Inspired by Mike Wickiser and Stu, I went to www.BikeBerry.com and ordered up a "Men’s Stealth Beach Cruiser” and a “66/80cc Flying Horse Silver Angle Fire Bicycle Engine." The two came as a do-it-yourself assembly kit.
I toted the kits to the basement and began work. BikeBerry’s site has a lot of informative videos and I needed them. After lots of frustration I emerged at the end with a bike that runs!
The bike has a dry weight of 55 pounds (23 front, 32 rear, as measured on the bathroom scale), which made it an awkward carry back up the stairs from the basement.
The engine runs a bit ragged now, but I am told that this is normal for a new engine. Mike confirms this.
I took a few rides up and down the block, decided that it was in running order, and off to the Library. The bike was admired by several regular biker library patrons. So all can observe and admire, here are a couple of pictures.
I intend no measuring, except for maybe some experimental stuff. The Upper Arlington 5 Mile course is handy by, and I've measured it several times. The race started back in 1982, and I got around to measuring it in 1984. It’s originally certified as OH 84001PR, and was cosigned by Ted Corbitt, as I was still a baby measurer then. It was recertified as OH06001PR with no changes. When the weather gets better I hope to do it again. Good course - lots of turns, and a nice uphill and downhill.
It's been used every year since 1982 on Memorial Day.
I got the bike because I'd rather ride this way than pedal. It's fun.The library is a mile away and the Post Office is 1.5 miles away, with a hill on the way back. I hit each destination 3 to 4 times per week. My old bike is a 27 inch frame, and built for efficient (hunched over) pedaling. With the new bike I can stay in the seat and put both feet on the ground, and the upright posture is great, especially with the cushy tires and fatass sprung seat.