Scratch build bike. Ideas?

The_Aleman · Jul 21, 2015

TobiasKilroy said:
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.

The 4G system uses a cam built into the rear pulley that allows the belt to be adjusted.

I've had the same belt on my 4G for over 4 years. It has over 7K miles on it. Still looks new, I treat it with dielectric grease. Vaseline works, too.
A chain would have been long, long worn out by then, not to mention the sprockets.

The belt transfers as much torque as it needs to. It's a timing belt, so it's made to last and works under harsh conditions.

The belt is under $10 to replace. If you put away 25 cents a month you'll be able to afford 1 or 3 when you have to replace it.

TobiasKilroy · Jul 21, 2015

troyg said:
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,

Can you help me find the trikes of which you speak?
I'm crap at finding things on the internet.
And what I could find either didn't say the weight capacity, didn't give a price, or cost more than my house.

troyg · Jul 21, 2015

Cat-trike expedition, a heavy duty touring trike, but it's limit is 275.At your weight I think you're going to have to do a DIY atomiczombie plan build , you can build beefy as you like by using stronger angle iron, if you weld or know someone who does.

TobiasKilroy · Jul 21, 2015

I know how to weld, but I have no more tools. :-(

I did see that product. Was mildly disappointed that they offer no physical products of any kind.

I was going to say "if I have to build it I'd design my own and give it four wheels" but then I remembered that if it goes faster than 15mph by any means legally it becomes a car, and well if I could afford to own a real car, I would.

Yes, that idea has merit. I've always enjoyed building things from scratch, but I had the equipment and space to get it done. I have neither now.

Maybe I'll get a tandem, they're rated for more than I weigh.

TobiasKilroy · Jul 21, 2015

OK wtf?! Why can't I see everything that Troyg put?

TobiasKilroy · Jul 22, 2015

If I can offer the counter points to the message I was emailed.
$3000 is more than I've ever paid for a car. It's more than I paid for my house.
Yes, it's far too rich for my blood.

I agree used equipment can be by far the better deal. But I am not knowledgeable enough about these products to know whether I'm buying a lemon or not. Add that to the fact that I've never gotten any form of longevity from used bicycles. They tend to require constant repair and parts replacement, which isn't a problem when you own 15+ bikes and enough spare parts to open a repair shop. That is no longer a luxury I enjoy.

troyg · Jul 22, 2015

Ok I'll go ahead and say it, the reason used bikes do't last you is you're overfat.I have a 1969 Raleigh folder that's been through many owners, it had rust, need a few things, and I've ridden it for years now with no broken parts, you'd break it in one ride.You need a hefty scooter/motorcycle, or the shoes and brace thing.It's not against the law, but overweight will make you pay four times the amount in most things you ride on.Losing serious weight first is about your only option.

KCvale · Jul 22, 2015

TobiasKilroy said:
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 therein is the key for you, the actual bicycle wheels themselves.

Even with your stature, a well welded good steel frame (Felt, Giant) should hold up, it's the spoked wheels that are going to give.

The way I see it, if you want to stay 2 wheel you need much stronger wheels, or just more wheels like the difference between a 1/2, 3/4 and 1 Ton truck.

A 1/2 ton truck has a car axle and 5 lugs.
A 3/4 has a beefier axle and 8 lugs.
A 1 Ton has a beefier axle and duel wheels each side.
Ya Falla?

Check these parts out.
http://grubeeinc.com/HD Rear Axel kit.htm

Another option is to just add more regular wheels, like a trike, or what is pretty much a 'dully' way to disperse the weight among more wheels, or at least bigger ones...

Or do like really oversize load trucks do, they just lower passive wheels to disperse the load.

http://www.target.com/p/bike-usa-ad...pid=13215632&gclid=CM6p49Ca78YCFchffgodsHkOVw

Best of luck on your transportation needs but that's the last 'asked for advice' I have for you bud.
I assume you are no longer thinking about making the hybrid this topic was about?
Ya, that was a snark, but I was owed one hehehe ;-}

Really though, I hope you can find something to move you around easier, just forget about the budget and get what will actually hold up for your needs.

troyg · Jul 22, 2015

TobiasKilroy said:
View attachment 58371

OK wtf?! Why can't I see everything that Troyg put?

That's because I went back right after I posted the reply to edit, I read the weight limit to the cat-trike, you are beyond any tadpole, even SUN cycles heaviest bike rating.Maybe Worksman cycles would have something, they specialize in heavy duty, but it's probably expensive.Any decent bike new will be at least $1000.
The special wheels KC posted are neat, but they will transfer all shock to the frame, at least sopked wheels will break/taco at the rim, cheaper replacement cost. Have you thought about heavy duty wheels, then as you said, take a tandem and lose the stoker stuff, or utilize it for the engine/trans part, add some gussets and it may hold up.Atomiczombie is the only option I see, build something to hold you.

TobiasKilroy · Jul 22, 2015

troy 8423 said:
Ok I'll go ahead and say it, the reason used bikes do't last you is you're overfat.I have a 1969 Raleigh folder that's been through many owners, it had rust, need a few things, and I've ridden it for years now with no broken parts, you'd break it in one ride.You need a hefty scooter/motorcycle, or the shoes and brace thing.It's not against the law, but overweight will make you pay four times the amount in most things you ride on.Losing serious weight first is about your only option.

Yes, I know im fat, and that is exactly why stuff doesn't last. Second, the weight is never coming off, ever. Third, I am not against spending what needs to be spent to buy a product that will meet my needs. However at these prices I have no tolerance for experimentation of any kind.

Scratch build bike. Ideas?

The_Aleman

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