So a little background, I manage a small bicycle shop, I use to do electronics/speakers, etc. and even handyman/repair... but I'm terrible with motors.
So I've been wanting/researching for years now and when I finally thought I had decided on electric, I saw the "Motoped." I had a goped years ago and just remember having to buy parts or do little fixes all the time to keep it trouble free. But now these new generation of 4 strokes!
So my question is whether or not companies like Phantom Bikes will produce a bike that's "more reliable" than what I can make or produce. This is not to hate or question the quality of Phantom bikes but more of based on my reading, I don't know what to believe or go with anymore. I know their frames are going to be better but are they just using everybody's kit?
Currently I have about $500-1000 for this project. I do have quality bikes but they'll need the engine to be rear rack mounted as I ride small bikes unless I buy a new frame/bike to mount.
So from my understanding... These are the points that are confusing me.
- Not all kits are created equal with some of you hating on bikeberry, calling gas bike crooks, etc.... I mean, so who the **** do I buy from. The only reputable ones it seems like is G'olden Eagle or Staton- which they're pretty much out of everything. And of course all those ebay kits are just copies and junk.... (I have zero interactions with any of these companies, I'm just trying to find the best place for a 4 stroke kit but it seems like everybody has something against every company)
- Do belts slip? I've heard so many good things about them but then some people prefers chains now.... If it's just a louder chain but more, reliability I'd rather go chain.
- Are honda engines worth it and are they more reliable? I've heard mixed things, and if a bike had a Honda engine, would it be considered worth more?
- What is easier on spokes, the chain sprocket one or that giant belt band one?
So a kits about $300, though a few places in LA is selling them for sub $250. A few established companies is selling complete bikes for around $700-
$1000 with a gas tank frame.
However, there has been a few Phantom pop up around $800, and another from a custom shop called Imperial Cycles and these are the ones I'm wondering if I should buy instead. I've even seen used 4 stroker builds for around $400 which would probably save me some time and headache as well.
I apologize for the long post but it's finally time I'm getting something so it's been long awaited.... Hopefully this will replace my car and my 12 mile to work commute.
So I've been wanting/researching for years now and when I finally thought I had decided on electric, I saw the "Motoped." I had a goped years ago and just remember having to buy parts or do little fixes all the time to keep it trouble free. But now these new generation of 4 strokes!
So my question is whether or not companies like Phantom Bikes will produce a bike that's "more reliable" than what I can make or produce. This is not to hate or question the quality of Phantom bikes but more of based on my reading, I don't know what to believe or go with anymore. I know their frames are going to be better but are they just using everybody's kit?
Currently I have about $500-1000 for this project. I do have quality bikes but they'll need the engine to be rear rack mounted as I ride small bikes unless I buy a new frame/bike to mount.
So from my understanding... These are the points that are confusing me.
- Not all kits are created equal with some of you hating on bikeberry, calling gas bike crooks, etc.... I mean, so who the **** do I buy from. The only reputable ones it seems like is G'olden Eagle or Staton- which they're pretty much out of everything. And of course all those ebay kits are just copies and junk.... (I have zero interactions with any of these companies, I'm just trying to find the best place for a 4 stroke kit but it seems like everybody has something against every company)
- Do belts slip? I've heard so many good things about them but then some people prefers chains now.... If it's just a louder chain but more, reliability I'd rather go chain.
- Are honda engines worth it and are they more reliable? I've heard mixed things, and if a bike had a Honda engine, would it be considered worth more?
- What is easier on spokes, the chain sprocket one or that giant belt band one?
So a kits about $300, though a few places in LA is selling them for sub $250. A few established companies is selling complete bikes for around $700-
$1000 with a gas tank frame.
However, there has been a few Phantom pop up around $800, and another from a custom shop called Imperial Cycles and these are the ones I'm wondering if I should buy instead. I've even seen used 4 stroker builds for around $400 which would probably save me some time and headache as well.
I apologize for the long post but it's finally time I'm getting something so it's been long awaited.... Hopefully this will replace my car and my 12 mile to work commute.
