Crusier on unpaved trails?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Crusier on unpaved trails?
Hi All,
I am very much a newbie to bikes. I am almost 51 and just started riding (about 10 months ago) for the first time since I was a teenager! I am now up to 10 to 20 miles on one day each weekend. I bought a Sun Baja Cruz 7 speed with 3.5 inch wide tires (when I bought it, I knew even less about bikes than I do now). My intention was always to ride on pavement and some light trail riding. I live in a very flat area (Virginia Beach). Knowing what I know now, maybe I would have bought a hybrid. However, I love the Baja Cruz, and being ignorant at the time I bought it that it isn't really "supposed" to be used on trails, I have been riding it off road a fair amount. It seems to do just fine. The wide tires have a bit of tread on them, and it seems to do just fine in mud, over small tree roots, etc. Do any of you use your cruisers off road a bit, or do you mostly stay on pavement? I am not sure if I want to switch to some other bike at some point or not. The Baja Cruz is very comfortable, and I have been very pleased with it so far (even as I work my way up to longer and longer trips).
Rick
I am very much a newbie to bikes. I am almost 51 and just started riding (about 10 months ago) for the first time since I was a teenager! I am now up to 10 to 20 miles on one day each weekend. I bought a Sun Baja Cruz 7 speed with 3.5 inch wide tires (when I bought it, I knew even less about bikes than I do now). My intention was always to ride on pavement and some light trail riding. I live in a very flat area (Virginia Beach). Knowing what I know now, maybe I would have bought a hybrid. However, I love the Baja Cruz, and being ignorant at the time I bought it that it isn't really "supposed" to be used on trails, I have been riding it off road a fair amount. It seems to do just fine. The wide tires have a bit of tread on them, and it seems to do just fine in mud, over small tree roots, etc. Do any of you use your cruisers off road a bit, or do you mostly stay on pavement? I am not sure if I want to switch to some other bike at some point or not. The Baja Cruz is very comfortable, and I have been very pleased with it so far (even as I work my way up to longer and longer trips).
Rick
#2
Proud hobo biker
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Schertz - New Braunfels area
Posts: 804
Bikes: 2019 Surly Ogre, 2016 Giant Anyroad 2, Lightspeed Roadrunner trike, SE Tripel (in process)
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 202 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I see your 3.5" and raise you a 1/2 inch. My cruiser goes through anything.
More seriously, I would think your bike is better suited for off-road than pavement. The big tires are going to be slow as molasses on the road.
You could probably ride more miles faster on a lighter bike with smaller tires.
But I wouldn't worry about getting a different bike, as long as you're enjoying this one and you're not frustrated with the mileage or slowness. Then just get a second bike. Remember the ideal number of bikes is n+1.
More seriously, I would think your bike is better suited for off-road than pavement. The big tires are going to be slow as molasses on the road.
You could probably ride more miles faster on a lighter bike with smaller tires.
But I wouldn't worry about getting a different bike, as long as you're enjoying this one and you're not frustrated with the mileage or slowness. Then just get a second bike. Remember the ideal number of bikes is n+1.
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Cool! Those are both awesome bikes! There is a little resistance riding on pavement, but it's a good workout. I have done 20 miles on pavement. I've been tired, but I could definitely go a bit farther. I'm still trying to build up my endurance. The bike is a bit slow, but I don't mind. It rides very nicely!
#4
Senior Member
#5
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
The founding fathers of modern mountain bikes started with modified 1950s Schwinn cruisers in the hills of California. So yeah, they are up to the task.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klunke...Mountain_Bikes
I say, keep doing what you are doing. As long as the bike fits you well and you are having fun, carry on. Over time your desires may change. You might want a different fit, or riding position, or more speed, or suspension. My suggestion is, don't look for a "needed" change. Just ride, ride, ride, and and everything you need to know will make itself apparent to you through a natural process. Someday you may want to make some minor tweaks to your current bike, or you may discover that you'd like to try an entirely different angle. The miles will answer most of your questions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klunke...Mountain_Bikes
I say, keep doing what you are doing. As long as the bike fits you well and you are having fun, carry on. Over time your desires may change. You might want a different fit, or riding position, or more speed, or suspension. My suggestion is, don't look for a "needed" change. Just ride, ride, ride, and and everything you need to know will make itself apparent to you through a natural process. Someday you may want to make some minor tweaks to your current bike, or you may discover that you'd like to try an entirely different angle. The miles will answer most of your questions.
#7
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
I thought they had to reinforce the frame, to withstand the abuse of downhill. Didn't Joe Breezer experimented with frame design. I thought he later said diamond frame is the best. Not sure how a modern cantilever frame would stand to real harsh punishing trail riding.
#8
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 8
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I say, keep doing what you are doing. As long as the bike fits you well and you are having fun, carry on. Over time your desires may change. You might want a different fit, or riding position, or more speed, or suspension. My suggestion is, don't look for a "needed" change. Just ride, ride, ride, and and everything you need to know will make itself apparent to you through a natural process. Someday you may want to make some minor tweaks to your current bike, or you may discover that you'd like to try an entirely different angle. The miles will answer most of your questions.
