Help with Motorized Bike Conversion for Commute

[brinith]

Basically, I am looking to make a motorized bike for mainly commuting to school and will probably never go on a main road. The road that I take to school is very hilly and is just a pain to ride a standard bike, its doable without a doubt, just don't want to be drenched in sweat when I get there.

So I was looking to build a <50cc (blame NJ laws) 2 Stroke bike. Its supposed to have a max speed of 25 mph, but doesn't really matter as the bike goes over as I can probably just change the sprocket to a higher count to lower the top end and add more torque (I am pretty sure?)

The problem is that I don't know what bike I should get. Originally was planning on going with a beach cruiser, but after reading up a bit, its better to have gears. However, I don't understand why as its not like the motor will be using the gears?

Wondering if you could help me out by helping me pick a bike. I am 5'11", 195 lbs with a 20 lbs backpack. Places where I can buy from are Walmart, Target, and ****'s. The budget for the bike itself is $200. If its has to be shipped, then it should go over $220 including shipping.

Any help or clarification is much appreciated.

 

[SignedByMe]

Hi there
I live in a hilly environment. I would recommend a Chinese happy times kit. Theses can be found on eBay. The bike i would go with a mountain bike because of the brakes. Here are some. You might want to look on craigslist. Ps it does not matter if there are gears not unless you want a shift kit.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Roadmaster-Granite-Peak-Men-s-Bike-Black-Green/45089317
Here is a road bike http://www.walmart.com/ip/700c-Roadmaster-Adventures-Men-s-Hybrid-Bike-Dark-Blue/42248086

This should leave a good margin for upgrades and when things break.

My 0.02

 

[brinith]

Is there any difference in quality compared with this compared to the eBay ones? http://www.bikeberry.com/gas-engine...-kit-2-stroke.html#product_tabs_review_tabbed

I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for added quality and lifetime. Definitely scared of it all falling apart when driving. Not to mention, first motorized vehicle ever (with the exception of a jetski, then again, the water has less things to bump into.)

 

[Wolfie65]

I would recommend searching thrift shops, flea markets or yard sales for a quality used bike and to stay away from box store bicycles.
Buy a good steel frame for $ 10 at a yard sale, invest another $ 100 or so in new tires, chain, cables and brake pads, and you have what basically amounts to a new bike of vastly better quality than anything found at WallyWorld.

 

[brinith]

I would recommend searching thrift shops, flea markets or yard sales for a quality used bike and to stay away from box store bicycles.
Buy a good steel frame for $ 10 at a yard sale, invest another $ 100 or so in new tires, chain, cables and brake pads, and you have what basically amounts to a new bike of vastly better quality than anything found at WallyWorld.

Well I already bought the Roadmaster. Seems good enough for my needs. However, if I ever get to build a second one, I will definitely spend the money for a better bike. Will be posting it in the Build section hopefully.

 

[SignedByMe]

All the engines are the same. Just different brands for other parts maybe a small difference but nothing noticeable. With the eBAy ones you can customize more because of price.

 

[Cylon]

Just buy a Kent Glendale or a huffy Cranbrook people will always talk bs about Walmart bikes but you will be okay and the eBay motors are good I paid 135 don't bother over paying for a branded motor it's pointless. I've got both and everything has been fine. Its not like buying a car.... You don't have to spend top dollar.