Hey everybody!
So I just recently picked up a bike at a garage sale, and the thought crossed my mind, "It would be AWESOME to rig a motor up to this!". A quick google search and here I am.
Now the problem is that I have a pretty solid electrical background, but I know NOTHING on the mechanical side of things. I've been browsing some of the kits and they do seem to provide enough instruction to at least get me going, and if thats not enough, I'm sure there is plenty of support on these forums =).
Anyway, a few quick questions I had for all you seasoned professionals on here, but before that, here's some pictures of my bike so that you have an idea of what I'm working with (in attachments).
Ok so the questions. I'm a little concerned with the fact that the bike has no shocks, now its not bad when im pedaling around, but i could see it being an issue when the bike is traveling 25+ MPH. Is that internal gear shift mechanism going to be a hindrance or even a deal breaker? Again with no mechanical knowledge, I would actually assume it to be a benefit, but I don't know for sure. The frame itself isn't an issue is it? I know they cant make universal kits, but I would assume they only require small mods to fit other frames. Anyone have experience with a frame like this? And finally, and I'm sure this is asked a ton, any recommendations on a kit? I've seen a lot of sales going on, I know Spooky Tooth has the Skyhawk for $149, Bikemotorkit.com has one for $119, and I saw one called a Flying Horse for about $140, marked down from $350. Any that sets these apart, or any that especially novice friendly?
Hopefully I will be up and rolling in no time!
Thanks guys!
So I just recently picked up a bike at a garage sale, and the thought crossed my mind, "It would be AWESOME to rig a motor up to this!". A quick google search and here I am.
Now the problem is that I have a pretty solid electrical background, but I know NOTHING on the mechanical side of things. I've been browsing some of the kits and they do seem to provide enough instruction to at least get me going, and if thats not enough, I'm sure there is plenty of support on these forums =).
Anyway, a few quick questions I had for all you seasoned professionals on here, but before that, here's some pictures of my bike so that you have an idea of what I'm working with (in attachments).
Ok so the questions. I'm a little concerned with the fact that the bike has no shocks, now its not bad when im pedaling around, but i could see it being an issue when the bike is traveling 25+ MPH. Is that internal gear shift mechanism going to be a hindrance or even a deal breaker? Again with no mechanical knowledge, I would actually assume it to be a benefit, but I don't know for sure. The frame itself isn't an issue is it? I know they cant make universal kits, but I would assume they only require small mods to fit other frames. Anyone have experience with a frame like this? And finally, and I'm sure this is asked a ton, any recommendations on a kit? I've seen a lot of sales going on, I know Spooky Tooth has the Skyhawk for $149, Bikemotorkit.com has one for $119, and I saw one called a Flying Horse for about $140, marked down from $350. Any that sets these apart, or any that especially novice friendly?
Hopefully I will be up and rolling in no time!
Thanks guys!
. As far as I know a frame that has alot of spacing inbetween the top and bottom tube works best as the engine would be able to fit inside the frame. But you might be able to mount on your top tube and seat tube since its seem to have so much spacing from the seat anyway! I have a mountain bike that sort of like the frame you have but even worst because the top tube is in the middle of the seat tube, hence giving it not space for a "normal mount". Technically, any engine can be mounted, but for the special "rack-mount" type engines it'll cost like around $100-$200 more just for the mounting kit. For that much you could just get a new bike, but yours seems "possible". I also know that kits more friendly w/ 36 spokes wheels for the sprocket mount but that is about it. You'd need someone with experience to reply though, as i never mounted a engine, i can't wait to though. I have a Schwinn voyager that I'm ready to rebuild and mount a engine on.
