Greetings from NYC

[LPisGood]

Hello everybody - I'm not sure how active this site is, but hopefully there are some of you who check in from time to time cuz I need some advice.

I'm in the market for a motorized bike. Either an engine kit for my old Marin, or an entire bicycle WITH the engine. I need something gas powered, preferably something that runs on regular unleaded 87. I also need it to be relatively quiet, so I'm sure this excludes many models. Other than that, I suppose life expectancy would be important - don't want it dying on me in the next year or two. I'm also curious about what to watch out for - (i.e. vibrations completely destroying the frame or shaking loose various nuts and bolts)

Finally, I may eventually want to tow some equipment - so the engine should be strong enough to carry a total (myself + tow) of maybe 300 to 400 lbs.

Any info would be appreciated. Especially from locals who've been riding around NYC.

Thanks y'all!

LP

 

[Alaskavan]

Welcome to MBc. Sounds to me like you should look at either Staton-Inc., or Golden Eagle. Both are known for quality and reliability. They also both have a range of gearing options. Don't bother with friction drive if you are going to be towing (my opinion).

 

[astring]

I read that NYC are not very MB friendly. A new Yorker will come along and give us better details.

 

[augidog]

oh, shoot...i have to pimp this one...because it's the city-commuter i've been (philosphically) after from day one...those who know me know i'm sincere.

hiya, LP...i strongly suggest you consider a golden eagle with a 25cc robin subaru, 35cc for the trailer gig...that will be about as light a rig as you'll find anywhere...4-stroke is good for bummin' a cuppa gas, etc...if you don't mind mixing 2-stroke fuel, i bet you'd love a tanaka on those mean streets.

do your homework, learn about safety-fying a bicycle for high-speeds, read and learn...

welcome aboard

 

[LPisGood]

Wow, much thanks to all of you already...was not expecting such fast responses. Anyway, I've been reading and doing my homework, but there is still a lot to be learned...sooner or later I'm gonna have to just make a decision, buy one of these suckers, and report back to y'all. I can't wait much more than 2 more weeks to own one of these. The bug bit me, and I think about it all the time now...it just makes so much sense in the city.

Cheers!