No fancy formatting THIS week, we lurch forward with a Dec 2005 newspaper quote:
Lowell Whitehead, owner of the 430-acre W&W Farms near Baileyton, bought three to replace his trucks when checking on his 275 beef cows. The bikes are more economical and much easier for getting around than his trucks, he said. And besides being practical, the bikes are plain fun.
"You can take a ride down the road and when people see you pass they'll sling that mouth open and say, 'God almighty, there's a bicycle,' " Whitehead said.
Pretty pictures of bikes built last week:
"How do I carry my beer?" answers:
Sincere appreciations to the tippers & reccers, and the Rescue Rangers last week, for pulling Part II up from the DailyKos recycling cauldron.
The character limitations in the "Intros" disallow "Zen and the Art of Motored Bicycling" manifestering, but the Body of a diary is where this fun hobby can be virtually conveyed. As promised in Part I, a few of the customer's stories are going to get co-mingled along the journey.
12/03 update: Wow, second diary rescue in a row, thanks again! Ask any question you like!
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Intro to Motorized Bicycles Part I: We are IN the Bailout Bill
Intro to Motorized Bicycles Part II- Cruiser Bikes
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PART III IS GOING TO INTRODUCE ENGINES
(eventually)
Did I say "hobby"? Googling that definition is revealing:
hobby[OE. hobin a nag, OF. hobin hobby; cf. hober to stir, move; prob. of German or Scand. origin; cf. Dan. hoppe a mare, dial. Sw. hoppa; perh. akin to E. hop to jump.]
1: A subject or plan upon which one is constantly setting
off; a favorite and ever-recurring theme of discourse,
thought, or effort; that which occupies one's attention
unduly, or to the weariness of others; a ruling passion.
2: a child's plaything consisting of an imitation horsehead on
one end of a stick; the child straddles it an pretends to
ride [syn: hobbyhorse, rocking horse, cockhorse, stick
horse]
3: small Old World falcon formerly trained and flown at small
birds [syn: Falco subbuteo]
4: A strong, active horse, of a middle size, said to have
been originally from Ireland; an ambling nag.
Soooooo, a true hobby requires a horse, a horse substitute, or a falcon. Crocheting with a parrot on your shoulder is a stretch, but real "hobbying" implies riding in the wide open, with wide open eyes. In this frantic era of time budgeting, it does not take too much thought to blend motorized bikes into your business plan, and include it with other pleasures, exercise and fresh air, traveling and sightseeing, charity and outreach.
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BUT then there is SPEED !!
The "ultimate hobbyist" in this MB-21st century analogy would be one who got the horse up in the air flying (in a controlled fashion, Braveheart and horse falling in a moat wouldn't count). Here in Rough Edge, as Mr. Whitehead says, "God almighty", we've been trying.
Where Katrina price gouging by local gas stations was a timely event (see Part II), selling 3 "cattle cruisers" to my neighbors, Lowell Whitehead, and his sons Charlie and Phillip, was especially fruitful, on many counts.
First, I called the W&W Farms accountant, to make sure we were talking "fully depreciable farm equipment". Amongst 30-40 trucks, tractors and implements, the "pasture fence checking vehicles" blended right in.
Second, Lowell's stories of checking his pastures on his blue bike became the stuff of legend. Cows can hear the small engine a mile away, Lowell got them "spoiled" by carrying 5 coffee cans of sweet feed in the basket, the herd meet him at the gate, where he could head count in less than half the time as in a pickup. At .02 cents per mile.
Dog whistler, horse whisperer, Lowell and his five coffee cans became the "cattle caterer". A 2 hour daily chore became a 1 hour pleasure ride, he claims he saw more relatives in the first month on the bike than in the past 5 years in his truck. After head counting he would ride to the coffee shop, he found an extra hour per day to spread the bull.
But third, and most important to the potentials, Charlie and Phillip are drag racers. Both of Phillip's sons have been racing quarter-sized, alcohol fueled dragsters, since age 5. And Lowell never threw away 40 years worth of bicycles, they are still in his barn.
Instant tutoring for me, tons of fun stories from them, and all tax deductible, as gas savings paid for Lowell's coffee and lunch.
