skyl4rk
New Member
I would recommend a bike with a suspension front fork and maybe a rear suspension as well.
long distance motor bike
- Thread starter colby
- Start date
wileydavis@gmail.com
Member
Colby,
I've done san francisco to San Diego on an MB while towing a 9'6" longboard to boot. A very fun trip. For the boards, we used burley cargo trailers and just strapped the boards upright on the left side. I've also done a ton of MB touring. My whole frame and drivetrain are somewhat custom, but I do use the subaru EH035 engine and the staton gearbox. I have not had any trouble with those components. I have, however, blown up quit a few freewheels on the gearbox. Because of this, I'd recommend upgrading to the White Industries freewheel (staton sells it). I have several thousand miles on mine without a problem, so it's worth the extra dough IMHO.
I'd also recommend against a cruiser. The geometry is comfortable for a trip to the bar, but gets very uncomfortable after a long day in the saddle. They put too much pressure on your butt. Something like the Surly Long Haul Trucker would be an excellent base for what you have in mind. It'll be comfortable for all-day riding, it's steel, so it will hold up to the load. A rack-mount staton kit and an LHT frame would be a nice setup.
I have no experience with the staton shift kit, but running the engine power through the gearing would be very helpful for your proposed route, especially up near Big Sur. But if not, you'll want to gear pretty low. I've toured with a friend who has a staton friction kit on a specialized 29r, and he always uses the smallest roller available (lowest gearing) due to hills and trailer towing. Maxes out at about 29mph, but still pulls (with a lot of pedaling) most hills.
My general advice is this, treat your tour like a regular bicycle tour, expect to pedal most of the time. if you do this, you'll get a lot of exercise and your butt will hurt less, and you'll realize how rad MB touring is because you end up averaging 20mph, rather than 12.
Anyway, let me know if you have any questions. I'll tell what i can.
I've done san francisco to San Diego on an MB while towing a 9'6" longboard to boot. A very fun trip. For the boards, we used burley cargo trailers and just strapped the boards upright on the left side. I've also done a ton of MB touring. My whole frame and drivetrain are somewhat custom, but I do use the subaru EH035 engine and the staton gearbox. I have not had any trouble with those components. I have, however, blown up quit a few freewheels on the gearbox. Because of this, I'd recommend upgrading to the White Industries freewheel (staton sells it). I have several thousand miles on mine without a problem, so it's worth the extra dough IMHO.
I'd also recommend against a cruiser. The geometry is comfortable for a trip to the bar, but gets very uncomfortable after a long day in the saddle. They put too much pressure on your butt. Something like the Surly Long Haul Trucker would be an excellent base for what you have in mind. It'll be comfortable for all-day riding, it's steel, so it will hold up to the load. A rack-mount staton kit and an LHT frame would be a nice setup.
I have no experience with the staton shift kit, but running the engine power through the gearing would be very helpful for your proposed route, especially up near Big Sur. But if not, you'll want to gear pretty low. I've toured with a friend who has a staton friction kit on a specialized 29r, and he always uses the smallest roller available (lowest gearing) due to hills and trailer towing. Maxes out at about 29mph, but still pulls (with a lot of pedaling) most hills.
My general advice is this, treat your tour like a regular bicycle tour, expect to pedal most of the time. if you do this, you'll get a lot of exercise and your butt will hurt less, and you'll realize how rad MB touring is because you end up averaging 20mph, rather than 12.
Anyway, let me know if you have any questions. I'll tell what i can.
Skyliner70cc
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A well prepped HT engine with a shifter kit would be my first choice. I have over 200 hours one one of my prepped HT engines with only the following issues
1. Freewhee failure-upgraded to heavy duty one
2. Chain breakage (now carry spare)
3. Derailleur failure (now carry spare)
No engine problems at all over the past 3 years or so I've owned the Dax engine. I usually burn a mix of oil containing anywhere from 25 to 100% castor oil at a 32:1 ratio. Still using orignal spark plug.
1. Freewhee failure-upgraded to heavy duty one
2. Chain breakage (now carry spare)
3. Derailleur failure (now carry spare)
No engine problems at all over the past 3 years or so I've owned the Dax engine. I usually burn a mix of oil containing anywhere from 25 to 100% castor oil at a 32:1 ratio. Still using orignal spark plug.
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5-7HEAVEN
Well-Known Member
Not meaning to put you down, Skyliner.
I have a Tanaka engine, so my freewheel doesn't take a beating.
Many chain breakages before, now carry spare.
Derailleur and cassette failure, my fault.
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PatrickW
In memory of PatrickW 1952 - 2012
Road Trip!
Colby...I still would recommend the Robin-Subaru EH035 4-Stroke and gear box (chain) from Staton. The torque at the wheel, or lack thereof, is in the final gearing, not in the poop that the engine has. I have several final gears from Staton that I can change out and re-adjust the chain in less than 10 minutes (on the road) from high torque to high speed [one tool & one wrench]. So IMO, you are good to go with the that combination, and explain to Staton why you want several 'final gears' for his gear box. You won't regret it. I would also reread Simple Simon's advise of how you carry your board. I am also quite familiar with the winds and truck back-wash along the Pacific Coast Highway and he is correct.
