Gas motors on bikes :(
#101
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Halle, Germany
Posts: 483
Bikes: Surly Troll
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Errol, the simple design of your rig looks pretty good, but with the motor over the back wheel and the suspension fork in the front, it doesn't leave anywhere for a good beefy rack and panniers for carrying stuff. It takes away some of the utility of the machine. The weight of the motor is directly over the rear axle, and it looks like the rear axle will carry 85+ percent of the weight of the bike and rider. That means you can't easily add a rack to the rear and carry stuff on the rear, cause it would add yet more weight over the rear axle. I am guessing the drive belt on the left rear would eliminate the ability to use that side of the bike for a rear rack also.
#103
The Fat Guy In The Back
I'm late to the discussion, but I have no problem with them as long as they follow the laws of their area (i.e. regarding bike paths, bike lanes, etc.) I doubt I'd ever be interested in one as I have a motorcycle for those days I don't feel like pedaling. Most days I pedal.
If one is worried about missing out on the exercise when they ride one of these, this would be easily solvable with a fixie conversion and some clipless pedals.
If one is worried about missing out on the exercise when they ride one of these, this would be easily solvable with a fixie conversion and some clipless pedals.
__________________
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
#104
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
**that's hot!**
#105
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Solex:
Are they out of business?
https://www.solexus.com/store/solex_bikes.htm
2005 models available???
$1500 that's more than a scooter.
P.S. Love this thread! I have been seeing a lot of these ads on Craigslist too! I wanted one unlike the OP. LOL!
Prices are okay
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/1437400328.html
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/1437396294.html
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/1418146200.html
Electric bikes too but I haven't been pleased with the reviews of electrics. To buy one is just to say: "Hi everyone I have an electric bike." Not because they are particularly any better in reliability.
https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/bik/1403191366.html
Are they out of business?
https://www.solexus.com/store/solex_bikes.htm
2005 models available???
$1500 that's more than a scooter.
P.S. Love this thread! I have been seeing a lot of these ads on Craigslist too! I wanted one unlike the OP. LOL!
Prices are okay
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/1437400328.html
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/1437396294.html
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/bik/1418146200.html
Electric bikes too but I haven't been pleased with the reviews of electrics. To buy one is just to say: "Hi everyone I have an electric bike." Not because they are particularly any better in reliability.
https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/bik/1403191366.html
Last edited by Honeybee; 10-25-09 at 07:27 PM.
#106
Arizona Dessert
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: AZ
Posts: 15,029
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
Liked 2,169 Times
in
1,288 Posts
All the many I've encountered are easy to drop and technically where I live are prohibited from using a bike lane if traveling over 20mph, even though all the ones I've seen do so while at 24-26 or so.
#107
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: UT
Posts: 398
Bikes: Ibex Xray
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#108
Mrs. DataJunkie
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 1,527
Bikes: Asama "Luddite" and Kuwahara MTB from the 90s
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have the same opinion of gas powered bikes as battery assist bikes. Use your OWN power to roll your bike!
I'm proud of the kilometerage I've logged on my bike. I cycled every damn bit of it with my OWN power.
I'm proud of the kilometerage I've logged on my bike. I cycled every damn bit of it with my OWN power.
#112
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Somerville, MA
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm sure most cyclists share your opinion (as I do) BUT I'm all for motorized bicycles if they are replacing cars for daily commuting - heck they could even gateway some people into full cycling.
#113
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 635
Bikes: Soma cyclocross with Bionx PL500HS
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
i havent been checking the recent posts, but i read a couple that said "why not electric"?
i dont like electric bikes for these reasons:
short range
expensive (bike is expensive and also new batterys every couple years)
slow
no good for rain unless everything is sealed (expensive)
its takes HOURS to recharge the battery, screw that!!!
good things about electric:
not much better for the environment because disposal of batterys is bad and suprisingly electric motors do give off a type of emission. try smelling a hot electric motor in a confined space and you will know what im talking about. supposedly it hurts the environment in a different way than carbon from cars does.
they are quiet
Heres a picture of my rig.
i dont use disk brakes anymore because it causes spoke breakage (motors stress spokes in the oppisite way that disk brakes do so it causes lots of stress. much better to use v-brakes). i also upgraded the wheels as well.
this thing gets 250 mpg (i am only 130 pounds though) and it can carry all my surfboards to the beach without pedaling at all. it can go up to 33 miles per hour on flat and 31 with 1 surfboard. it can also go about 20 miles per hour up any of the hills around my house (really steep hills, to do this i get a pedaling start and pick up speed, then it goes straight up the hill)
i dont like electric bikes for these reasons:
short range
expensive (bike is expensive and also new batterys every couple years)
slow
no good for rain unless everything is sealed (expensive)
its takes HOURS to recharge the battery, screw that!!!