For instance, in this 13 second video embed, that is Charlie's green "New Tater Hauler", in the last 2 seconds,(the red "Ole Tater Hauler" belongs to the local dragstrip's owner).
Charlie races on strips in 5-8 states, he can do a 1/4 mile wheelstands, and he has his motored "cattle cruising" bike hanging on hooks in the trailer.
Especially note that both wheel-standing pickup trucks have the engine on the back, when Charlie first looked at my bike, that enginuity made instant sense to him.
When he goes to the largest weekend meets, like in Atlanta, he never unhooks his trailer, because he can zip around the track, go to town for food or parts, and roll right back into the gate without worrying about mile long lines at the ticket booth. Just ease on the shoulder, past the idling cars and busy guards, smiling and waving.
Everybody knows Charlie.
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ENGINE DISCUSSION COMMENCES AFTER THIS COMMERCIAL BREAK
Don't the two Williams' Schwinns, up in the intro, look similar to this Colorado bookmarker-momento I brought back in 2006?:
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The Decatur Daily was the third newspaper interview I did, Dec.12 2005 The headline came out all wrong, and he starts out by missing my shop's location, by about fifteen miles !!
But he included a customer story, thankfully Lowell answered his phone that day. And I asked if he'd please include my Decatur bike shop, because the premise always was "buy locally". The Peddler is one of the larger Snapper dealers in the state, knew firsthand of quality in small engines and super reinforced Kevlar belts.
Paul Watson, owner of The Peddler Bike Shop, said Crabtree's concept ought to do well. For the past 10 years, he's received 20 to 25 inquiries from people who wanted a small engine to attach to their bike to make traveling easier.
The problem, Watson said, was the main engine on the market worked poorly. It attached to the front wheel and when engaged would rub a small wheel against the tire and push the bike forward.
"It would burn out a tire because it was like rubbing it with sandpaper," he said.
The kit Crabtree uses is much better because it uses a Kevlar belt to turn a gear attached to the spokes, Watson said.
Considering bike sales "really jumped" after gas prices soared this summer, Watson said Crabtree ought to find plenty of buyers.
(Paul's wife, Buffy, AND LOOK, BEHIND HER, there is Rocinante on his 2005 birthday, before he got motor-vated !! Neither that sturdy red 7 speed nor I knew the adventures ahead !)
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FOCUS ON ENGINES AND ENGINE SYSTEMS
Let pull up an item from the first diary, shoot a hole the size of a jar lid into the smuggled Chinese smokepots:
Old inefficient Two stroke engines, common in those powered by internal combustion engines ("Happy Time" made-in-China two strokes are still dirty like the old ones) , often emitted more pollution than automobiles due to partial combustion of the upper cylinder lubricant necessarily included in the fuel (this is not the case with newer 2 stroke motors such as the Tanaka "Pure Fire"). One Swedish study found that running the older inefficient 2-stroke lawnmower for half an hour pollutes as much as a 150 km trip in an average car. Fortunately those older two strokes are not in common usage on motorized bicycles having been replaced by super clean four stoke engines (such as the Robin Subaru EHO35 and EHO25), and clean two strokes such as the Tanaka (Pure fire) engines.
As a generalist, not a technical type, what I wanted was something that BY FAR exceeded California's EPA standard, and was WAY UNDER the 50 cubic centimeter MoPed classification. Currently the Robin/Subaru and Tanaka are at the top of the scale.
If and when demand exceeds supply in the US, both engines will probably be produced in Washington State, Arkansas or Georgia. Right now the plants are on 24/7 type shifts, there are countless other uses for these air cooled mini-dynamos.
The Chinese "Happy Time" is a replica of an engine designed in the 1930's Soviet Union. As I understand it, nothing has changed in the original design, there is no way to trace manufacture origin. There are a handful of reputable Happy Time importers who have limited warranties and good service, but the vast majority of the engines are simply e-Bay crapshoots, smuggled in from Canada or Mexico. In this hobby, you definitely get what you paid for.
A few locals have bought these bone shakers online then bring them to me with installation frustrations. I send them to my buddy Jack, he hates them too, but is too nice a guy to say no.
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ENGINES I USE CURRENTLY
Most men select the 2 cycle, they like speed. These are extremely high compression, but after they get broken in, usually crank on the first pull. My current Tanaka PF has way over 5,000 miles, still uses the original spark plug, and I've only rinsed the air filter once.
