Ongoing problems with GEBE Robin/Subaru 4 stroke

[LPisGood]

Does anybody make custom rear axles? Non-quick-release, and at least 3/8" in diameter? Here's my story - don't feel obligated to read if you know the answer to my Q...thanks:

Unfortunately I've been in possession of this lovely engine for a few weeks now...and still don't have it attached to any bike.

First off, GEBE sent me the wrong size drive ring. So I had the luxury of waiting till they shipped me the right one. Then once I had the correct one, I discovered that the rear axle on my Marin mountain bike was too short to attach the mount. So I brought it to a bike shop, they ordered a 185mm axle. Then I discovered that the frame doesn't permit the mount to be installed at all - it's shaped in such a way that the mount cannot stand vertically, and because of which, the second brace cannot reach the rear of the frame. This was aggravating because I was informed by GEBE that it would fit my frame BEFORE I BOUGHT AND ORDERED IT.

So, I decided that I need a new bike anyway...I'll go for a Marin Coast Trail - nice ride, and it doesn't break the bank. So I have the bike store put a new 185mm rear axle to replace the quick release. Unfortunately, the axle is too short for this bike because the frame is slightly thicker...so there is not enough room to mount the brace again!

Blargh!!!

Does anybody make custom rear axles? Non-quick-release, and at least 3/8" in diameter? Or an alternative solution? I'm already considering returning the engine, so please don't suggest that.

Thanks,
Currently motorless biker

 

[Butch]

I once ordered a longer axle from GEBE than the one that is sold on their website. They said that they could make it any length at no extra cost. I'm sure they just cut these from a length of threaded rod.
Reading your post again, GEBE axles are probably smaller than the 3/8" that you are looking for.

 

[stude13]

hi; the kit does not absoltely have to be mounted to axle. most bikes have other attatchment points or holes in the frame that can be used. there are so many options that you should not expect it to be so easy. call a couple of friends, have a cool one a think outside the box. search this site for mount ideas. it will happen.

 

[graucho]

Hi LPisGood.
A while back I made a video of my gebe and staton bikes. About 1/3 of the way through the video I show my mount attached to the frame and not attached to the axle. Maybe this will give you an idea of what stude13 was talking about. Also I attached 3 photos of the mount. I did have to drill a new hole to get it to mount. Hope it helps. DONT send it back. It is a great set up. graucho

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UZT91Dma-E

 

[vegaspaddy]

hilpigood,

i know where your coming from, as i looked for about 2 months with no sucess for a longer axle, the one gebe sells still wasnt long enough for my needs. I fitted my kit to a mongoose and wanted to be able to tow my kids trailer around which also connected to the rear axle. I could mount the gebe kit fine, but once i put the kids trialer hitch on i didnt have enough thread biting to make it secure.

I took a leap of faith after reading about the frame mounted setups, that fellow gebe members had done, and it has worked out amazing,, i can now pull of the rear wheel with ease and not have to worry about the engine mount, as it is a pain in the *** to find somewhere to prop it up and fiddle with the wires.

I did have to buy a new wheel with 12 guage spokes as i didnt trust the 14 guage after reading all the reviews. I know you probably have done your homework but their is a wealth of info in the various blogs and help from all the gebe guys is just a click away. Dont let your fustration get the best, just fire up the pc and every problem you have will be most likely answered with a doable solution.

I can imagine your fustration not been able to ride but once you get it rigged up all those *#@# & *#$@ will be forgotten.

http://www.motoredbikes.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9207&d=1216163563
http://www.motoredbikes.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9208&d=1216163574

and now the motor mount is as bomb proof without actually welding to the bike.
http://www.motoredbikes.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=9706&d=1217729660

good luck, we feel your pain, but the journey will be will worth it in the end...

 

[LPisGood]

Thanks guys, all of you. A lot of useful info. I'll report back shortly, hopefully with a success story and some pics. Cheers!

 

[astring]

email augidog, he walked me through a few hitches in my install. He will probably have an idea that simplifies your situation (he did for me). I have about 350 miles on my eho35 GEBE kit and I am loving it (I did have a couple of minor issues at first but the support was totally there from both Augi and Dennis). The benefit of the GEBE kits is the great support.

 

[mark2yahu]

Does anybody make custom rear axles? Non-quick-release, and at least 3/8" in diameter? Here's my story - don't feel obligated to read if you know the answer to my Q...thanks:

Unfortunately I've been in possession of this lovely engine for a few weeks now...and still don't have it attached to any bike.

First off, GEBE sent me the wrong size drive ring. So I had the luxury of waiting till they shipped me the right one. Then once I had the correct one, I discovered that the rear axle on my Marin mountain bike was too short to attach the mount. So I brought it to a bike shop, they ordered a 185mm axle. Then I discovered that the frame doesn't permit the mount to be installed at all - it's shaped in such a way that the mount cannot stand vertically, and because of which, the second brace cannot reach the rear of the frame. This was aggravating because I was informed by GEBE that it would fit my frame BEFORE I BOUGHT AND ORDERED IT.

So, I decided that I need a new bike anyway...I'll go for a Marin Coast Trail - nice ride, and it doesn't break the bank. So I have the bike store put a new 185mm rear axle to replace the quick release. Unfortunately, the axle is too short for this bike because the frame is slightly thicker...so there is not enough room to mount the brace again!

Blargh!!!

Does anybody make custom rear axles? Non-quick-release, and at least 3/8" in diameter? Or an alternative solution? I'm already considering returning the engine, so please don't suggest that.

Thanks,
Currently motorless biker

I've been suggesting to GEBE that they make motor mounts that fit quick-release axles. All it is, is a smaller hole. GEBE sells the longer axles. They are 10mm by 7 inches long if I remember correctly. And the thread pitch is 1mm. Unfortunately, it's hard to find bearing cones, cone locknuts and spacers the right size. I've also suggested that GEBE make their own wheels with the drive ring and axles ready-installed. Why? let's face it....the high-end bicycles will have quick-release axles; not 3/8" axles.

 

[teamgorillaracingTGR]

lol suburu 35cc engine...my friend had one on a kit bike and he warped the case! lol the cam is plastic we found out lol

 

[astring]

lol suburu 35cc engine...my friend had one on a kit bike and he warped the case! lol the cam is plastic we found out lol

Seems like a lot of people get 10K+ on these. Can you give me more details on that RS with the problems? maybe it was counterfeit (what kit did it come in?)

http://www.robinamerica.com/series.aspx?sid=21
from their site:

> Industrial Engines > All Engines > Micro
Standard Features:
Powder metal inserted cam gear
High-carbon steel crankshaft
Connecting rod with needle bearing inserts
Hi-temp fluoride oil seal
Patented oil lubrication system
Aluminum alloy blocks with cast iron cylinder liner
Electronic ignition with automatic timing adjustment
Dual ball bearing supported crankshaft
Automatic decompression system
Splash type lubrication