good things about electric:
not much better for the environment because disposal of batterys is bad and suprisingly electric motors do give off a type of emission. try smelling a hot electric motor in a confined space and you will know what im talking about. supposedly it hurts the environment in a different way than carbon from cars does.
they are quiet
Heres a picture of my rig.
i dont use disk brakes anymore because it causes spoke breakage (motors stress spokes in the oppisite way that disk brakes do so it causes lots of stress. much better to use v-brakes). i also upgraded the wheels as well.
this thing gets 250 mpg (i am only 130 pounds though) and it can carry all my surfboards to the beach without pedaling at all. it can go up to 33 miles per hour on flat and 31 with 1 surfboard. it can also go about 20 miles per hour up any of the hills around my house (really steep hills, to do this i get a pedaling start and pick up speed, then it goes straight up the hill)
I'm curious how much maintenance is required over extended use. I used by ebike for about 10,000 miles and it's gotten very little maintenance from me outside of normal bicycle maintenance. My brake pads are not replaced more often because I often use the regen motor as a brake (for slow stops). The chains are worn through at the same rate as a bicycle. The ebike motor and the electrical system has never given me any problems.
#114
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
These gas motors are fine on the roads, but they shouldn't be ridden on sidewalks or MUPs. It's very inconsiderate to the other users who have to put up with the smell and sounds of these things.
I'm curious how much maintenance is required over extended use. I used by ebike for about 10,000 miles and it's gotten very little maintenance from me outside of normal bicycle maintenance. My brake pads are not replaced more often because I often use the regen motor as a brake (for slow stops). The chains are worn through at the same rate as a bicycle. The ebike motor and the electrical system has never given me any problems.
I'm curious how much maintenance is required over extended use. I used by ebike for about 10,000 miles and it's gotten very little maintenance from me outside of normal bicycle maintenance. My brake pads are not replaced more often because I often use the regen motor as a brake (for slow stops). The chains are worn through at the same rate as a bicycle. The ebike motor and the electrical system has never given me any problems.
another maintence issue is brake pads, keep a spare set because gas engines need to stop from pretty fast speeds quite often.
the kevlar belt i have on my bike lasts around 8,000 miles. its like 27 bucks.
i think any motor bike should have good strong slicks that will last a long time.
other maintence would include things that break over time. no matter what system you get, you should check everything, put oil in some places and make sure nothings wearing out super fast.
These gas motors are fine on the roads, but they shouldn't be ridden on sidewalks or MUPs. It's very inconsiderate to the other users who have to put up with the smell and sounds of these things.
Errol, the simple design of your rig looks pretty good, but with the motor over the back wheel and the suspension fork in the front, it doesn't leave anywhere for a good beefy rack and panniers for carrying stuff. It takes away some of the utility of the machine. The weight of the motor is directly over the rear axle, and it looks like the rear axle will carry 85+ percent of the weight of the bike and rider. That means you can't easily add a rack to the rear and carry stuff on the rear, cause it would add yet more weight over the rear axle. I am guessing the drive belt on the left rear would eliminate the ability to use that side of the bike for a rear rack also.
I have the same opinion of gas powered bikes as battery assist bikes. Use your OWN power to roll your bike!
I'm proud of the kilometerage I've logged on my bike. I cycled every damn bit of it with my OWN power.
I'm proud of the kilometerage I've logged on my bike. I cycled every damn bit of it with my OWN power.
I love them. I want one. However, backyard mechanics are buying crappy bikes and adding crappy engines=I will wait.
So how come you get twice the mileage of a scooter w/the same size motor?
#115
Passista
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,665
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaņa pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
Liked 756 Times
in
414 Posts
I have nothing against motorized bicycles per se, but the examples I knew first hand didn't work too well. A normal bicycle isn't designed to take the extra stress and speed that a motor implies. Hubs, rims, brakes, frames, forks, wear very quickly or break. Not a good idea IMO, except if you only ride it around the block every now and then.
#117
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have nothing against motorized bicycles per se, but the examples I knew first hand didn't work too well. A normal bicycle isn't designed to take the extra stress and speed that a motor implies. Hubs, rims, brakes, frames, forks, wear very quickly or break. Not a good idea IMO, except if you only ride it around the block every now and then.