#9
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 35
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 27 Times
in
9 Posts
The founding fathers of modern mountain bikes started with modified 1950s Schwinn cruisers in the hills of California. So yeah, they are up to the task.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klunke...Mountain_Bikes
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klunke...Mountain_Bikes
#10
Bicyclerider4life
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Posts: 24
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I see your 3.5" and raise you a 1/2 inch. My cruiser goes through anything.
More seriously, I would think your bike is better suited for off-road than pavement. The big tires are going to be slow as molasses on the road.
You could probably ride more miles faster on a lighter bike with smaller tires.
But I wouldn't worry about getting a different bike, as long as you're enjoying this one and you're not frustrated with the mileage or slowness. Then just get a second bike. Remember the ideal number of bikes is n+1.
More seriously, I would think your bike is better suited for off-road than pavement. The big tires are going to be slow as molasses on the road.
You could probably ride more miles faster on a lighter bike with smaller tires.
But I wouldn't worry about getting a different bike, as long as you're enjoying this one and you're not frustrated with the mileage or slowness. Then just get a second bike. Remember the ideal number of bikes is n+1.
#12
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: South central Kansas
Posts: 87
Bikes: Western Flyer, Schwinn, Rollfast, Gambles, J.C. Higgins, Waverley, Crescent, Hercules, Nishiki, Huffy, Mohawk, AMF, Electra, A ridable replica hi-wheel and a few others.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Liked 45 Times
in
19 Posts
I took my 19xx's Goodyear down into the salt mines of Hutchinson Kansas a few years ago, and then last year, I put a rack on it, and some junky panniers, and rode the thing from Ottawa, Ks. to Lawrence, Ks. and back. I have also ridden a "local" rail to trail plus through Wichita, Ks. with the grand total mileage at just over 34 miles. Am running 26x2.125 whitewall knobbies aired up to 65 pounds. 44 tooth in front, 19 tooth in back, single speed coaster. This bike is a blast to ride. Both on and off road. By the way, I don't know how much it weighed, but I couldn't lift it up to get it in the back of the truck with the loaded panniers, I had to get into the truck to pick it up! I am planning to do it again this year. Bottom line is this, Air the tires up to 65, (modern tires can take it), and your ride will still be soft enough for a beach cruiser, but hard enough to be a non drag ride. And ride wherever and whenever you want. Oh yes, I am just shy of 50.
Last edited by Iron Horse; 06-22-18 at 06:09 PM. Reason: Add pic!
#13
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
My fillings would rattle out of my teeth and I'd need a kidney belt.
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: South central Kansas
Posts: 87
Bikes: Western Flyer, Schwinn, Rollfast, Gambles, J.C. Higgins, Waverley, Crescent, Hercules, Nishiki, Huffy, Mohawk, AMF, Electra, A ridable replica hi-wheel and a few others.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Liked 45 Times
in
19 Posts
I am carrying alot of weight if you didn't notice. What works for me may not work for you. That was a suggestion to get started, not an order. Depending on what kind of riding the OP wants to do offroad will determine what pressure he'll want to use. Personally, I would really not like getting a pinch flat 20 miles from home when I hop over that branch laying on the road/trail and land on the rock wrong on the other side just because I had only inflated my tire to 35 pounds. That nice cushy seat takes most of the remaining bumps out of the rest of it. Double sprung and gel filled.
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: South central Kansas
Posts: 87
Bikes: Western Flyer, Schwinn, Rollfast, Gambles, J.C. Higgins, Waverley, Crescent, Hercules, Nishiki, Huffy, Mohawk, AMF, Electra, A ridable replica hi-wheel and a few others.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Liked 45 Times
in
19 Posts
Good morning squid!
The knobs on the whitewall overlap very nicely so there is very little vibration. Only if you are riding in the 13-15 mph range do you notice it, and even then it is mild enough for me that I consider it inconsequential. If you are ever in this neck of the woods, come on over. I will let you try it out!
The knobs on the whitewall overlap very nicely so there is very little vibration. Only if you are riding in the 13-15 mph range do you notice it, and even then it is mild enough for me that I consider it inconsequential. If you are ever in this neck of the woods, come on over. I will let you try it out!
#16
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Good morning squid!
The knobs on the whitewall overlap very nicely so there is very little vibration. Only if you are riding in the 13-15 mph range do you notice it, and even then it is mild enough for me that I consider it inconsequential. If you are ever in this neck of the woods, come on over. I will let you try it out!
The knobs on the whitewall overlap very nicely so there is very little vibration. Only if you are riding in the 13-15 mph range do you notice it, and even then it is mild enough for me that I consider it inconsequential. If you are ever in this neck of the woods, come on over. I will let you try it out!
#17
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: South central Kansas
Posts: 87
Bikes: Western Flyer, Schwinn, Rollfast, Gambles, J.C. Higgins, Waverley, Crescent, Hercules, Nishiki, Huffy, Mohawk, AMF, Electra, A ridable replica hi-wheel and a few others.