To properly seat the cylinder ring, I put a 2 cycle through an important "break in" phase, holding the throttle at different speeds, for various intervals between 10-30 seconds, through the first 3-4 tanks of fuel. This is similar to how a brand new airplane or motorcycle engine is treated.
Once that is accomplished, there are only 3 things that will degrade performance: using discount gas, forgetting to mix oil in the fuel, or using a mix that is over a month old (the oil separates after about 3 weeks).
All the drive systems (belt, chain or friction) that use the Tanakas or Robin/Subarus are in similar $500-600 price ranges, btw.
clipped from the Golden Eagle site
32cc Tanaka PureFire 2-Stroke
Complete Engine & Mount Kit
$559.00 plus $20.00 s&h = $579.00
THE Commuter Model
* Excellent low end torque for Take-off and Hill climb
* Faster cruising speeds, important to so many commuters
* A Green Machine – CARB Tier II, Phase II Compliant
* A few dB’s quieter than our 35cc 4- stroke, at 27 – 28 mph
* Allen wrench supplied w/kit can be used to disassemble engine for maintenance & gear changes
* Slim, compact design (smaller in size & lighter in weight than the 26cc Tanaka) allows engine to sit even closer to the wheel
Test results: With a 200lb rider -
* 30 mph on a new engine, right out of the box
* 160 – 180 mpg
* Tank size 23.8fl.oz. = 25 - 30 miles
Give pedestrian/joggers a wide berth – they Won’t hear you coming!
Featuring excellent power-to-weight, all Tanaka engines are built with the highest quality engine components for long life and quick and easy starting. As with all engines we sell, this long life engine will take up to 2000 miles for total 'break-in' to attain peak performance. During the break-in period, never mix the oil rich, always use 50:1 gas/oil mix ratios.
Recommended gears -
* #13 - Standard (Included) - Excellent for most riding conditions on street and trail. Faster speeds and better mileage than Trail gear.
* #12 - Trail (Optional) - For more hilly terrain or heavier loads, improved acceleration but slightly less top speeds and gas mileage.
* #14 - Highway (Optional) - 10% faster MPH then the standard gear. Engine operates at a lower RPM resulting in a quieter running, higher mileage and faster cruising speeds. Reduced low-end, you may have to pedal a few more strokes on the steeper hills.
Other than the 40cc Tanaka, the only engine with the power to push the #14 HTD gear.
For those who like to tinker or are looking for even More performance, Tanaka makes some fine performance parts for the 32cc (and 40cc) engines. We recommend you have at least 1000 miles on the engine before customizing.
But women, even those who've had recent shoulder surgery, are AMAZED how easy the Subaru cranks. I've tied the string around my little finger and pulled it, thats how smooth this baby purrs. Cranks better in cold weather too. That "varying the throttle" technique is not as important with a 4 stroke.
One fellow, a 60 year old motorcyclist wanting exercise, had already rode Rocinante, loved the 2 cycle, but then the UPS truck arrived with a Robin Subaru. I pulled it out of the box, put a little motor oil and gas in it, and he pulled that string...."I want that yellow one" !
Folks that are in this for the exercise factor like how quiet is at low rpms, puttering around the streets at 15-20 mph. Microwave ovens seem louder.
Mobil 1 is a synthetic oil, the little engine only holds about 70cc in the crankcase. My break-in procedure is to ride about 30 miles, change the oil, then change it one more time after about 100-150 miles. If you are prudent, repeat this maybe twice more in the first 1,000 miles, that engine is going to be dependable for years.
Yesterday I ordered a steel frame Sun EZ 26 speed recumbent ($900) with windshield and I'll be putting a 35cc Robin Subaru on it. That install will be a future diary.
350R/S 35cc Robin/Subaru 4-Stroke Engine
Complete 4-Stroke Mounting Kit plus Engine
$609.00 plus $20.00 s & h = $629.00
Heart of a Lion - this mini-4 doesn't quit.
* Pull even heavier loads up steeper hills.
* Easy, low compression start.
* So much power and so Quiet.
Top speed of 27 - 28 MPH - Range of 30 - 35 miles per tank - Gets up to 200 MPG.
