Which setup floats your boat most?

[grndslm]

policy isn't open to debate, is you in or is you out?

I is in as long as you guys collectively quit saying things about me that aren't true. For starters... I never asked "What's the best?" -- ever!

As long as you really understand what it is I'm saying/asking... Yes, I is in.

 

[RATRODER]

this is what floats my boat,but can't have one so I build what can!

 

[grndslm]

OK... lemme rephrase these questions:

(1) So nobody finds frame-mounted 4-strokes uncomfortable from larger size when pedalling? I initially expected it to be quite uncomfortable, but I guess there's still plenty of space to rotate the pedals freely without the motor getting in the way of your legs, right?

(2) GEBE has some bold claims. Why does GEBE [claim to] get 200+mpg?? Their design doesn't seem that radical to me... why couldn't I get that mileage with a chain-driven setup?

(3) If there were a 2-stroke & 4-stroke engine, each from the same manufacturer and put on the same bike, would one of them theorectically have a top speed greater than the other?? Are there still too many variables for a theoretical problem?

 

[kerf]

If I'm not mistaken, Grubee sells a wide crank set for the 4 cycle, so I guess the engine width has been a problem. Since this kit is fairly new, there will be a few bugs, two cycles are a known quanity.

 

[Scottm]

I have had a 2stroke frame mount for over a year now
it is a good entry point into the world of motoredbiking (inexpensive)
the main hold back is weakness of the engine (mostly bushing/wristpin failures)
I like the ascetics of a frame mount as well as still being able to use the back for carrying things
as soon as I can afford it, I would love to go 4stroke frame for the reliability factor
but, the 2stoker has taught me much that I can still use if/when I move up the engine chain

I'm in the same boat. I have 2 Happy Times a 50 and a 70cc from Thatsdax. I love the way they look and run plus I can afford them. This was all new to me 6 months ago.
Going 34 mph WOT on a bicycle is fast enough for me.
I have noticed that one people go rack they never go back, but I like the "motorcycle" look.
I make friends everywhere I go on my bikes. These things are very personal, because "I built it,and it has my personal touches" with a great deal of influence from MBc. If you parked my bikes next to each other you could easily tell which was built before I joined and which was built after I joined. Many of the guys here have gone way above and beyond the call of duty in helping me.
The questions you ask are like asking which do you prefer, a Ford or a Chevy, a pick up or a Corvette. I've owned 4 fords 1 chevy and 1 buick. I wish I had my Chevy back. It a vaild question but even if 90% of us love our frame mounts YOU might prefer a rack. It's really a personal choice.
I would like a 4 stroke so I didn't have to mix fuel.
This may sound like I'm being a smarty pants, but if they're gonna make a frame mount 4 stroke, they gotta make it fit in the frame and leave room for the pedals. Heat isn't an issue because you are moving air over the engine. Look at motorcycles with their big engines, I've never been on one but I bet they get pretty darn hot.
The first time you brun your left calf, you'll learn to wear jeans.
Good luck.

 

[kerf]

Many good points Scottm, I can't speak from first hand experience but the Happy Time is a purpose build engine. The mounts, gear reduction and clutch are all integral to the engine, making for a compact package. The GXH50 and its clone were not designed for a bicycle engine. Staton was the first I'm aware of to adapt it to a rack mount bike engine and he used an in house machined clutch rotor and adapter ring. Still his mount was very large. I'm not knocking the Grubee setup but it will require accepting certain conditions. That being said, it would probably run very well with torque to spare. Just goes to prove, there is no perfect engine.

 

[Jim H]

I can't vote in this poll as there are too many other variables already mentioned and unmentioned...Scott is right, chevy or ford, front wheel drive or rear wheel drive, automatic or clutch...fact is I like them all but none of them are perfect. I have a HT and a gebe rack mount, both 2 strokes but I also have a 4 stroke scooter. Gebe is the most reliable, HT is the most challenging and scooter the most boring. You have to build them and ride them to even remotely understand them.

 

[ocscully]

OK... lemme rephrase these questions:

(
(2) GEBE has some bold claims. Why does GEBE [claim to] get 200+mpg?? Their design doesn't seem that radical to me... why couldn't I get that mileage with a chain-driven setup?

(

The mileage figures claimed from GEBE come primarily from the small motors they use (25cc-40cc) and I believe their highest milage motors are the Robin/Subaru 4-strokes (25cc & 35cc) You probably could get similar mileage using these motors with a chain drive system. But currently no one offers these motors as part of a frame mounted kit. Staton offers these motors as part of Rack Mounted chain drives, and Rear mounted friction drives. I can't say that I've ever seen any milage claims for these systems from Staton.

scully

 

[grndslm]

I have noticed that one people go rack they never go back, but I like the "motorcycle" look.

Why do you think that is?

From what I've heard, I can see why one would want chain-driven more than belt-driven... I can see why one would want a 2-stroke over 4-stroke for aesthetics, and why another would have a 4-stroke more for every other "practical" benefit... But I don't understand a positive to rack-mounting if frame-mounting were possible. Seems like most would only want rack-mounting if there weren't room on the frame, it were a recumbent, or something else like that.

 

[sabrewalt]

Oyyyy

.....But I don't understand a positive to rack-mounting.......

Rack Mount = 1 hour Build
Rack Mount = Simple Simple Simple loosen 2 bolts and remove one and the whole thing is off.
Simple = Reliable.
4 Stroke = No mixing.

GRNDSLM = HAMMY
HAMMY = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ob0MtlMzTw