New and excited

LightSeeker

New Member
Hello everyone I am a new enthusiast I have done research on my build for about the last month and FYI this is the first chat room or forum that I have ever been a part of LOL. So I apologize in advance if this gets lengthy. Ok I will just jump right into it

I researched ebike front wheel or rear wheel I researched 2-stroke 4-stroke engines and what I have come up with is I will be the most comfortable for my daily commute with a 4-stroke reliable engine. E-bikes are cool but they have limitations on distance and the prices are ridiculous.

I have not bought a bike the current mountain bike that I had planned on using does not have a big enough V space ( which sucks because it already has disc brakes ) my dream would be to have a mountain bike with a central mounted 4-stroke engine and 3 to 4 inch Fat Tires.

My initial Vision was a three-wheel Fat Tire trike, the purpose of my build is for a commuter I work about 13 miles from my house so its 26 miles round trip. As well as tooling around town just for fun and quick grocery store runs. I live in Minnesota and soon old Jack Frost will be here hence the fat tires and three wheel trike build.

I have been on multiple sites viewing the price of a 4 stroke bicycle kits & it looks like I will be out of here about $260 to $300 for a basic kit or the Honda one which is like $500 (probably won't happen) all my searching has led me here. Especially since it seems like I'm the only one that I have around who thinks this is a good idea LOL.

Okay to my question what is the best and most cost-efficient place to get the engine kit and do you really think I should scrap the Fat Tire trike idea?
 
Howdy & welcome to the clubhouse!

The thought of winter riding in Minnesota just sent a 'shiver through me timbers'. I know that NiagaraCycle.com has studded tires for winter weather use if you're hesitant on the trike build.

Best of luck in your upcoming adventures!
 
Ride a lot in the winter, not so much now as when i was young, live in Brainerd, WELCOME! aboard.........Curt

There has been a few builds with small 4 stroke engines KC has done one i know........
 
Well I have purchased my bike and it looks like I have to scrap my whole plans for a central mounted the 4-stroke engine I have also purchased the 4-stroke engine SMH!
I am wondering if anyone has did a rear mounted chain drive 4" fat tire bike. Using a 4-stroke engine and can I still use my disc brakes.
Center chain drive would be great but I don't really want to chop up this beautiful bike
 

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Ride a lot in the winter, not so much now as when i was young, live in Brainerd, WELCOME! aboard.........Curt

There has been a few builds with small 4 stroke engines KC has done one i know........
No I haven't done much riding in the winter but I believe with the proper protection gear it will be a fun winter. Now I just have to figure out where I am putting this engine on my bike
 
Hello lightseeker and welcome from Minnesota as I'm stuck here also. Lol
You can't go wrong with anything really. Ups and downs from any choice or supplier. Just plunge in with a commitment and make it work. Whether 2 or 4 they all work... A extra set of cheap tires and a box of sheet metal screws you can use your bike all winter.

No need for fat tires a 1.95 tire width plus in size is fine.
Fat tire bike build will take a bunch of extra time, so more patience will be needed. Let me know if you need any help.
Again, welcome brother!
 
PS, Oh yeah the fat tire trike sounds cool as heck, just a bit more challenging on a trike for gas power. If you have the skill go for it, t as it will be unique and pretty practicle in winter and summer, off road, camping, relaxing. You will still need a few studs in winter...I'm guessing to get even wheel traction so you don't have a drift trike or spin about in uncontrollable circles on a ice patch. I built a front geared hub E trike for my daughter so she could carry her dog with, she loves it.
 
Well I scrap the whole idea and took the bike back to Walmart. Now I am waiting on my 29 inch Genesis Onyx bike my 4-stroke should fit with no problem on there. Since I am still new to this maybe this will be an easier build. Oh and the bike was a hundred bucks cheaper
 

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that frame seems to have no mounts - it will take some work to see what fits after you take some measurements on it

I rarely spend more than $100 to $160 on a new bike, but always get one with two good cantilever brakes and at least 7 speeds. A 7 speed bike will have wheel bearings & brakes that take high speed better than a 1 speed bike designed for only 15mph or so.
 
Okay I have my new bike it's a Genesis oneX I have the engine mounted and sprocket on that's enough for today.
I have to go and get a punch to shorten the chain tomorrow also I am thinking about ordering a hub adapter and sprocket. It would be really nice to get the dimensions of the sprocket and hub adapter so I can make them at work but it seems people don't want to give up that info SMH
 

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Get a cheep caliper and stick it in between the spokes and measure. Maybe by a chin beaker to start with, you will be needing it later, LOL........Curt
 
A 7 speed bike will have wheel bearings & brakes that take high speed better than a 1 speed bike designed for only 15mph or so.
No disrespect intended Crass. I don't agree with you on this one. Multi speed rear wheel usually means lighter components and spindley spokes. Also, Limits your choices concerning a sprocket adapter. Your measure will be critically important. If you use the kit supplied Rag Joint on the multi speed wheel and you are a 200 lbs plus guy You Will be breaking spokes or pulling them thru an aluminum wheel. The tourque forces are simply too much over time...My experience, I weigh about 150, because I don't ride to stay fit- I don't need those pedal gear options. If I am away and get a flat I call a rescue ride. I have never had a breakdown due to drive line issues. I have been doing 15 miles daily since 2011 on a bullet proof drive system. Avg speed around 20mph. Oh I could go faster but no need. Nothing is stronger or more safe than a Worksman or a Husky loaded with 11 or 12g spokes with a Shimano Coaster Brake w/adapter at the rear and a Sturmey Drum up front. The OP is now doing a 29". I never have. This may or may not complicate Drive / Wheel decisions. There is no way a multi speed cluster is safer, stronger or more reliable than a single speed coaster brake. So, take it all with a grain of salt and realize this is just my opinion.
 
I have to agree with AS, although i haven't had a motorized bike for years( building one now ) I did have a couple when i was a kid 60 years ago, and most of my bikes have had coaster brakes sense. Never had one fail, my first bike was a factory Monark twin with the heavy spoke wheels, and when you are 15 you ride the snot out of them, every day. LOL...............Curt
 
your privilege to have your own opinion on this, but I'm a full time repair shop, and just tell it like I see it day after day - properly installed rag joints don't cause break problems and the skinniest spokes hold up fine - I rarely get anything to repair from those - coaster wheels come in weekly with cracked races, loose bearings and just plain exploded hubs all due to heat

all I see are the fails

EDIT: see a lot of broken arms and suchlike with coasters too
 
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