What one-off bike should I build to sell?

[recumpence]

He Guys,

The PK Ripper turned out so well, I want to build a one-off radical custom bike for sale. I have considered selling the PK to fund this new project, but I haven't decided on that yet.

Anyway, I have a number of ideas.

#1 I could build a full suspension mountain bike.

#2 I could build another compact road bike like the PK (or sell the PK).

#3 I could setup a recumbent or a trike.

#4 I could build a chopper.

I am actually leaning toward the latter. I have an idea for a late model Stingray with a twin motored drive that would look alot like a V-Twin engine. The motors would be located at the top of the drive, one in front of the other. They would be belt driven down to one jackshaft benieth the motors. That would give it a "V" look. That jackshaft would then drive a second stage rearward of the first stage to the output shaft. That second stage would very much resemble a Harley primary drive to the transmission. See what I mean?

Anyway, I am open to suggestions on this.

My design would be a very high-end bike in the $5000 price range for the bike with LiPo pack built, tested and ready to go. I am looking at building one bike to see how much interest there is in one-off radical bikes like this. Then maybe build one or two wild creations a year. This would not be a show bike as much as a high-end daily rideable bike.

Anyway, for those who want to know, this is not some repeated production thing. I am not insterested in building innexpensive commuter bikes. I want to build one of a kind custom bikes like custom Street-Rods------- one at a time. The bike will use as many easy to reproduce or readily available parts as possible for the drive components for ease of replacement should anything fail. But, much custom machining would be done.

This all began when I built the PK. I planned on selling it (I am still open to that). But, it turned out so well, I do not want to part with it! But, the next bike I build would be built with the sole purpose of resale.

Thoughts?

Matt

 

[Microbatman]

I think that there is a serious need/gap in the full suspension moutain bike area.

Specific needs/wish list
1 Steel/Chromemoly frame with appropriate dropouts cabable of holding a rear wheel motor like an X5 or hotroded BMC
2 Appropriate mounting brakets for RC motor hookup for those that choose to go with RC motor setup.
2 Battery holder in the triangle section of frame to keep center of gravity low
5 4-5 inches of travel.
6 Balanced frame that makes it possible to run 20 inch rear (best 0-30 on X5) wheel and 24 inch front wheel
7 Rear wheel and front wheel disc mounting brakets

Kinda like a Kona Stinky built from scratch/ground up designed to meet the needs of hotroded ebikers like us.
Hal9000v2 has done some very nice work here
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=8446&p=127881&hilit=custom+bike+frame#p127881
and compliments to him.
I would take this concept a step further and offer a frame a little more compact (less room dedicated to battery compartment) and lighter with suspension geomerty like a Kona Stinky.
Thanks for asking.

 

[RemoteContact]

The crowd (at least at my LBS) that spends the most cash is the ultralight road bike crowd with their CF everything. A superlightweight RC package on one of those bikes could be fun to design/build while being relatively cheap.

I think also that the time has come for the RC crowd to swap forums a bit into the motorcycle forum... Twin 3220's in a small motorcycle to prove that a large PMDC motor(Perm, Etek, LEMCO) is not the only choice. Lipo on a bike that that could get nasty if not in delicate hands so maybe easier and safer 10ah lifepo4 cells instead. No pedals here.

I can't wait for your new company to open a branch in Miami so I can get a summer job there!

 

[etard]

I have to agree that a superlightwieght motorcycle is the next logical step. It might be cool to design something with an adjustable wheelbase that rides like a normal motorcycle position at slow speeds, but with the push of a button it folds out into a more aerodynamic position. If not street legal, maybe a dirtbike that outperforms the Zero and that other one. It would really kick ass, and bring lots of attention to our little world if you built something that could actually stomp a 125cc 2 stroke dirtbike like I know you can.

