New install on a 7 speed comfort bike
I just finished installing a motorized bicycle kit on a Schwinn 7 speed comfort bike. That thing rides like a dream. I took it out for a test ride around the block, 10 minutes after I was done I needed to "test ride" it again. That's the "addictive personality" in me, I guess I'm hooked.
I have always been a "mountain bike" kind of guy as opposed to a "cruiser" and I have to tell you, it's about time I threw an engine on one of these. Don't get me wrong, I like the cruisers, but I LOVE this comfort bike. I made this one as a test model for someone, now I am going to have to build a new one for them cause I'm keeping this one for myself! I live about 10 miles away from the shop and I'm going to have to ditch the 30 mpg Mitsubishi for the 150 MPG Schwinn.
I also have to mention to those thinking of installing their own kit on a mountain bike/comfort bike... This install is a bit more dificult then a beach cruiser. The sprocket is more challenging because there are more bicycle spockets and a plastic protector to keep the chain on the last gear, this makes it MUCH more difficult to fit your bolts/nuts inside by the hub. Also, the CDI goes nice and easy on the little cantalever bar on a beach cruiser. No such luck on a comfort bike. Nothing a little duct tape can't fix... (just kidding). There are a few other minor anoyances like not being able to tighten the chain.
Good luck,
BikerBill
I have always been a "mountain bike" kind of guy as opposed to a "cruiser" and I have to tell you, it's about time I threw an engine on one of these. Don't get me wrong, I like the cruisers, but I LOVE this comfort bike. I made this one as a test model for someone, now I am going to have to build a new one for them cause I'm keeping this one for myself! I live about 10 miles away from the shop and I'm going to have to ditch the 30 mpg Mitsubishi for the 150 MPG Schwinn.
I also have to mention to those thinking of installing their own kit on a mountain bike/comfort bike... This install is a bit more dificult then a beach cruiser. The sprocket is more challenging because there are more bicycle spockets and a plastic protector to keep the chain on the last gear, this makes it MUCH more difficult to fit your bolts/nuts inside by the hub. Also, the CDI goes nice and easy on the little cantalever bar on a beach cruiser. No such luck on a comfort bike. Nothing a little duct tape can't fix... (just kidding). There are a few other minor anoyances like not being able to tighten the chain.
Good luck,
BikerBill
Wow, everybody was telling me that you couldn't install these kits on a mountain bike. Can you send a picture of it? I totally wanted an engine on a mountain bike instead of a cruiser, this is great. How hard is it to instll these kits? I have been told it takes about 6 hours, it that the same for the mountain bike? I can't wait to see the picture.
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Natalie,
YES, you CAN install a motorized bicycle kit on a Mountain Bike, but there are a few more annoyances you have to overcome. Some of these include: Rear Suspension, how are you going to keep chain tight when your wheel travels up and down? Gears, how are you going to attach the tank securely with 1 or 2 cables running down the top bar of frame? Sprocket, it is harder to attach the sprocket when you have a sprocket cassette and a plastic guard on the other side that you are installing the sprocket.
These are just some of the annoyances you face with the Mountain Bike that you don't have with a cruiser.
To be perfectly honest, the kits are not that hard to install. BUT, the first time you install one, people seem to get frustrated, or don't pay attention to the directions.
Almost every kit I have seen or installed had directions that said it should only take about 6 hours to install. I have found that the reality is: Unless you have installed one or two of these before, or you are an auto mechanic with a shop that has every tool or machine that you need at your disposal, you WILL NOT GET THIS INSTALLED within 6 - 8 hours. PERIOD.
It's not that it is really hard, I honestly think half of the reason is that you will spend half of that time just gazing upon your bike as it starts to come together. Most people just look at it and admire it's beauty. I'm not making this stuff up! I have done it myself (numerous times) and everybody I know that has installed one has told me they are guilty as well.
Another reason is that some people are just mechanically inclined and some are not. When presented with a problem, some people just find a solution, and move on. Others take hours agonizing how the directions don't work with this bike. (If you buy our kit and run into a problem, just call me, I'll help.)
The other reason is most people don't have the proper tools. Here's an example. Every 2 stroke kit available suggests to install it on a Beach Cruiser style bike. Yet every kits sprocket will not fit an axle with a "coaster brake". You need to make this hole bigger. You either need a drill press, or a vise and file. You would be surprised, but a lot of people that buy these kits don't have either.
*If you buy our kit, tell us it's for a beach cruiser and we will give you a sprocket that fits a beach cruiser.
Installing the kit on a mountain bike is twice as hard as installing it on a cruiser. This doesn't mean you can't do it. If you are somewhat of a shade tree mechanic, then you will find your project is quite rewarding when you are finnished. If you have limited skills mechanically, have a professional do it for you. It will definitely be worth the $150 bucks to save the headaches.
Good luck, let us know if we can help.
Thanks,
BikerBill
P.S. You can see more pictures of the bike on our website at www.greenearthchoppers.com
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That bike looks like the 21 speed Skyliner, which I am trying to finish. I have the engine mounted lower in the frame than you do. I need to figure a better solution for the chain tensioner and chain guard. One is just not tight enough and the other will rub the tire. My neighbor (its all his fault 'cause he showed me his bike) gave me a much better solution for the front mounting, its a piece of steel with holes that line up with the front engine bracket and then you bolt it to the frame of the bike.
Soon as I get the thing finished will post picture on the net.
Somewhere in North Phoenix.
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Yes, the Skyliner is very similar to our blue comfort bike. Ours only has 7-speeds though (which makes it easier to deal with all that hardware on the handle bars).
We have heard of the problem with the chain tensioner being a little loose for the frame. You can correct that by putting each piece of the tensioner in a vise and tightening it. This will make the "bulge" in the tensioner smaller and you will now be able to tighten the tensioner on the frame better.
Normally, if installed properly, the chain guard should not rub the tire. I'm guessing the tires on the Skyliner are wider than on the other bikes we install on. There are a few things to look at first, but I'm guessing you did those (they are common sense), but you can always trim the width of the chain guard with a straight cut length wise. This is something you should probably call me about. Bill 602-578-8735.
That front mounting you are talking about is a "universal mounting bracket" and it comes standard with all of our kits from Green Earth Choppers. You can buy one on our "parts for sale" page at: http://greenearthchoppers.com/PartsForSale.htm We also provide one with bushings that help limit the vibrations of the engine. (the bushings are similar to picture, but we improved upon it a bit).
Make sure you use a "Grade 8" bolt at least 5/16 to attach it to the frame. If you use a poor (or normal) quality bolt, it will snap off at the worst possible time! Trust me, you don't want to be cruisin down the road at 25-40 mph and have your engine come loose!
I can't wait to see the pic.
Biker Bill
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I figureed it all out, at least for now. The front mount I have is way different from what you show and I think it is better, but that is just my opinion. I will have to ask my neighbor where he got it. The bushings sound like a good idea though. http://lordoflightaz.com/solar/bicyclepart1.html should be updated by the time you read this with pics. I put a link to your site at the on part 3.
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Michael,
Glad to hear you got it all figured out. I can barely make out the mounting bracket you are talking about, but it looks kind of like the one I have seen for the Schwinn OCC Stingray. I haven't tried one yet, but it looks good. Let me know if you find out where he got it. I wouldn't mind trying one once. (I'll try just about anything ONCE.)
I like the blog.
Here is a pic of your bike. Nice job.
BikerBill
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