I would only add to what I have already typed: a sturdy bike frame [no matter what you call it] with handlebars that are comfortable for you, road tires, thorn-proof inner tubes, and 7 gears...that would be ideal /wFront suspension fork, and comfy suspension seat. Don't be fooled by "21 gears" you don't get 21 only 14, so don't squander your money unless you know how to use them.
Backazimuth, 5-7, Simple Simon, and Happy Valley have all given you great advice...I hope mine has been equally as helpfull.
However, since I am a staff member, and part of the administration, we probably had best move this thread, as Happy Valley suggested back in post #11, to the "Traveling & Commuting Forum" before we all get banned from here. We have a very good, productive conversation going here...the kind I love to see. Okay? Then, Let's move!
p.s. Colby...I took the liberty of opening a new thread for you in "Traveling & Commuting By Motored Bike"...it's titled Colby's Pacific Coast Trip. Good Luck.
Colby...I still would recommend the Robin-Subaru EH035 4-Stroke and gear box (chain) from Staton. The torque at the wheel, or lack thereof, is in the final gearing, not in the poop that the engine has. I have several final gears from Staton that I can change out and re-adjust the chain in less than 10 minutes (on the road) from high torque to high speed [one tool & one wrench]. So IMO, you are good to go with the that combination, and explain to Staton why you want several 'final gears' for his gear box. You won't regret it. I would also reread Simple Simon's advise of how you carry your board. I am also quite familiar with the winds and truck back-wash along the Pacific Coast Highway and he is correct.
I would only add to what I have already typed: a sturdy bike frame [no matter what you call it] with handlebars that are comfortable for you, road tires, thorn-proof inner tubes, and 7 gears...that would be ideal /wFront suspension fork, and comfy suspension seat. Don't be fooled by "21 gears" you don't get 21 only 14, so don't squander your money unless you know how to use them.
Backazimuth, 5-7, Simple Simon, and Happy Valley have all given you great advice...I hope mine has been equally as helpfull.
However, since I am a staff member, and part of the administration, we probably had best move this thread, as Happy Valley suggested back in post #11, to the "Traveling & Commuting Forum" before we all get banned from here. We have a very good, productive conversation going here...the kind I love to see. Okay? Then, Let's move!
p.s. Colby...I took the liberty of opening a new thread for you in "Traveling & Commuting By Motored Bike"...it's titled Colby's Pacific Coast Trip. Good Luck.
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Hi Simon and thanks for the response. You are not the first to recommend a different rack system and the more thought I put in the more I realize that I might want to purchase a trailer, or possibly overhead. I plan to ride very very slow and cautious as time is of no importance for this journey. Thanks for the recommended builder I will definitely look him up. I am all over sd and even willing to go up to orange county to work with someone if necessary.
Wiley, great to hear from you. Your trip sounded rad from sf to sd! especially towing a 9'6! thats pushing some serious foam! awesome none the less. I am currently liquidating my quiver from 9 down to 1. The chosen 1 is just a classic 6'0 thruster. Actually this entire trip is geared around wave riding, my number one passion. I am here to gain knowledge on my mode of transportation and I thank you for the words. As far as traveling with my surfboard, although it is short I am still getting discouraged with the thought of carrying it on a side rack. My initial thoughts were to keep it tight and compact. In other words I did not want to tow anything. However with the thought of Oregon's heavy log truckers flying by and strong winds I am not sure if a side rack will be the safest. I am set on the subaru EH035 engine and the staton gearbox, currently seeking a reputable seller. I think I will upgrade to the White Industries freewheel, thanks for that advice. I will check out the Surly Long Haul Trucker, with everyones advice I have opted out the cruiser frame. I currently have this frame and was curious if it would make a decent build http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_P7m8p3pz-.../8R8sVcpuv4o/s1600-h/Fuji+Catalog_Page_12.jpg I also have this frame http://www.singlespeedbike.co.uk/fujitrack.html ...maybe a single speed mb? lol I also plan on using a very low gearing, again speed is not an issue for me 25mph for me is perfect. Curious as to what gear you prefer to pedal in uphills with an assisted motor? and thanks again for the words Wiley, you are helping me get inspired.
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Hi Patrick good to hear from you again. I am going to take your original advice and purchase the Robin-Subaru EH035 4-Stroke and gear box from Staton. If it runs anything like my 93 Subaru Legacy which is nearing 300,000 miles I am confident reliability will not be an issue. I like your suggestion about purchasing multiple sized gears as my route presents numerous hills and flat lands. What assortment of sizes do you travel with? Thanks for the concern on board mounting as I am currently revising the plan and leaning more towards a tow system. Originally my concern was staying compact but I realize my main concern should be safety. Thanks for opening the new thread, this is logical and I will start posting in Colby's Pacific Coast Trip.
PatrickW
In memory of PatrickW 1952 - 2012
Good thing, Colby. I'll post in that thread, as I have more to say...
PatrickW
In memory of PatrickW 1952 - 2012
I have a Trailmate Meteor recumbent trike...one of the few. My Staton gear box on the EH035 R/S is his 18.75 to 1 box...I use a 14 tooth final gear for normal riding w/20" rear tires..when I race, I use an 18 tooth final gear which will give me 42+ mph on 24" mag wheels. Ask Dave Staton what final gears he prefers for various speeds/torques. He always tells me I'm geared too tall.<g>
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