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 42 Post(s)
Liked 45 Times
in
19 Posts
I had gathered such, but it's not polite to say unless the person in question brings it up.
So, you air a tire up to it's highest static pressure, then you plop your posterior down on it raising it's now non-static (active) pressure to what?
MY point being in my original post is that you either need to lower the pressure in your tires so that your weight doesn't cause the tire to exceed the maximum pressure the tire can handle, or to buy tires that can take what you are doing to them. Clear enough?
So, you air a tire up to it's highest static pressure, then you plop your posterior down on it raising it's now non-static (active) pressure to what?
MY point being in my original post is that you either need to lower the pressure in your tires so that your weight doesn't cause the tire to exceed the maximum pressure the tire can handle, or to buy tires that can take what you are doing to them. Clear enough?
To the OP, my apologies for hijacking your thread. I hope you can find what best works for you. Have a great year, and enjoy your ride.
#18
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Bike tires having a round profile vs a flat car tire, bike speeds vs car speeds, etc.
My analysis of the subject of tire grip is that the hard and sharp little nibs on the asphalt bite into the soft rubber of the contact patch. The road bites the tire, the tire does NOT bite the road, it conforms to being bitten. Therefore, the more rubber available for the road to bite into, the better the bike's cornering grip. Tread is the absence of rubber. In my experience this holds true whether the road (teeth) is wet or dry.
Standing water (puddles) and painted road lines are a different story. There are no teeth available and all bets are off, treaded or slick. Avoid leaning and braking or on your head you will go.
Knobbies for off road function in the opposite fashion. The knobs are the teeth that dig down into the soft surface and bite it, the soft surface reshapes itself and complies to being bitten to provide vehicle grip.
That's why knobbies SUCK at cornering on asphalt and slicks will put you on your ass on sand, dirt, mud or grass. I have the scars to prove that both are true.
Last edited by SquidPuppet; 06-24-18 at 11:57 AM.
#19
55+ Club,...
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Somewhere in New York, NY
Posts: 4,265
Bikes: 9+,...
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1085 Post(s)
Liked 821 Times
in
570 Posts
Slicks grip better in wet city road conditions than treaded tires. They're wonderful on dry asphalt as well. I have slightly treaded tires on my bikes because I ride in areas that have sand, and some loose rocks & dirt. I'd go 100% slick if I stayed away from the back roads in my home area.
__________________
If it wasn't for you meddling kids,...
#20
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Some engineers claim that the round shape of a bike tire makes the front of the contact patch pointed, so by virtue of it's shape it is already displacing the water to the left and right. Unlike a car tire contact patch which is a straight wall and wants to ride up on a plane like a boat on top of the water. The solution for the car is tread to evacuate the water. The same engineers claim that that the combination of that and a bikes low speed make it virtually impossible to hydroplane. The same engineers say that is why airplanes have round slick tires, to improve braking grip in dry, and prevent hydroplaning on standing water. When asked why cars don't use round profile tires they answer that by saying that a rounded profile and sidewall would be to unstable for a car when cornering, something that airplanes only do at a turtle pace and bikes negate by virtue of leaning into the corner.
Jobst Brandt had a pretty impressive engineering resume. He was also a a huge bicycle fan. I think you'd enjoy reading this if you haven't already.
Tires with Smooth Tread by Jobst Brandt
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,096
Bikes: Trek 800 x 2, Schwinn Heavy Duti, Schwinn Traveler, Schwinn Le Tour Luxe, Schwinn Continental, Cannondale M400 and Lambert, Schwinn Super Sport
Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 801 Post(s)
Liked 1,000 Times
in
654 Posts
Oh boy. Slicks vs. treads. This is a can of worms. This should be a topic of it's own.
As for the original post, cruisers are great for trail riding. The only problem comes when some guy with multiple speeds goes flying past you. Keep in mind that there is a minor trend toward simpler trail ringing bikes because trying to keep up with all the latest mountain bike stuff is expensive and you are always chasing after something better. The goal is to ride and enjoy. Cruiser do great off road. It can be more of a challenge when you only have one speed and a coaster brakes, but that also makes it interesting.
As for the original post, cruisers are great for trail riding. The only problem comes when some guy with multiple speeds goes flying past you. Keep in mind that there is a minor trend toward simpler trail ringing bikes because trying to keep up with all the latest mountain bike stuff is expensive and you are always chasing after something better. The goal is to ride and enjoy. Cruiser do great off road. It can be more of a challenge when you only have one speed and a coaster brakes, but that also makes it interesting.
#22
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Edgewood,New Mexico
Posts: 19
Bikes: Schwinn 100 year Anna. Phantom, Lotus road bike, Espresso road bike, Thor mountain bike, Huffy 1955 Crusier,others
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have to ride down and then climb my mountain in order to find a paved road. While not jumping boulders the dirt road is still pretty rough with some large stones and ruts. So far no wipe outs and the springer front end really helps with the bumps and ruts.