

These are expensive but the most reliable for everyday commutes. (GEBE = Golden Eagle Bike Engines) Im not a sales person....
http://www.bikeengines.com/

 

[Warner]

Hi Warner. Welcome to MBc!

If you search and are unable to find your answers, don't hesitate to post your question. Someone will steer you to a link, or reply to your question. Were here for each other! Enjoy!
You may have seen this, but here's a great MBc starter "link" to get you motoring.
http://www.motoredbikes.com/showthread.php?t=10392

These are expensive but the most reliable for everyday commutes. (GEBE = Golden Eagle Bike Engines) Im not a sales person....
http://www.bikeengines.com/

Thanks Graucho. I was looking at the GEBE kits and ALMOST ordered one. Until I did some more homework and have convinced myself that I like the Staton kit better. I just like the gearbox idea versus the belt and huge wacky-looking wheel that I feel would stress the spokes unnecessarily. I think I'm leaning towards the Staton kit.....but EITHER one of them I'm sure are great kits.

Thanks again,

Warner

 

[BoltsMissing]

Welcome to MBc

BoltsM

 

[Scottm]

Welcome to MBc, Glad you are here. Take your time and read up as it seems you are. Lots of choices and options to run with. I look forward to see what path you choose.

 

[dbigkahunna]

Welcome to MBc from the Giant Side of Texas!

 

[fastboy9]

Welcome to MBc, if you've got the money then yeah go for a staton or GEBE. I have one of the much cheaper chinese frame mounted engines, they are good but unless you have a lot of spare time on your hands to fix it every couple of weeks then I wouldnt bother!
Good luck with what ever you choose though, and if you have any problems just use the search box as your answer is bound to be there, if not then just ask!

Fastboy

 

[Warner]

Welcome to MBc, if you've got the money then yeah go for a staton or GEBE. I have one of the much cheaper chinese frame mounted engines, they are good but unless you have a lot of spare time on your hands to fix it every couple of weeks then I wouldnt bother!
Good luck with what ever you choose though, and if you have any problems just use the search box as your answer is bound to be there, if not then just ask!

Fastboy

Yeah...pretty much what I figured. I will definitely be going with the Staton kit. I think it's more difficult to install for sure, but I believe it's a more durable system that is more capable of handling the power (2.2 hp) of the Mitsubishi 43cc engine, too. I will have it geared taller for more top end, as I will be happy to get started under my own power to 10mph or so if need be...that's not a biggie. I'd rather have a bit more speed (or lower rpm's at 30mph at least) and I'm willing to sacrifice pedaling to get started. I may pedal frequently, in fact.

Warner