Scratch build bike. Ideas?

OK yes, I'm a madman. And yes often my dreams are bigger than my wallet. So I have for your perusal the parts list for my version of the ultimate motored bike.

[ ] Worksman Cruiser $440
http://www.worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/classic-cruiser-test.html
[ ] Electric hub kit $209
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=191395458195&alt=web
[ ] 2 Battery pack. 12v 10ah ea. 4×26.25
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=141109200164&alt=
[ ] Running Total $754
[ ] TruVativ American-to-Euro Conversion kit $24.95
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/opc.html
[ ] Bottom Bracket Cartridge 153 mm $17.95
http://www.sickbikeparts.com/catalo...ucts_id=107&osCsid=sbut6bob0t2g3kjgb0scteqai5
[ ] 48cc 4 Stroke Motorized Bike Kit $268
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009CSUI3U/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_KR1OvbR9MCH1F
[ ] Running total. $1064.94
[ ] Kickstand - Rear Mount Adjustable $14.95
http://www.sickbikeparts.com/catalo...ducts_id=75&osCsid=sbut6bob0t2g3kjgb0scteqai5
[ ] Mirror $13.95
http://www.sickbikeparts.com/catalo...ucts_id=182&osCsid=sbut6bob0t2g3kjgb0scteqai5
[ ] Running Total $1093.84


OK so take some time to look that over. I need feedback on feasibility, reliablity, and missing parts. I might need to change the drive ratios of the gas kit but a top speed of 30 is all I want/need.
 
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1. There is 16in from the center of the bottom bracket to the center of the bottom top tube of n the Worksman. A squeeze? Yes, but it will just fit.

2. There is no way to tighten a belt either. They don't last as long. Can't transmit the same amount of Torque. And are far more expensive to replace.

3. If you will recall I weigh a petite 380# naked. I'm still too heavy for your 29er.

Don't get me wrong I love 29ers.

4. Agreed, batteries on the whole are rather impractical.

6. This is my only means of transportation. Emphasis on Only. My current one is only going to last so long. I have to have my new one started when it does or I'm on foot.

Unfortunately for me, silly appeals to me.
 
Best of luck with your build.

2. There is no way to tighten a belt either.
They don't last as long.
Can't transmit the same amount of Torque.
And are far more expensive to replace.
Wow, 0-4 correct on that.
Enjoy your chain drive ;-}
 
go check out the posters other threads, his builds, consider the fact he runs a business building these, and unlike a lot of the warriors advertising on craigslist and so forth, doesnt spew out rubbish... just seems to offer sound advice. possibly takes pride in his work. iunno.

of course, i could be in his pay, despite the fact im in a different country all together and have never even spoken to the man...

why did most modern cars go to using flat toothed timing belts rather than the duplex, even triplex chains that were once used? what about all those other silly chains, like the morse silent, or inverted tooth, etc?

all becoming obsolete, due to the fact that a belt requires no lubrication, is relatively silent, is relatively maintenance free, the ONLY disadvantage to a chain is that...they usually have to be installed in one piece, ie, no joiners making for awkward designs (look at a buell or any other belt drive bike...) and they are marginally less efficient than a plain chain being run in an enclosed oil bath... were talking 97% or so as compared to up to 99% with a good chain.

they dont get grit in them, only v belts squeak when worn out, they dont spray black grease and oil over everything...


its really easy to mount a flat idler wheel on the back of a belt...its really tricky setting up one for a chain... they actually have to line up :(


i hate HD but i have to wonder why the bike with one of the largest engines commercially available, and possibly the most TORQUEY motorcycle engines available, often run belts rather than chains...

one thing ive noticed with chains versus belts...chains dont "stretch" evenly. why is it, every manual for tensioning chains tells you to adust the chain in its tightest position? because they have loose spots, tight spots, and all that does is make your bike rock and roll and surge every time the chain does one revolution... of course, it really is only noticeable on a motorbike at about 60mph or so... but you can hear it! cachunka cachunka...

noise is simply WASTED POWER. as is heat.

no need to start quoting engineering manuals or uni research papers into the subjects.

every thing he said is correct. dealing with two throttle systems, plus brakes, plus paying attention.

the weights. batteries, yourself, the bike...

actually, no. i have a bucket with five HS engines, all %^^@ in one way or another... so they arent that great at all :(

saving up and doing it properly rather than do it half heartedly, waste your time, money, and forever be cussing.


start jogging. might reduce the weight loading a bit by the time the bikes ready.
 
No need to boogie off, KC has been through it, so his advise is a great starting point, "shoulders of giants" and all, also he posted a link to his measure converter, I almost feel I should pay him for how much I've used it.If you really are 380, there are special bike SUN makes for cargo and overweight people, but I think even those only are rated to 300.Weight doesn't mean anything, it's proportion that matters, you'd need to be 8ft of lean muscle.I'm thinking a tadpole recumbent would be better suited to you, then pedal more than you motor, bring your mass down to 200-280 and then think bikes.There is a problem I see with many MAB'ers, they only pedal to get going then use the motor without so much as ghost pedaling, even ghost pedaling for 1000 miles will trim you up.
 
I don't know if that was snark, but seriously NO WAY would walking be better.You're 30yrs and 400 lbs (rounding up) you have precious little time before your metabolisim changes and it will then take two to three times the effort to lose weight.A recumbent trike will save your joints, so you can push, the more/longer you push the more weight you lose, energy in (food/snacks/beer/soda) energy out (adipose tissue).I ghost pedal all the time, my legs are like rocks, high cadence, low resistance FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE! Diets don't work, lifestyle changes do.
 
Maybe it was snark, I have no idea either.
My metabolism is glacial as it is, if it slows anymore I'd be dead.
This weight is never coming off, regardless of what I do.


I've said it in other threads and I'll say it again here.
If I could afford to own a cager, I would, and to hell with this whole bicycle thing. What I want is a vehicle that isn't legally a vehicle.

The reason I feel shoes might be a better purchase is because walking will be a more reliable means of transportation, not as a weight loss avenue. My MxB or any other bicycle I own is for transportation, not exercise, not recreation, not to look cool. These wheels are to get me to the grocery store, the doctor's office, or work. And if they can't be relied upon I might as well just walk.
 
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