Need a kit - best rack mount for $450?

Hi JM,

Another opinion for ya...

I just got the GEBE kit. I'm using my bike for work now... 16 miles round trip. I love the belt drive. No chain oil, easy to pull off the wheel for wheel repairs and it appears to be lighter weight than most of the other solutions (though friction drive has to be close to the same.

I have the Tanaka 32cc 2-stroke. They say it is actually quieter than the same size 4-stroke at speed. I have no way of comparing. As far as smoke... what smoke? If it's there I don't see any. I go 8 miles on about a cup and a half of gas.

I have an electric push-trailer if you would rather go electric and like to tinker. It has four motorcycle glass-matt batteries (purchased this spring) and pushes my 260lb frame from a dead start to 20 mph (without pedaling). If you're looking for quiet and a bit of help on longer stints, you could probably go 50 miles with this thing with light pedaling... or 20 - 30 without pedaling. I really don't know... I've never exhausted the batteries before I plugged in the charger again.

Anyway... it could be fitted with seats and a canopy if you like tinkering.

I decided on the bike engine because I wanted a single wheel track for riding in traffic. That's it. Otherwise I'd have stayed electric.

I'm in southern New Hampshire if you want to drive up for a test drive. $250 and it's yours with my compliments. I need the space in my garage. :)

Ross
603-617-6464
 

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Hi Jeff, I've got the Staton friction kit with the Robin-Subaru 35. Also the GEBE Robin-Subaru 35 belt set up. I have a little video I shot with my hand camera a while back that shows both set ups running and riding. It was shot spur of the moment and kind of dorky, but it is a good example of how it mounts and runs. The video amplifies the engine sound. Its really only about half as loud of what you hear.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UZT91Dma-E
 
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I, personally, don't usually recommend one dealer, over another. Just as long as they don't sell unhappy times engines. BUT, for your budget & NEEDS, the rear friction drive " Staton", with the CORRECT size drive roller & Subaru engine, will make you happy.
 
Hey, guys,

Thanks for all the feedback. I know, for sure, I'm in the right place. Had it dialed into a Staton friction drive Robin four stroke system but local DMV and Insurance issues are crashing my party. Posting a new thread in the Laws section about the details. Need to be registered in RI, and need insurance to do so. Can't find a company to insure a "motor assisted bicycle" kit - so no go. Starting to look at E-Bike hub drive systems but they are not as "simple" as the gas solutions. Whomever is writing DMV laws in RI needs to start filling the tank in my Tundra...

Thanks again - Jeff
 
Be sure to read your state's laws CLOSELY. Sometimes, there is a loophole that may allow a motorized bike. Such as; not over 49cc, cannot exceed 20mph, etc.,etc. & may not have any regulations on an electric system. If you find a loophole in the laws, print it out & keep it onboard with you while riding.GOOD luck !
 
JM,
DO NOT even consider any kind of chain drive system with those wheels. I have the same Schwinn Trailway and with only 24 spokes, #1, no spoket will bolt up to them (without surgery) . #2, the 24 spoke wheel is a very weak wheel to begin with so ANY undue stress will give you and it grief. I just put a Statton Subaru friction kit on mine and it's a great setup for that bike. <$450 shipped. I've already got about 200 miles on it and am using it for work daily (~30 ish miles/day). Been keeping a close eye on everything especially the wheel and no signs of any issues yet.
WC
 
Hi JM,

Another opinion for ya...

I just got the GEBE kit. I'm using my bike for work now... 16 miles round trip. I love the belt drive. No chain oil, easy to pull off the wheel for wheel repairs and it appears to be lighter weight than most of the other solutions (though friction drive has to be close to the same.

I have the Tanaka 32cc 2-stroke. They say it is actually quieter than the same size 4-stroke at speed. I have no way of comparing. As far as smoke... what smoke? If it's there I don't see any. I go 8 miles on about a cup and a half of gas.

I have an electric push-trailer if you would rather go electric and like to tinker. It has four motorcycle glass-matt batteries (purchased this spring) and pushes my 260lb frame from a dead start to 20 mph (without pedaling). If you're looking for quiet and a bit of help on longer stints, you could probably go 50 miles with this thing with light pedaling... or 20 - 30 without pedaling. I really don't know... I've never exhausted the batteries before I plugged in the charger again.

Anyway... it could be fitted with seats and a canopy if you like tinkering.

I decided on the bike engine because I wanted a single wheel track for riding in traffic. That's it. Otherwise I'd have stayed electric.

