1 Speed vs Multiple Speed Bikes for Motors

[kwolf]

I have searched the forums a lot. I just bought the Flying Horse 4-stroke 5G motor from spooky tooth. I am looking for a bike under $150. I haven't seen whether or not anyone has discussed if it matters (when installing and riding) if the bike is a single speed, or a multi-speed bike. Is one easier than the other? Any recommendations for someone with a 4-stroke engine kit?
Thanks a bunch! I expect I will be on here lots once I start my first build.

 

[crassius]

multi speed bikes were built to go faster than single speed bikes - this often means the brakes & wheel bearings work better

 

[panmines]

You can save money buying a single speed, but I recommend paying the extra for a multi speed. The extra chain drag from the engine chain and added weight of the engine makes peddling in a high gear exhausting. And plus, having a multi speed leaves the option open in the future for a jack shaft.

 

[JunkyardDog]

A single speed bike would be just fine (with a front brake) but needs to be geared down. All single speed bikes are geared too high. I used a Craigslist multi speed bike, and converted it to single speed by removing the shifter cables and front derailleur, and locking it in the lowest gear combination it had. Smallest front chainring, largest rear sprocket. It had a Mega Range rear cluster, so it was geared about one to one, perfect for taking off from a stop. Don't even think about motorizing a bike with no front brake. Just walk out in front of a fast moving car and get it over with. Yes it's that dangerous.

 

[Fabian]

If you go with a heavy duty jackshaft setup with left hand side and right hand side chain tensioners, and captive final drive chain setup, you can have all the reliability to do this:

http://motoredbikes.com/threads/australian-heavy-haul-may-2016.47426/

and this:


and this:



as well as this:

http://motoredbikes.com/threads/lake-mountain-snow-capade.41572/

and this:

http://motoredbikes.com/threads/falls-creek-ski-village-mt-mckay-summit-march-2014.42840/

 

[panmines]

captive final drive chain setup

I have never heard of this. Could you please explain?

 

[Steve Best]

I have never heard of this. Could you please explain?

I think he means not using a spring derailleur tensioner, if my Ozzie translator is right.
The spring tensioner will only handle so much torque, important for his application.
You are not going that big. Buy a multi-speed.

 

[KCvale]

I have searched the forums a lot. I just bought the Flying Horse 4-stroke 5G motor from spooky tooth. I am looking for a bike under $150.

My condolences.
That engine has a 5/8" long shaft, you have to mount the clutch itself AND the clutch bell itself on the same shaft, with the bell spinning on a crappy brass (oil-lite) bushing that even with frequent oiling wear out.

I build with HS 142-1G taped short shaft engines with clutch attached and 4G transfer case with the clutch bell attached to it.
The bell is on it's own dual bearing shaft.
The best kits are here http://www.bicycle-engines.com/4-Stroke-Engine-Kits/

$150 for a bike?
You aren't going to find a good bike for motorizing for that unless it's used.
The Macargi Pantera 7S though tight, is a good bike for ~$240 with dual V-brakes and 7-speed.

The back sprocket mounts to the 7-speed hub just about perfect, and you can set you pedal gears for the right gear to make pedaling easy as you go.

I am into building shifting bikes, which means the engine can use the bikes gears.
Gears change everything, and no left side chain.

A good bike for this is a Fito Modena 7-speed.
3" wide balloon tires and dual disc brakes.

The bike is $350 delivered and pretty awesome, just not quite as awesome as changing out it's frame for a gas tank frame with alot more room.

Gears allows that little ~50cc engine to get to 20mph in a couple seconds and top out ~40mph with the braking power to stop you just as quick without ever having to pedal (though you can).

Anyway, hope that helps you look at your options despite having a low end failure prone kit to start with.