For showbike bling, and if you really want to get into this as a business, I would have to say bling wins every time. Stingray in Candy Apple Green metallic paint with purple and gold anodized drive and chains, hidden wiring, integrated batteries, springer front end, 3 speed suicide shifter. Take this thing to Interbike in Las Vegas along with your Ripper and Recumbent and I guarantee you will have enough orders to keep you busy all year long. Just my 2 cents, I know you will exceed all expectations though. But dammit, I am waiting to see a decent mt. bike conversion come through here.

 

[deecanio]

personally i'd like to see something like a big hit,demo10 etc a real monster (ala luke), 7" travel front and rear at least
think electric RM80 but sub 50lbs i was looking forward to rastamax converting his but he's been away a while.
If you look at pinkbike etc, most of the dh'ers are for sale for two main reasons, 1) the seller didn't live near a hill LOL 2) the seller lived near a hill BUT couldn't be arsed to peddle a heavy bike like that back up it all day. imo there is a massive market for fast electric dh'ers, nowhere near the weight of dirtbikes but just as fast and imo cooler, pedals would be a must though, as standard as possible bar your handywork and some bling should be the dream ticket


if you made this 2 years ago you could have saved me a lot of friggin hassle!!!!!

D

 

[gogo]

If you do the V chopper, put the power cables in a sheath and route them like an exhaust. Or you could make finned enclosures for each motor and air cool them using pipes coming off like an exhaust. Were you thinking of using a geared hub for the transmission?

 

[recumpence]

Were you thinking of using a geared hub for the transmission?

That is one possibility. Of course, with two motors, the torque is so high, a transmission becomes totally redundant.

I have also considered just building the V-twin drive assembly to show. I have pretty much everything on-hand to build it. But, again, I would love to build a one-off bike for resale only and this sounds like a cool idea. I am open to doing pretty much anything, though.

My next personal project/s will be an ultra light weight drive for my light weight full suspension mountainbike and add a drive to my wife's Giant Revive.

I am looking forward to having a full suspension off road bike formyself that will use the stock gears. However, I am not 100% convinced a mountainbike is the best radical bling bike to make as a show/ride bike to sell.

But, I am open to ideas!

Matt

 

[Ypedal]

A full suspension, Semi recumbent Chopper !

 

[liteCycles]

My next personal project/s will be an ultra light weight drive for my light weight full suspension mountainbike ...
Matt

Yes, this would be hugely popular. XC racers are dumping their Full Suspension bike in droves for new hard tail 29'rs. I mean look at this --
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/1181210078.html

Design a well engineered bolt on kit (for around $1200) for the most common/suitable FS XC bike (new or used). Have it put out 3 to 4 Kw and add < 20 lbs to the bike. Mount the batteries low and able to handle the banging around of some reasonable XC riding is key. The owner could switch out the wheelset with slicks and have a bike that can handle pot holes at +40 mph for commuting.

I like this layout for the motor and jackshaft --
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4SSdrwiQAM

Sensored astroflight, 18 fet controller, stronger freewheel in crank, yada, yada. The stuff is either here or right around the corner. The challenge is to make it durable, cheap, and achievable by Joe Blow.

OK now the twist. Light hot swappable batter packs for Ripper style off-road xc riding. Then expand amp hours with and extra battery pack on a seat post mounted rack for long distance road riding. 8)

If you really want to sell only one then go all the way and do the chopper and give Leno a call. He seems to need one of everything.

 

[Anonymous]

.

 

[northernmike]

Matt, build what you love.

Don't compromise your passion for "marketability".

Look to the early works of the great creators of distinctive vehicles - Porsche, Bugatti, Benz - look to your idols in the two-wheeled realm...

Do what you're good at, do what you like, make it art and show it to everyone.

Someone may try to commission you to build them their dream, if they're smart.

Build a bike for the Tesla buyer's nephew.

Build one for Bill Dube's neighbor.

Build one to embarrass Harleys at lights.

Just don't build one that's sole purpose is to be sold!

I just don't think that would bring you the satisfaction, or the future, that I think you're due.

 

[Anonymous]

.

 

[northernmike]

And that's what makes the things that are worth buying, worth buying.