#118
ɹǝqɯǝɯ ɹoıuǝs
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Earth
Posts: 378
Bikes: Huffy and Pacific
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have nothing against motorized bicycles per se, but the examples I knew first hand didn't work too well. A normal bicycle isn't designed to take the extra stress and speed that a motor implies. Hubs, rims, brakes, frames, forks, wear very quickly or break. Not a good idea IMO, except if you only ride it around the block every now and then.
What does an average 4 stroke 50cc motor put out? 2HP? 3HP? Maybe a 2 stroke 50cc can generate 4 - 5HP.
But assuming, someone has a 49cc 4 stroke motor, it only generates 2 - 3HP max.
So, let me get this straight. Mark Cavendish can generate about 2HP+ for a few seconds during a sprint finish on his weak little 16lbs road bike and has no problem with the frame/wheels folding itself in half, yet you're afraid a beefy Specialized Hardrock is going to have reliability issues?
Last edited by wheeldeal; 10-30-09 at 09:19 AM.
#119
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 635
Bikes: Soma cyclocross with Bionx PL500HS
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's not a race and I'm not looking for a ribbon. If I did, I'd take my regular bike for events such as the one day StP (double century ride) I did this past year.
I don't want a workout on every single commute run. And I don't want to take forever getting there either.
#120
Downtown Spanky Brown
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Enola, Pennsyltucky
Posts: 2,108
Bikes: Motobecane Phantom Cross Pro Kona Lana'I
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#121
Passista
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,665
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaņa pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
Liked 756 Times
in
414 Posts
Ummm....how many watts does the the peloton put out when they're sprinting for the finish? Anyone know what Cav puts out on his sprints? I would assume it's north of 1,500 watts? That's about 2HP.
What does an average 4 stroke 50cc motor put out? 2HP? 3HP? Maybe a 2 stroke 50cc can generate 4 - 5HP.
But assuming, someone has a 49cc 4 stroke motor, it only generates 2 - 3HP max.
So, let me get this straight. Mark Cavendish can generate about 2HP+ for a few seconds during a sprint finish on his 16lbs weak little road bike and has no problem with the frame folding itself, yet you're afraid a beefy Specialized Hardrock is going to have reliability issues?
What does an average 4 stroke 50cc motor put out? 2HP? 3HP? Maybe a 2 stroke 50cc can generate 4 - 5HP.
But assuming, someone has a 49cc 4 stroke motor, it only generates 2 - 3HP max.
So, let me get this straight. Mark Cavendish can generate about 2HP+ for a few seconds during a sprint finish on his 16lbs weak little road bike and has no problem with the frame folding itself, yet you're afraid a beefy Specialized Hardrock is going to have reliability issues?
Those are little road bikes, but they are not weak. And they cost 6,000 - 10,000$ or more. Probably Cavendish can reach more than 1500W, and bigger sprinters about 2000W, but in my experience common riders rarely put out more than 200 - 250W. And the motor's high pitched vibrations are not present in human effort. They loosen bolts and cause cracks.
BTW, I've never seen a motor powered Cervelo, Scott, BMC, Pinarello, etc. You could buy a scooter for less than they cost.
#122
ɹǝqɯǝɯ ɹoıuǝs
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Earth
Posts: 378
Bikes: Huffy and Pacific
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Trust me, those little road bikes are much weaker than a Hard Rock. The frame is butted and I'm sure they're paper thin in the middle to save weight. Same goes for the wheelset. If you take a hammer and lightly tap the middle of the TT or DT of the road bike and you do the same for a mountain bike, which do you think will crack?
If you have grease and a torque wrench, there is no way bolts will start loosening under vibration. If that's the case, we'll see cars/boats/motorcycles fall apart daily.
A 50cc motor's vibration causing cracks? Are you kidding me? Have you seen what people put their hardtails through? If it can take a 5ft drop on a trail, the vibrations from a dinky 50cc motor isn't going to stress the frame much.
IMO, the only stress will be to the wheel that gets the power. Maybe the spokes/hub will be stressed more than usual, but any hardtail frame will take it like a champ.
If you have grease and a torque wrench, there is no way bolts will start loosening under vibration. If that's the case, we'll see cars/boats/motorcycles fall apart daily.
A 50cc motor's vibration causing cracks? Are you kidding me? Have you seen what people put their hardtails through? If it can take a 5ft drop on a trail, the vibrations from a dinky 50cc motor isn't going to stress the frame much.
IMO, the only stress will be to the wheel that gets the power. Maybe the spokes/hub will be stressed more than usual, but any hardtail frame will take it like a champ.
