SquidPuppet

I'm tired of the snow and the 20f temps. So... I'm posting a couple pics from the summer in an attempt to cheer myself up.

SquidPuppet

Yeah? I got you 75 right here Mister!!

Rollfast

When I wake up I've actually got it somewhere between 80 and 100 and I don't have a Silver Alexa.

Roamer2

Franken Hornet. Frame set/stem/grips/chain guard/seat post all OEM original (albiet from different years/models). Wheelset/tires/crank/sprocket/bars are all cheapie knockoffs. Fenders are supposedly NOS, but I doubt that. Amazingly, the tank horn still works after a bit of tinkering. Also have a "red stripe" 2-speed, kickback hub to lace up some day....

I forget the gearing, but she really moves after you get her up to speed.

Built her up for a cheap, bomb-proof cruiser that you don't see everyday. "Patina" for miles....

Crossthreaded88

Aaaa.... Bike Forums guys NOT phone forums! Quit it with all your eggheadery!!!

Now a cruiser for your enjoyment

mrpickem

Nice bike and the colors, although an odd combo...really seem to pop together.

Attached an old '11 or '12 Electra Hawaii 3i I picked up and brought back to life, just found a new happy owner yesterday. Heavy steel framed bike but built like a tank.

Crossthreaded88

Thanks not my first choice of colors but the kids seem to like the wild combos. Sweet Electra it was all there seems like. Any repairs needed and if you don't mind telling how much did it fetch?

Here's an Electra I saved from beater status.

Nighttrain

I like the red color with black tinting. Very cool

mrpickem

Now that's an old Electra

The Hawaii I got for $70 and replaced chain and a lot of cleaning and removing rust, a little touch up paint on the black. Someone had painted the wheels before I got it and that was more work than I wanted to tackle. Chrome was oxidized under paint I could see where paint was flaking, so they were left as is. It was all original, except the new chain I added. I was selling it for $150 and accepted a $140 offer. Not a lot of profit considering I spent a minimum 2 hours labor and a $16 chain. But I'm retired, and I just enjoy piddling with these older cruisers.

mrpickem

I seen this old Cranbrook yesterday, anyone know aprox age and if it's worth effort. Has substantial rust, but seems complete and rides good. Can be had for $25..but will takes lots of effort to restore

rhenning

Not a bad price but only you can decide if it is worth thr effort and time to make it a rideable bike. I wouldn't restore it which means make it like new but it could be a rideable bike again. I have paid more for less. Roger

CVB

It's a Huffy, so "restoring" it is not really a worthwhile goal - just make it ridable as rhenning says. Mainly that means repacking all the bearings with lots of grease, which they probably lacked even when new.

It's a pretty bike. The red is a nice classic cruiser color. Still, I'd offer $10. Brand new with no rust, that's a $80-90 bike.

EDIT: I didn't mean to sound discouraging. I like it and I'd fix it up and ride it myself. Have fun with it!

Crossthreaded88

Been there done that and I think 2 hours is a short guesstimate and it was probably more like 6 hours. Good job of getting the rust off the eyes of the fender stays I've been known to take a holiday there. Even at $10 per hr I think you lost $4 on this one. I am the same way and do it for the fun of it rather than any financial gain. Cruisers do respond to a little TLC better than most bikes. Here's one that I turned most of the chrome to satin black for cost reasons, it was left out in the rain and rusted badly. Cranks, sprocket, fender stays, and beauty cap on the fork. It turned out so good I couldn't sell it and it remains in my herd for Sunday rides at the beach.

Crossthreaded88

If it were me I'd scrap the fenders and see how the sprocket and crank respond to wire brush. If they are goners paint'em if not leave them. Make sure the seatpost isn't stuck before you buy it. Point out all it's bad parts and see if you can work out a lower price. Remember top selling price on a bike like this in perfect condition is $80/$100 don't dig a hole in the sand. Looks like it's mostly labor so if you find it entertaining it will cost you a couple of cans of spray paint to make it rideable.

mrpickem

Thanks for advice, I'm relative novice with bikes, just messing around for last couple years. I was mechanic in 80's when I had to work for a living but cars take up too much space and $$$, so this is a little side hobby I got. If I happen to make a little $, that's nice but definitely not why I do it. I got 8 bikes in garage now that are basically ready to go. I just like them so much...not ready to sell just yet

Townie 3i - '07 well worn(my go to ride)
Townie 7i - recent purchase looks brand new, did nothing but wipe down(paid $115)
(2) Sun Single ladies cruisers
Trek Wasabi ladies - wifes ride when I can get her out
Trek Classic cruiser(it's rough)
Caloi Expert
Trek 720
Western Flyer(needs tlc)

I'm fortunate I got separate garage/workshop out back of house, so I dont get too much guff from wifey.

Here's a nice Sun Drifter 3spd I sold last week. I got this one for $65 although I drove an hour to get it...did very little except a tube, a little cleaning and adjustments. Sold for $150 although I held it for a couple months and rode it several times.

mrpickem

Yeah, maybe the 2 hours was a little light, I wasn't exactly keeping track and I did not do it all at once.

That Schwinn is Ultra Clean! You did a great job!

mrpickem

Ran across this old Schwinn beauty at estate sale. The chrome was all perfect and zero rust, hardly looked used at all...like it had been sitting in that garage for close to 50 years. It was priced $200 less 25% and 50% off next day...I waited and came back next day and someone had the same idea and beat me to it. Should have got better pics. I'm guessing late 70's to mid 80's...anyone know this model

curbtender

Looks like a Speedster

SHOFINE

Finally got my Sawyer built back up... converted to 650B+ with 2.8" Schwalbe Super Motos. I swapped hubs with my Kona. The 11 spd was overkill but all along was thinking I was gonna swap them later...8 spds is plenty! Got to trim a brake line later.







I only took it around the block but man I love these tires!

SquidPuppet

Those things are jumbo.

SHOFINE

Compared to my B Fat Bike they look puny. They measure nearly 2.8" on 30mm rims. I got some Panaracer Fat B Nimbles that will measure 3" on the way that I'll try out later.

washer62

Love coaster brakes, HATE cruiser bars. Low gear ratio for slow cruising. I like it.

SquidPuppet

What is that? Like 40 gear inches?

washer62

22T in the back 32T in the front. G. I.? I'm not sure, maybe 42.
That is where I usually ride on my 26er MTB. I pass people walking, but joggers pass me. I have a 21 mile route that takes about 4 hours...perfect.
Can you tell I'm not into speed? I just want to spend time on the bike.

Joshcole1122

These look comfortable