After lurking on this forum for a while I decided to build a friction drive motorized bicycle. I bought a Phat Sea Breeze off Craigslist. It is a steel cruiser with 14 gauge stainless steel spokes. 36 spoke double walled rims. It has a coaster brake which is worthless on the hills around here. Ordered a Tektro caliper brake, lever and cable from Amazon. Replaced the rear tire with a Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tire. The front tire is in the mail. Birthday is next month when I will buy the FD from Staton.
I am excited to get her on the road. I have had motorcycles in the past. Sold my Triumph Scrambler to finance the move to So Cal. Can't really justify dropping the coin for a motorcycle. The problem with a motorcycle is that you miss the sensation of riding a bike because they are so fast. I want to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
A motorized bicycle should be perfect for what I want to do. I considered electric, the problem is a quality kit is at least $1000.00. And the batteries are heavy, range is limited. Don't get me wrong, I would love an electric Brompton folding bike. They are sweet.
I am slowly converting my bike. It is really fun to convert it slowly, enjoying the journey.
Thanks for all of the great advice I have read on this forum. While I haven't asked anyone specifically a question, the knowledge contained in this forum was extremely helpful. I know that if I have a problem there is probably someone on the forum who has already experienced it, solved it and written about it.
Thanks,
Phatcruiser.
I am excited to get her on the road. I have had motorcycles in the past. Sold my Triumph Scrambler to finance the move to So Cal. Can't really justify dropping the coin for a motorcycle. The problem with a motorcycle is that you miss the sensation of riding a bike because they are so fast. I want to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
A motorized bicycle should be perfect for what I want to do. I considered electric, the problem is a quality kit is at least $1000.00. And the batteries are heavy, range is limited. Don't get me wrong, I would love an electric Brompton folding bike. They are sweet.
I am slowly converting my bike. It is really fun to convert it slowly, enjoying the journey.
Thanks for all of the great advice I have read on this forum. While I haven't asked anyone specifically a question, the knowledge contained in this forum was extremely helpful. I know that if I have a problem there is probably someone on the forum who has already experienced it, solved it and written about it.
Thanks,
Phatcruiser.
