Hey All! This is my first post, though I have been following the forum for quite a while. I put my first build together a year ago next month! My first build was on a 700c Roadmaster Adventures $99 Wal-Mart special. I learned quite a lot from that first build, including but not limited to; 700c tires are WAY too narrow to motorize, and leaning over to reach the handle bars was not comfortable! My next build was a Huffy Bantam 29" mountain bike. I actually purchased 2 of these bikes, as I couldn't find a replacement rim at my local bike shop. Needless to say, my next build will be on the extra frame I have still lying around. I have retained parts from each build onto the next one, but the bike I have running now as my primary is the Genesis GX7 (blue version of the Genesis Astra) and I love it. I bought this bike with the intention to put a SBP shift kit on it after seeing KC's chrome Genesis build (Thanks for the inspiration KC!) I will say this, I am glad I never attempted a direct drive option on this bike, as I've read that people have trouble with the added spokes. I took the front fork off of my Huffy Bantam 29" mountain bike, as it was a suspension fork, and the same size as this one, so I had to use the front tire from the Huffy on account of I wanted a disc brake on the front. I love how it looks! I can say from experience that the shift kit wont give you a whole lot more speed *unless* you are in super ideal situations. My top speed on my DD 48 tooth bike was 40mph, and that was only for a second downhill, and so far my top speed on the GX7 with the shift kit is 41mph. I use an old phone w/o service as my speedometer, as the GPS still works. I got the Shimano MegaRange freewheel for the back of the bike, and that first gear is freaking AWESOME with the motor! I also have ape hangers on it, upgraded throttle and carb (RT) I have a GT80 ported cylinder jug with an RSE reed valve, X-Port exhaust and expansion chamber. I haven't modified my piston at all, and I'm honestly wondering if I would even see a lot of difference if I did? Anywho, I just wanted to share my experience for anyone else thinking about getting this bike. I highly recommend motorizing the GX7, but I would for sure combine it with the SBP shift kit. It makes riding a whole lot more versatile. My ride to work is less than three miles, but I can usually make it there through traffic in about 6 to 8 minutes. I'm very thankful for all of the people on this forum and all the trouble and trouble shooting you have done to help the noobs like me without ever having to post! I'm getting to the point where I think I might start building for other people (a lot of people who see me riding it ask me if I can build one for them) and would love any input, questions, or suggestions. Let me know what you think of the bike and what I can do to improve! Thanks!