Tests conducted under 'real world' conditions - with a 210 lb rider - steel frame 26" bike (add another 50 lbs for bike, engine and mount) using the Standard gear on moderately hilly pavement.
Mileage will vary with terrain, riding style, tire tread and weight load (as with autos).
Additional torque and muscle of this engine allows you to Hit the Trails off-road!
Easy pedal assist will take you to New heights in biking! Long distance commute or Cross-country! Although it's very easy to pedal, to assist the engine when faster acceleration is desired - taking off from a stop, after cornering or on steep inclines - you'll find very few instances when assistance is desired or required.
Larger clutch engages at lower rpm, allows for a smooth, easy ride at slow speeds.
GEBE offers three, easy to change drive gears, an allen wrench (5/32" or 4mm), our new 4-N-1 ring/spoke/gear Key and a few minutes are all that is needed to change gears. The tension arm automatically adjusts for proper belt tension with all three gears, no additional adjustment is necessary. The Standard gear (included with kit) allows speeds up to 27-28mph, is great for most terrain - street, highway and moderate hills/trails.
** The Trail gear (sold separately) has more low-end torque - is better for off-road, more hilly areas or pulling a heavier load.
** The Highway gear (sold separately) has less low-end torque - is better for more level ground for a faster commute and higher mileage
* There is a 10% difference in top speed between the Trail, Standard, and Highway gears.
On both engines, I recommend leaving the Standard gear on for a minimum of 500 miles, then swapping them out if you want more low-end or high-end torque.
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Artsy photo of my quarter mile fence full of bike wheels (another upcoming diary!)
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BELT DRIVEN SYSTEMS
Paul Watson at the Peddler has built bicycles for over 25 years, so you've already read his opinion of "friction" drives. Besides wearing out the tire, they don't run well on wet roads.
Chain drives and belt drives are similar in design, Dennis at Golden Eagle sold his chain drive system with a 5 year non-compete clause before patenting the belt drive system.
The major difference in chain versus belt is "pedaling ease" with the motor off, a belt drive pedals just like a bike when disengaged, the chain drive can't BE disengaged. If there was a NASCAR like race circuit, the tire change on a belt drive is quick, the chain drive might take a half hour.
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GEBE IS THE APPLE, CHAINDRIVES ARE THE PC
GEBE is a family operation, there are never more than 10 employees, and all the various parts of the kit are Made in the USA. Tanaka and Robin Subaru cannot catch up (yet) to getting the engines built in the States, but as I understand it, the newest 25cc Tanaka will be built in Washington State soon, then the line will expand.
The genius, where all the patents are, is in the spoke rings, the belt, the gears, then in 2007 the elimination of the drive shaft, last month the new clutch and clutch housing was introduced.
My buddy Jack bulk buys a lot of "kit only" setups, for around $300. Then he substitutes bargains found online, Mitsubishi, Honda, Pocket Rockets. But he is busy just motorizing all his relatives, he IS the source for any warranty, because there are twenty engines laying around his garage.
I prefer not to play hit or miss with anonymous on-line suppliers, thats no FUN. Give me shiny clean, still in the box, stringently tested, and top of the line warrantied engines, the $25-50 Jack saves is immaterial at .02 per mile.
(As I mentioned in comments weeks ago, Honda is off-shoring their small engines to Thailand now, have taken out important cylinder innovations/improvements to meet the big-box pieice-o-crap marketing models, a la Wal Mart pressure washers and Home Depot generators.)
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LETS WIND THIS UP WITH BIKE PIX
Last week at the bottom of the diary I showed some pictures of doubling up the front forks to get the "tricycle" balancing effect.
Here's some photoproof:
Modifying a regular bike with some welding skills is very prominent in this Portland Oregon bike moving pictorial, pay special attention the the GREEN BIKE genius.
And here is a guy that can move a stove on a modified, doubled front forked Worksman. Michael Blue Jay's bike moving blog.
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LINKS TO OTHER BIKE AND BIKE DELIVERY IDEAS
Bike hauling and delivery in snow
Working Bikes in Amsterdam
Serious bike trailers
Just plain ODD bikes
Rocinante, outside Springfield, Colorado, June 2006: