what's an old hippie to do..

deacon · #1 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 05:55 PM

for the first time today I had the dreaded chain come off while riding. Yes I was wide open 19mph and the rear wheel locked. Slung me around in the road a bit but no harm done to me. the rear wheel is quite a different story.

Now this was AFTER I found that the new clear gas line was leaking like a mutha. I bought some black real gas line and fought it on the bike. Then I threw the chain.

So now I'm going to have to go buy another bike for the rear wheel. And of course I get a bit of chain and another wheel to make a trailer. Not to mention some junker gets a frame to scrap out. Not a bad deal if I can find a 20" and cheap. If not I might spring for a 24" and just fly around town. Could probably get the bike up to 22 miles an hour with that.

I had someone ask what I would charge to build him a china girl bike today. I swear I just hate to start that. My wife said I would be nuts to get involved in those. With all the trouble I have I'm sure it would be. The guy was an old easy rider fan and wanted one just like mine. If I had known I was going to throw the chain I would have sold it to him on the spot.

Pablo · #2 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 07:32 PM

What's a China Girl bike?

deacon · #3 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 07:50 PM

Just what I call a bike with a china engine. No big deal. I have never found it to be a happytime as they call them on the other site. Just needed a generic name to classify them under.

As opposed to a moped, motorcycle, mountain bike, coaster bike ect.

Pablo · #4 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 07:57 PM

Well once again I'm stealing a name from you!!

China Girl. Lots of memories there.

deacon · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-2008, 08:04 PM

For me too, I spent a little not so quality time in asia. Plus I loved the novel the world of susie wong. I read it before I went to asia so I was in the right frame of mind lol. When I write that name, I see streets filled with people and the little bikes whizzing by. Of course they were lil hondas back then.

deacon · #6 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 05:59 AM

After last night's debacle with the chain and gas line, I'm looking forward to the weed eater engine and build. I guess because I started with electric friction drive, i like the simplicity of it.

If I get it working as i hope to, then the Captain America bike is out of here. I have had offers for what I have in her. which is next to nothing compared to a scooter, I will probably let it roll out of the showroom so to speak.

It is fun and challenging for sure. Actually my worst nightmare turned out not to be so bad. The rear wheel locked up and the bike went into a death skid but was controllable. It could have been worse.

I'm going to put a different wheel on her and then ride it of course, but I'm also going BTTW on the friction drive when it arrives.

Since I have no idea that I can actually make the friction drive work, I'm going to order a half link for the bike chain this very minute.

**Bikeguy Joe** · #7 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 06:34 AM

I call 'em "China co." kits.

The happy time thing came from the way a lot of fireworks are named and augi thought it was witty.

deacon · #8 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 07:13 AM

Well when mine is in the toilet, (like now) I have a hard time thinking of it as happy time lol.... however that said I do love the little bugger.

I think it is more like a woman. Hard to understand and always needs attention. Ignore her for a week and the next time you try to ride her there is gonna be trouble.

**Norman** · #9 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 06:29 PM

Man you got that right

**CRUISER** · #10 (**permalink**) 04-03-2008, 07:20 PM

i never liked the happy time thing. sounds kind of sissy to me. motorized bicycle sounds a whole lot better.