Originally Posted by
tpreitzel
buzzman -
Are you sure you want replies?
you bet I do!
I'm curious. I worked around these things back in the 70's and as far as I can see there aren't many improvements in the 2-stroke engines and am not that familiar with the 4 stroke improvements. As far as I can see is there haven't been that many "improvements" in the 2-stroke other than that cheap versions are being imported from China. Nor do I feel there is that much more improvement possible in the basic design since the engine is just that, basic. But if it ran on an alternative fuel, like alcohol and had a better muffler...
but the 4 stokes intrigue me.
As a mechanic I found them a fun bike to work on and kind of fun to ride. As a cyclist I'd be hard pressed to give up pedaling in favor of an assisted bike but see how they could be attractive to some riders. As a person interested in alternative and more ecological transportation modes I think they offer some real potential and some drawbacks.
I have extremely limited experience with electric assist bikes as a comparison.