I'm in southern New Hampshire if you want to drive up for a test drive. $250 and it's yours with my compliments. I need the space in my garage. :)

Ross
603-617-6464

That is an AWESOME electric bike trailer!!! I built a gas one recently, but I would rather use electric for slower speeds or quiet areas. Nice welding too!
 

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I have the Tanaka 32cc 2-stroke. They say it is actually quieter than the same size 4-stroke at speed. I have no way of comparing.
Anybody have both of these engines?? I'd be delighted to know how much of a difference there is when idling & while riding.
 
WC - Staton Robin friction on the Trailway!!!! Am I jealous? Well, yes - yes I am.

Glad someone walked that path already.

You are right on the spoke pattern, no go with the chain driven systems. Have been looking at brushless hub systems, but it will not look right unless both wheels are swapped to match. Regardless, I really do like the look of the wheels. It's a great bike for the money. Just got back from Home Depot on mine. Quick errand on a project I'm working on - 6 miles round trip.

How fast are you riding and what spindle size are you using? Are you tracking mpg? Does the stock kickstand hold up with the motor installed? No issues with slip on those hybrid tires?

Thank you.

Jeff
 
WOW!
That's a lot of questions! LOL. I originally bought the bike to replace a very heavy (70lb) mountain bike full susp. with trunk that I used for work. We have a 'bikes on busses' program here and it really got heavy by the end of the day when trying to lift it (about 85-90lbs loaded with tools, lunch, etc.) onto the bus rack. Good rider tho. When I found the Trailway, I lifted it down off the rack and it was like a feather! I had to buy; and did. Then decided due to schedule changes, road construction, too much time waiting for busses, etc. that a motor was in order.
After about a month of research and like you, bookmarking and saving stuff, I decided that the tire scrubber was the only thing that would work on this bike. Sure, I could have bought a different bike and started from scratch, but I really liked the Schwinn, save for the wheel construction. Already had to replace one rear spoke. No big deal but I wonder if it is a sign of things to come now that there is more stress on that wheel. I think I will eventually go with a 36 or more spoke rear wheel, but, we'll see. For what it's worth, the rims are really strong and a good design for strength according to the mechanic at my local bike shop. He says that the stronger rims are needed because of the less support of fewer spokes.
On to your other questions...I chose the 1-1/8 spindle and am cruising at 20mph due to the newness. It climbs hills like a champ at 18ish mph with some pedal assist. Only had it operational since the 4th so still in break-in phase. That having been said, I've had it for short bursts up to 28mph hauling my 200lb self and about 20lbs. of tools/supplies/food/drink/xtra gas, on the flats. Fuel useage has been about 100mpg according to my calculations, and based on a 24oz. tank. I need to keep track as I am self employed and need to track mileage and expenses and such. I expect that figure to improve after break-in. Will be aiming at a larger tank in the future too.
Stock kickstand will hold up the bike. I have jiggled it while it was supported and it held. However, I am going to add another rear axel stand soon as i just don't trust it. Also, when I put my back pack in the basket mounted over the rack Things get a little top heavy. Slip? none yet. Won't be going out in the rain but tire longevity is just a 'wait and see' deal. I keep them pumped up to 75psi. (max rated @85psi) and just light pressure on the tire. Some say 1/4" but that is too excessive on these tires. I let the roller rest on the tire and then just a slight bit more pressure and lock it down. At 75psi you would be hard pressed to make much of an impression anyway (no puns intended).
I just added a set of 'Freddy Fenders' today. Super lightweight carbon fiber deals for $25US. Had to have 'em since I started to notice a lot of dirt spitting around the underside of things. I don't know if it's tire bits and / or road grime, but never noticed it just under pedal power. The rear fender I split and mounted about 1-2" either side of the roller. Wondering now if I should paint them to match the bike or leave 'em black.
Sorry no pictures yet but could get some if you're interested. That just seems to me a, " ooh, ooh, look what I've got" sort of thing unless used in the context of description, assembly, how-to, etc. Or if requested by someone. Sorry if that seems a bit stuffy. I'm really not a stuffy person.
My next trick will be to try to move the engine directly over the rack for better balance and then cover it for visual stealth. Got some ideas, but having too much fun with it the way it is and would rather ride than create!
Well that's it for now. Oh BTW, I don't know if I would be dragging a child behind a motored bike for many reasons. But that's just me. Unless I misunderstood the trailer thing or something. In which case...never mind.
Good luck. And let me know if I may be of some further help. Although, I'm still new at this myself!.
Wayne
 
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