Here is my latest build. I have had it a little over a month and only one word really describes it... perfect.
It really has the best combination of qualities for a true hard core commuter bike. Its old school cro-molly frame is super lightweight and strong. It has quality shimano drive train and brake components. It has adequate storage for the minimals on board (water, spare tube, air pump, wallet, keys, xtra gas).... most anything else can be carried in a back pack. The friction drive is simple but VERY effective, Its my opinion to say the engine/roller drive essentially boils down to a perfect blend of pedal power and motor assistance. I can use it in combination with my derailleur and pedals to get massive acceleration, or torque, depending on the situation and terrain. Disengage it via the quick connect release mechanism, and the bike behaves just like a normal bike... no chains or belts connected. The friction drive is super durable and when combined with the r/s eho35 should give me years of 1st pull/reliable operation. The 1.5 inch roller cruises very nicely at about 25 mph with little throttle... (due to the larger diameter roller a little pedaling is required to get to speed). If you notice, the headlights are offset slightly so that one points directly in front of me and the other points out ahead... that way I can see the whole road at night.
The bike is 18 years old so I picked it up for $80 on craigslist (special thanks to "noel the bike guy" for a good deal on a great bike). The kit cost a little over $400 and I have about $100 worth of accessories and new tires/tubes. So all-in-all I am out about $580 for a super durable, very roadworthy bike.
I thought about sanding it down and painting it flat black with an od green American flag... but the retro 90's graphics started to grow on me and now I like them (they remind me of the jet skis I used to ride as a kid). The guys at my local bike shop got a kick out of it.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3720.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3708.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3712.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3721.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3718.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3719.jpg
It really has the best combination of qualities for a true hard core commuter bike. Its old school cro-molly frame is super lightweight and strong. It has quality shimano drive train and brake components. It has adequate storage for the minimals on board (water, spare tube, air pump, wallet, keys, xtra gas).... most anything else can be carried in a back pack. The friction drive is simple but VERY effective, Its my opinion to say the engine/roller drive essentially boils down to a perfect blend of pedal power and motor assistance. I can use it in combination with my derailleur and pedals to get massive acceleration, or torque, depending on the situation and terrain. Disengage it via the quick connect release mechanism, and the bike behaves just like a normal bike... no chains or belts connected. The friction drive is super durable and when combined with the r/s eho35 should give me years of 1st pull/reliable operation. The 1.5 inch roller cruises very nicely at about 25 mph with little throttle... (due to the larger diameter roller a little pedaling is required to get to speed). If you notice, the headlights are offset slightly so that one points directly in front of me and the other points out ahead... that way I can see the whole road at night.
The bike is 18 years old so I picked it up for $80 on craigslist (special thanks to "noel the bike guy" for a good deal on a great bike). The kit cost a little over $400 and I have about $100 worth of accessories and new tires/tubes. So all-in-all I am out about $580 for a super durable, very roadworthy bike.
I thought about sanding it down and painting it flat black with an od green American flag... but the retro 90's graphics started to grow on me and now I like them (they remind me of the jet skis I used to ride as a kid). The guys at my local bike shop got a kick out of it.
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3720.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3708.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3712.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3721.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3718.jpg
http://i652.photobucket.com/albums/uu246/give_me_vtec/IMG_3719.jpg
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