The Walmart Deathtrap!!

[Deleted Member 4613]

The technology has advanced so fast since Grubee almost invented
the sport by himself that it's now possible for someone with limited
mechanical skills to take a $100 Walmart cheapy bike and build a 40 mph
vehicle, one I would call a deathtrap, built on a low cost bicycle frame, light
weight wheels, spokes, narrow tires, no shock adsorption, no serious braking
function and cheap hardware. The question is, should this be discouraged
or encouraged? Predictably, it will lead to motorized bicycle
fatalities, and that's not good for the sport, and it's also illegal in every
state. Vehicles like motorcycles and motor scooters that travel at
higher speeds are engineered from the ground up to ride safely.
I love the sport and enjoy building motorized bicycles, but I also
believe in safety. Safety is important: My opinion.

 

[HumanPerson]

For what it's worth, the Tango was invented in Argentina by working-class communities living by the Rio de la Plata. Then this city lays claim to having invented tapwerking - a hybrid of tap dancing and twerking.

You're right though, Safety is important


Ride Safe!


HP

 

[YetiWoodz]

In regards to a walmart cruiser, I think the frame and the front wheel are just fine. The coaster wheel...any coaster wheel should be discouraged and is discouraged. The front fork isn't built for disc brakes so one would have to swap that out if they need disc brakes.

The spokes are ideal, they're 12 gauge and the rims and tires are big.

So I agree, as it comes, it is not safe enough. It requires modification, but it has potential as its inexpensive and the engine fits easily on the frame. Its a good frame to pick if one is not sure if he/she is gonna stick with the hobby or not when starting. Then buy a better one or weld on supports if it ever does get damaged.

It seems that most bikes come with wheels that aren't suitable for motorized use, so mostly we're really just picking frames and forks.

 

[HumanPerson]

YetiWoodz

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

So yes, to be safe the bike itself would need some modificaton. I see too many
builders riding with one V-brake and a coaster brake. Some just riding with only
a coaster brake.

 

[DAMIEN1307]

I see too many
builders riding with one V-brake and a coaster brake. Some just riding with only
a coaster brake.

They tend to be the idiots that get nominated for the "Darwin Award" each year...lol...DAMIEN

 

[HumanPerson]

Must cull the herd somehow

 

[DAMIEN1307]

Too, Too, Funny...LMAO here...Steel Boots...lol...lol...DAMIEN

 

[DAMIEN1307]

Yeah put your heavy set of workman's steel toe boots to the ground the bike slows down after awhile you need new boots but it works

Flintstone Mobile...lol...DAMIEN

 

[MotorizedPickle]

Been using only a coaster brake for the last 6 months and just blew my rear bearings yesterday. I really need to figure out a way to put better brakes on my bike.