My Erector-Set Bike

flyinace · #1 08-31-2008, 07:56 PM

I have NO welding skills so when i set out to build a bike i decided i needed to do it entirely with angle-iron and scrap steel and bolt it all together... My creation is the following "Erector-Set" bike---

I posted a picture of my first design in a previous thread (I was looking for left handed nuts). Anyway, I have redesigned the mounts, increased the size of the nuts and bolts to 5/8" and now I think I am satisfied with my first motor bike. It runs off a Ryobi 31 CC weed eater. It can hold be at 24 MPH but it has NO horse power. Fortunately I don't need horse power since i live in FLAT FLAT FLAT Phoenix, AZ.

I created a clutch device out of a small C-clamp i had lying around so the engine can be pulled off the wheel when i don't need it or I run out of gas...The springs hold the engine against the wheel and it is nearly impossible to pull the engine away from the wheel by hand, hence I need the mechanical advantage of the C-clamp... It also allows me to easily control the tension of the friction drive against the tire.

I've ridden it to work several times, which is 6 miles each way... So far nothing has fallen off and it seems to be doing pretty good...

deacon · #2 08-31-2008, 08:34 PM

Looks a lot like one of my bikes except it looks more secure. Good job.

comfortableshoes · #3 08-31-2008, 08:38 PM

That looks very secure. How do you start it? I assume bump start? It must be a stiff start when pedaling?

deacon · #4 08-31-2008, 08:43 PM

If he can lift it then it wouldnt be too bad and if he can lift it he can rope start it as well.

flyinace · #5 08-31-2008, 08:44 PM

Peddle starting is no problem at all, especially with the mountain bike in an easy gear.

flyinace · #6 08-31-2008, 08:46 PM

Its true, in theory, i can rope start it...But I have to turn the c-clamp to lower the engine...That would be pretty difficult while riding. :-)

Motormaker · #7 08-31-2008, 08:53 PM

Very nice. It amazes me how so much can be done with so little.

deacon · #8 08-31-2008, 09:17 PM

I was thinking lift it pedal and then drop it lol Like one of our friction clutches. Or lift it and then ease the engine down as you pedal. It works pretty darn well and allows me to idle at stop signs.

flyinace · #9 08-31-2008, 09:25 PM

Deacon, do you by chance have or know where these is a good picture of the clutch you are speaking about? I tried to design something like what you are talking about but everything kept turning out too clunky...

deacon · #10 08-31-2008, 09:41 PM

There is one on here other than mine that i like. It is made with the end rod from a chain link fence. If you know what that is. They are just levers that raise the engine. I use a brake lever and cable to pull it
down.

Shoes just uses cables for his....