 

[liteCycles]

OK. Based on the new criteria (cargo bike, unmarketable, distinctive vehicle, art and show) let me do a search...

Bingo! We have a winner -
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/bik/1183835249.html
AUTHENTIC RICKSHAW FROM INDIA W/BICYCLE - $1000


But seriously, and this should be a different thread since you are looking for a one off idea, a FS XC bike is an excellent platform for an e-bike. Grinhill's design is wonderfully simple - but has limitations. The Cortina is very impressive - but kind of complex to build. There exists a synergy of parts and minimalist design which has not yet been hit. :wink:

 

[Miles]

There exists a synergy of parts and minimalist design which has not yet been hit. :wink:

Bingo!

 

[MitchJi]

Hi Matt,

How about soliciting a commission?

Maybe someone will offer you a large sum to build something thats fun for you to build.

 

[Joepostal]

I like the chopper idea but give it a top speed of 30mph and a range of 40 miles that way it will work for almost anyone who wants to use it as a commuter. OTOH An awesome full suspension would be more fun

 

[recumpence]

Hi Matt,

How about soliciting a commission?

Maybe someone will offer you a large sum to build something thats fun for you to build.

I am not against that idea. The beauty of this is, even a wildly exotic E-bike is relatively innexpensive in comparison to pretty much any other self propelled vehicle.

Matt

 

[etard]

I have to disagree with that last comment. Take D's bike for example, I bet he has over 4 grand in the Kona, to compare to gas, I could get a Suzuki DRZ 400 SM for about the same price. I know you said "self propelled" but the power levels you have exhibited far surpass any "assist" that our 200 watts of human power can contribute. I would suggest something like an old school motorcycle that resembles a bike, something with a long wheelbase to handle all that power.

 

[recumpence]

A decent quality scooter capable of 40mph is about $4000. However, that is about the cheapest motorized vehicle that I would trust. Yet, for the price of relatively basic transportation, you can setup a crazy exotic E-bike. That is what I am talking about.

That is what I love about RC too, Formula One technology at average Joe prices.

Matt

 

[northernmike]

Matt, how much are you looking to get for a creation?

How much time are you going to spend on it?

$4k isn't the bottom of the pile - you can get Aprillia Scarabeos here in Toronto on sale for $2k now and again. Mopeds are cheap too.

What you're considering offering, though, isn't on the radar of the "average person". Keep that in mind.

You're capable of producing a totally bespoke, high performance machine - with style.

Make it fail-safe, turn-key, fast, stable, quiet, nimble, durable. Don't compete with $4k scooters. Someone shopping for one of those doesn't get what you're into.

Get some of the right media to pay attention to the PK and the recumbent and you'll find a whole different kind of audience.

Look into a magazine called "Intersection", that might be a place to start. They would love your work.

 

[Grinhill]

Matt
I would love to see the big Chopper as a showcase for your talents, with plenty of polished ally details and custom parts. Weight would be a secondary consideration. The crowds would gather with lots of oohs and ahs.

I think you would also do a great job on a downhill style dually, perhaps with more emphasis on function over aesthetics. It could potentially leave the other big e-motocross bikes in the dust.

Whichever way you go, I'm sure everyone here will drool over it.

 

[will_newton]

please God. someone do an e-bike version of this bike.

The Montana Transit Authority "Dog" bike. http://montanatransitauthority.com/post/112311950 Watch the video and at 48 seconds check out the articulated head that follows the steering. DROOL!

If you are going to do something that is going to attract attention you gotta go all out.

 

[michaelplogue]

You know, I've actually been considering getting in touch with you about doing a dual-RC-motor setup on my Schwinn Spoiler...........

I've been planning on putting an Ezee front hub motor on it, but I think an RC motor setup would look much better - and have a lot more torque for going up some of these hills I have around here in Ankara.....

 

[comradegerry]

Hi Matt

Just a thought, rather than send the RC motor and drive to Hal, why not do it the other way and have Hal ship the frame to you? If you want the interesting build project I am happy to go that route? PM me if you wish to discuss the logistics further...

Gerard