Have engine-need bike

Nitrohorse · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 08:10 AM

I received my 4 cycle engine from bikekitsdirect.com on Friday. I have visited three stores (Target, Walmart, and Kmart) and I'm unable to find a cruiser that has the three piece crank. I became disgusted and then started looking at comfort bikes to use so that I could start the build this weekend.
Either the stores where sold out or they didn't carry that type.

Talk about frustrating!! I live here in Eastern PA, and there's some rolling hills surrounding my home town. I guess my question is this..can a 4 cycle with a 50 tooth sprocket move me (215lbs) and a single speed cruiser up a hill?
Do I need to get a 7 speed instead of a coaster brake single speed?
I'm open to suggestions and advice.
Thanks,
Larry

**Ilikeabikea** · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 11:04 AM

Welcome to the forum. I'm not familiar with 4 strokes. But I would bet with 50 tooth sprocket you could climb most any hill. I have a Schwinn Jaquar with a china 70cc 2 stroke. I run a 44 tooth and have never had to pedal up any hills. We are at 3250 above sea level.

I got my bike at Target. Glad you joined us.......................

VENICE BOY · #3 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 11:04 AM

Yes, the stock gearing on the bike should be fine... I've ridden a 4-stroke.
I suggest that you build the bike & ride it first; THEN, decide if you need to change the gears...

Lightfoot · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 11:08 AM

You can get a conversion kit to convert the american style bottom bracket to accept a 3-piece crank. A good bicycle shop should be able to fix you up with one or you could search online. Electra also makes some cruiser style bikes that have 3 piece cranks but they sell for considerably more money than a walmart/k-mart bike.

Large Filipino · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 11:23 AM

Now you can choose the bike that you want.
Parts for older American Bicycles

That thing that was crossed out would work too though.
Look here:
Changing crankset to 3-piece

**fairracing31** · #6 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 02:13 PM

Welcome Larry to the forum, glad you joined us

Nitrohorse · #7 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 10:07 PM

First off, thanks to all who responded. This forum is great, and a tribute to those who offer their experiences and hard learned lessons.
After reading your replies, I would like to purchase an old school cruiser (I'm 51, so I think that has something to do with it..) and I would like to get the correct three piece crank to replace the one piece.
Now for the newbie question..how do I know what three piece crank to order. I've rebulit many a Wheel Horse tractors, have drag raced two of them, and have built two mini bikes, but when it comes to bikes, I have the experience level of a head of lettuce.
I'm anxious to start assembling the bike, as I live in a small town and pretty near everything is accessible by bike without fighting heavy car traffic.
Thanks again,
Larry

saetta · #8 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 11:04 PM

Hello Nitro. I motorized an old school style cruiser, (new bike, old style) made by Pacific Co. It is very comfortable to ride due to its large frame and the body posture it allows the rider to sit in. Looks kinda like an early motocycle.

VENICE BOY · #9 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 03:50 AM

Why do you think you'll need a 3-piece crank in the first place???
The in frame 4-stroke kits that I have seen, come with a special wider 1-piece crank to clear the engine.

Nitrohorse · #10 (**permalink**) 08-10-2008, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VENICE BOY

Why do you think you'll need a 3-piece crank in the first place???
The in frame 4-stroke kits that I have seen, come with a special wider 1-piece crank to clear the engine.

VB,
The 4 stokes are a wider engine than the 2 strokes, so the wider crank is necessary. They engine kit contains a three piece "crank set" (two crank arms, and chain sprocket) which requires the "square shaft bottom bracket" to mount the crank set on. Most (practically all) of the bikes I looked at have the one piece cranks on them and that renders the three piece crank set that came with the kit useless. I know my terminology is not the best, and I'm probably not explaining myself in the most accurate way as well.
At any rate, I need the square shaft type bike to bolt my crank set onto.
The Ashtabula type one piece crank will not work for my 4 stroke engine.
Thanks,
Larry