#123
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
you have to put it together, but its not that hard at all. these kits actually last a long time and are worth every penny. the actual engine hangs off on one side. it seems wierd but you will never even notice it if you rode it.
im trying to find more pictures that i knew i took but i cant find them!! heres some of the drive system and how it attaches to the bike:
This is a view from the oppisite side of the engine. it is the drive belt and the clutch. it is centrifugal so all you have to do is pull the throttle and you go.
as you can see from this pic, the spokes on these wheels are humongous, the are like the same thickness as a small screwdriver (the metal shaft part)
Trust me, those little road bikes are much weaker than a Hard Rock. The frame is butted and I'm sure they're paper thin in the middle to save weight. Same goes for the wheelset. If you take a hammer and lightly tap the middle of the TT or DT of the road bike and you do the same for a mountain bike, which do you think will crack?
If you have grease and a torque wrench, there is no way bolts will start loosening under vibration. If that's the case, we'll see cars/boats/motorcycles fall apart daily.
A 50cc motor's vibration causing cracks? Are you kidding me? Have you seen what people put their hardtails through? If it can take a 5ft drop on a trail, the vibrations from a dinky 50cc motor isn't going to stress the frame much.
IMO, the only stress will be to the wheel that gets the power. Maybe the spokes/hub will be stressed more than usual, but any hardtail frame will take it like a champ.
If you have grease and a torque wrench, there is no way bolts will start loosening under vibration. If that's the case, we'll see cars/boats/motorcycles fall apart daily.
A 50cc motor's vibration causing cracks? Are you kidding me? Have you seen what people put their hardtails through? If it can take a 5ft drop on a trail, the vibrations from a dinky 50cc motor isn't going to stress the frame much.
IMO, the only stress will be to the wheel that gets the power. Maybe the spokes/hub will be stressed more than usual, but any hardtail frame will take it like a champ.
26" Triple V Rim - 6000 series aluminum
36 Spoke, 4 cross - 105 gauge High Quality Stainless Steel Straight Spokes.
ive used them for 2 years now and i havent had any problems at all. one rear wheel costs 89 dollars plus shipping. pretty cheap if you ask me.
#124
THe ones I've encountered that often goes on the same bicycle lanes and MUPs are 2-stroke engines. They sound like lawnmowers, belch oil smoke everywhere and they go fairly fast. I think this whole idea of strapping a lawnmower engine on a bicycle that is not hauling freight goods is counter-intuitive from eco-friendly and exercise point of view of bicycles. These 2-stroke engines spew out more polution than a typical modern car!
If the fat lard is too lazy to pedal his/her own weight on a bike, either take a bus or work harder!
Rant off.
If the fat lard is too lazy to pedal his/her own weight on a bike, either take a bus or work harder!
Rant off.
#125
Downtown Spanky Brown
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Enola, Pennsyltucky
Posts: 2,108
Bikes: Motobecane Phantom Cross Pro Kona Lana'I
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Trust me, those little road bikes are much weaker than a Hard Rock. The frame is butted and I'm sure they're paper thin in the middle to save weight. Same goes for the wheelset. If you take a hammer and lightly tap the middle of the TT or DT of the road bike and you do the same for a mountain bike, which do you think will crack?
If you have grease and a torque wrench, there is no way bolts will start loosening under vibration. If that's the case, we'll see cars/boats/motorcycles fall apart daily.
A 50cc motor's vibration causing cracks? Are you kidding me? Have you seen what people put their hardtails through? If it can take a 5ft drop on a trail, the vibrations from a dinky 50cc motor isn't going to stress the frame much.
IMO, the only stress will be to the wheel that gets the power. Maybe the spokes/hub will be stressed more than usual, but any hardtail frame will take it like a champ.
If you have grease and a torque wrench, there is no way bolts will start loosening under vibration. If that's the case, we'll see cars/boats/motorcycles fall apart daily.
A 50cc motor's vibration causing cracks? Are you kidding me? Have you seen what people put their hardtails through? If it can take a 5ft drop on a trail, the vibrations from a dinky 50cc motor isn't going to stress the frame much.
IMO, the only stress will be to the wheel that gets the power. Maybe the spokes/hub will be stressed more than usual, but any hardtail frame will take it like a champ.
Neither frame will crack from being lightly tapped with a hammer.
A single cylinder engine is commonly referred to as a "Thumper" as there is no opposing cylinder to balance the engine with counter rotation. Thumpers vibrate. A lot. Vibrations are bad. Over time this constant vibration will fatigue the metal. Eventually it will crack where the engine mounts, even if it is mounted with a rubber damper, eventually the mounting point will fail.
Yes, bolts loosen over time and this is generally due to vibrations. But if you're using that torq wrench on a fairly regular basis then this is a non issue.