I
Impala
Guest
I'm sorry if the response to this is, "Duh, read the forum, dummy," but -
How come there is no motorized bicycle commercially available that combines all these features:
- Virtually the same weight as a standard high-tech mountain bike that has a full suspension, except for the addition of a tiny motor, I mean like 25 CCs or less, just enough to propel the bike at around 25 mph (40 kph) on flat pavement with no headwind.
- A gasoline motor like the one described above. (I'm thinking chain saw or weed-whipper size engine.)
- Transmits the power to the front sprocket of a mountain bike derailleur, probably with a clutch, so that the small amount of power available could be used in the most efficient way possible via the 15, 18 or 21 gears available. I picture a motor mounted behind and beneath the saddle, with the chain going to the front sprocket (I think chains are very efficient, if a teensy bit heavy.)
- Has fat tires like a mountain bike, but slightly optimized to give better traction on pavement for safety. (With standard mountain bike tires an option for off-road use.)
- Has wheels that are almost as light as those on a high-tech mountain bike, but just a teensy bit more robust to stand up to sustained speeds on pavement that are slightly above typical pedal-bike speeds.
- (Perhaps) has a "self sealing" gas tank for safety. This is very simple - it just means a foam liner that prevents the gas from pouring out when punctured, unless is really gets smashed.
- Has top quality mountain bike disk brakes for safety. They cost more and are a bit heavier than rim brakes, but give better, more consistent brake performance in all conditions - critical given sustained, higher-than-average speeds on pavement.
- Has full-bicycle functionality, and even allows the user to quickly remove the motor and appurtenances.
If the answer to this is not the "Duh" I suggest above, then I have a message to bike and motorbike makers: "Duh!" This would be the ultimate 'green vehicle' for around town use. It would not be allowed on freeways, obviously, but if you didn't mind only going 25 mph you could cross a continent with it, using less than 15 gallons of gas!
They could probably sell around 300 million of these in China and the third world. Except it wouldn't be cheap - it only works by using expensive high-tech materials and technologies. Still, it should be possible to make this for around $3,500, given the cost of high quality mountain bikes.
A recumbent version could have all the same features. in a slightly heavier but more comfortable and aerodynamic package.
So - am I nuts? Is the response indeed, "Duh!" Have I just given away the zillion-dollar entrepreneurial idea? That's OK - I'll never act on it myself anyway.
PS. With a lightweight trailer, you could cross a continent at 25 mph with the wife and kid, and still only use around 15 gallons of gas.
How come there is no motorized bicycle commercially available that combines all these features:
- Virtually the same weight as a standard high-tech mountain bike that has a full suspension, except for the addition of a tiny motor, I mean like 25 CCs or less, just enough to propel the bike at around 25 mph (40 kph) on flat pavement with no headwind.
- A gasoline motor like the one described above. (I'm thinking chain saw or weed-whipper size engine.)
- Transmits the power to the front sprocket of a mountain bike derailleur, probably with a clutch, so that the small amount of power available could be used in the most efficient way possible via the 15, 18 or 21 gears available. I picture a motor mounted behind and beneath the saddle, with the chain going to the front sprocket (I think chains are very efficient, if a teensy bit heavy.)
- Has fat tires like a mountain bike, but slightly optimized to give better traction on pavement for safety. (With standard mountain bike tires an option for off-road use.)
- Has wheels that are almost as light as those on a high-tech mountain bike, but just a teensy bit more robust to stand up to sustained speeds on pavement that are slightly above typical pedal-bike speeds.
- (Perhaps) has a "self sealing" gas tank for safety. This is very simple - it just means a foam liner that prevents the gas from pouring out when punctured, unless is really gets smashed.
- Has top quality mountain bike disk brakes for safety. They cost more and are a bit heavier than rim brakes, but give better, more consistent brake performance in all conditions - critical given sustained, higher-than-average speeds on pavement.
- Has full-bicycle functionality, and even allows the user to quickly remove the motor and appurtenances.
If the answer to this is not the "Duh" I suggest above, then I have a message to bike and motorbike makers: "Duh!" This would be the ultimate 'green vehicle' for around town use. It would not be allowed on freeways, obviously, but if you didn't mind only going 25 mph you could cross a continent with it, using less than 15 gallons of gas!
They could probably sell around 300 million of these in China and the third world. Except it wouldn't be cheap - it only works by using expensive high-tech materials and technologies. Still, it should be possible to make this for around $3,500, given the cost of high quality mountain bikes.
A recumbent version could have all the same features. in a slightly heavier but more comfortable and aerodynamic package.
So - am I nuts? Is the response indeed, "Duh!" Have I just given away the zillion-dollar entrepreneurial idea? That's OK - I'll never act on it myself anyway.
PS. With a lightweight trailer, you could cross a continent at 25 mph with the wife and kid, and still only use around 15 gallons of gas.
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