Newbie lookin for some help

[BadShroom]

Hi guys and gals,

Just got a copy of the "Bike, Scooter, and Chopper projects for the Evil Genius" (which is WKD BTW) and we've started making two DeltaWolfs. We're both really new to the Bike building scene but the book is so easy to follow (nice one Brad). My only comment would be to suggest an Ingredients list at the start of each build so you had something to work off as a shopping list.

Here’s my Q's:

What’s the ground clearance on the completed bike frame and pedals?

Are there any plans for modding on an electric motor out there?

Can anyone recommend a good bikeparts.com site?

What should I be paying for the following?
Disc brake set
Pillow Blocks
26" Rims

Cheers all.

BadShroom

[gbbwolf]

Hi guys and gals,

Just got a copy of the "Bike, Scooter, and Chopper projects for the Evil Genius" (which is WKD BTW) and we've started making two DeltaWolfs. We're both really new to the Bike building scene but the book is so easy to follow (nice one Brad). My only comment would be to suggest an Ingredients list at the start of each build so you had something to work off as a shopping list.

Here’s my Q's:

What’s the ground clearance on the completed bike frame and pedals?

Are there any plans for modding on an electric motor out there?

Can anyone recommend a good bikeparts.com site?

What should I be paying for the following?
Disc brake set
Pillow Blocks
26" Rims

Cheers all.

BadShroom


Pillow Blocks 8 bucks give or take at http://www.thebigbearingstore.com/servlet/the-Pillow-Block-Bearings-cln-Pressed-Steel/Categories

I prefer the cast pillow blocks they have grease fittings I may be mistaken but I don't think the steel ones do.

Disc brakes I got off ebay 75 bucks for the pair, hayes mx4.
26 inch rims about 22 bucks a piece at www.niagaracycle.com (http://www.niagaracycle.com) I think.
Spokes and nipples run ya about 60 bucks for good ones.
I would source a new bike at walmart if I had to do it again.
100 buck bike get you 2 wheels,crankset,deraillers,chain,front disc brake for just a little more,plus shifters and cables,water bottle.
If you get a suspension bike then you got a good rear triangle for another project cause 90% of them are steel even on the aluminum frame bikes.
Then you part out rest of frame, cause it's likely to be aluminum.
Sell the seat, sell the frame for scrap aluminum, or sell it to some kid who trashed his bike.
Or find a good walmart bike that someone is selling on craigslist for half price, that is like brand new.
For what I paid for my 3 wheels I could have bought 2 walmart bikes,a 20inch and a 26 suspension bike.

90 buck walmart steel framed bike.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4232170
Mens version here.
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4231518

Live and learn.

Nelson

[TheKid]

If you make the spoke flanges the same size as the originals from the donor, or you use the alternate method for the hubs Brad shows in the plans, in most cases you could reuse the spokes and nipples from the donor bike. You can find domnor bikes a number of ways. The cheapest is of course, getting them no charge either from someone you know who's throwing their old bike out, or gruising the streets on trash nights, looking for bikes in the trash. Thrift shops are a good source, as are Craislist and propertyroom.com.
I weigh 250lbs., and have found the pressed steel pillow block bearings and 5/8" axles adequate. However, if you're going to motorize with power going to the rear, 3/4" axles and cast iron pillow blocks are highly recommended, if not required.

[trikeman]

I also wonder about the durability of some of the bearings (even the heavy duty cast ones) and bicycle bearings under high speed extended miles. As I and others have stated before, if you are going to build a serious duty car or a motorcycle, you probably should consider using motorcycle components for some of the critical parts.

You don't have to spend much time on the motorozed bicycle forum to realize how many of the posts are about inadequate brakes, the need to rebuild motors every 3,000 miles (yes I said 3,000), and other failures of light duty parts put to other uses.

[TheKid]

Those are good points. If I'm not mistaken, the cast bearings are used for high speed machinery, so the speed wouldn't be an issue. However, I'm not so sure about stresses and side loads, etc. They may not be designed for use on a motor vehicle. As for bicycle wheels, most can handle speeds of up to 30mph, and race wheels can handle much higher speeds. But again, that's under human power, with a fraction of the torque of most motors.
I'm sure Brad has done a lot of research in these areas, as well as having the experience under his belt, so some or all of these concerns may be for nought.

[AtomicZombie]

Any of the bearings used on the trike will never wear out in your lifetime - even with a motor.

Brad

[John Lewis]

Any of the bearings used on the trike will never wear out in your lifetime - even with a motor.

Brad

That's for sure. I have a home made wood lathe with these bearings. Spins round 2000 - 3000 rpm most of the time. Made it 17 years or so back. It's had a lot of use, never been greased and the bearings are as good as the day I first put them in.

John Lewis

[BadShroom]

Thanks for all the notes guys.

The build's moving along and I've managed to scrounge/find most of what I need at this stage.

Just a Quickie:

Could I use 1 1/4" box if I wanted a smaller frame?

Also, my welding needs some work any 'hot' tips?

Thanks again