College Cruiser
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College Cruiser
Hi all,
I'm currently a graduate student in the US, but originally from Brazil. I really enjoy beach cruisers for their design but mostly their comfort and I wanted to get one for myself. I would love some advice!
I would use it mostly to get to and from class, a nice ride by the beach (the campus is on the beach, mostly flat and really bike friendly) and to go grocery shopping.
Now, my current problem - as always - is budget. I'm only guaranteed to be here for 2 years - the duration of my Master's. After that, I will either go back home or move somewhere else for work. As I don't own a car and would probably move by plane, I would probably need to sell the bike closer to the end. Accounting for the difficulty and effort to sell, I'd prefer not to spend too much on the bike. A $200-$300 range would be my max.
So, what I'm looking for is a new (I haven't been able to find anything worthwhile at the local cl) men's beach cruiser, with a few speeds (I have to overcome hills once in a while) and handbrakes (I'm really not the best with coaster brakes).
I've seen the Electra Townie recommended over and over, but it is unfortunately way over my budget (any model above the base 1-speed).
I feel like I have three choices: buying at the local campus bike shops - already assembled bikes, usually grossly overpriced for what I've seen; buying a bike online and assembling myself; buying a bike online and having it professionally assembled (bike+shipping+assembly would still need to be within the 200-300 range).
With that in mind, there are a couple of bikes that have caught my interest. I'd love to hear your opinion on those as well as suggestions of bikes that might fit my needs/constraints.
The Mango Macaw 7
Save up to 60% OFF Mango Macaw 1 Speed Cruisers from bikesdirect.com
The sixthreezero Around The Block
https://www.amazon.com/sixthreezero-...911748&sr=1-14
Thanks for any info and have a great year!
I'm currently a graduate student in the US, but originally from Brazil. I really enjoy beach cruisers for their design but mostly their comfort and I wanted to get one for myself. I would love some advice!
I would use it mostly to get to and from class, a nice ride by the beach (the campus is on the beach, mostly flat and really bike friendly) and to go grocery shopping.
Now, my current problem - as always - is budget. I'm only guaranteed to be here for 2 years - the duration of my Master's. After that, I will either go back home or move somewhere else for work. As I don't own a car and would probably move by plane, I would probably need to sell the bike closer to the end. Accounting for the difficulty and effort to sell, I'd prefer not to spend too much on the bike. A $200-$300 range would be my max.
So, what I'm looking for is a new (I haven't been able to find anything worthwhile at the local cl) men's beach cruiser, with a few speeds (I have to overcome hills once in a while) and handbrakes (I'm really not the best with coaster brakes).
I've seen the Electra Townie recommended over and over, but it is unfortunately way over my budget (any model above the base 1-speed).
I feel like I have three choices: buying at the local campus bike shops - already assembled bikes, usually grossly overpriced for what I've seen; buying a bike online and assembling myself; buying a bike online and having it professionally assembled (bike+shipping+assembly would still need to be within the 200-300 range).
With that in mind, there are a couple of bikes that have caught my interest. I'd love to hear your opinion on those as well as suggestions of bikes that might fit my needs/constraints.
The Mango Macaw 7
Save up to 60% OFF Mango Macaw 1 Speed Cruisers from bikesdirect.com
The sixthreezero Around The Block
https://www.amazon.com/sixthreezero-...911748&sr=1-14
Thanks for any info and have a great year!
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Go for the Mango. I had a Mango Key Largo and loved it.
I don't know anything specific about the Amazon cruiser, but Amazon bikes are usually the same low quality you can get at Walmart.
I don't know anything specific about the Amazon cruiser, but Amazon bikes are usually the same low quality you can get at Walmart.
#3
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
The Sixthreezero frame is steel and a somewhat more traditional looking cantilever design.
The Mango is aluminum and has a non traditional single large diameter top tube.
They appear to be of equal quality, so it comes down to aesthetics and ride quality.
If you have a bike shop assemble it, make sure they open things up and inspect for adequate grease.
The Mango is aluminum and has a non traditional single large diameter top tube.
They appear to be of equal quality, so it comes down to aesthetics and ride quality.
If you have a bike shop assemble it, make sure they open things up and inspect for adequate grease.
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Thanks for all the info, guys! It's been a mix of opinions on the bikes I posted and suggestions of other bikes - just what I needed! I'll stick around while I haven't finalized my decision in case there are more people willing to weigh in.
Thanks, I hadn't found much info about it. It's reassuring!
I'll check with the local bike shop for the cost of assembly. Thanks!
I'm 5'9" and 154 lbs.
Sounds great, I'll take a look. I saw it at $150 at their website but comments said they found it a lot cheaper in stores. Unfortunately, my city doesn't have a Walmart(only a small, overpriced kmart) and, since I don't own a car, I'd have to stick with the online order.
The Sixthreezero frame is steel and a somewhat more traditional looking cantilever design.
The Mango is aluminum and has a non traditional single large diameter top tube.
They appear to be of equal quality, so it comes down to aesthetics and ride quality.
If you have a bike shop assemble it, make sure they open things up and inspect for adequate grease.
The Mango is aluminum and has a non traditional single large diameter top tube.
They appear to be of equal quality, so it comes down to aesthetics and ride quality.
If you have a bike shop assemble it, make sure they open things up and inspect for adequate grease.
As SP said, they are both good bikes, provided they are assembled correctly.
My question is about your weight. Aluminum is an unforgiving material, uncompromisingly stiff.
Steel is much more forgiving, a softer feel if you will. It flexes where aluminum doesn't.
Are you a bigger person? Choose the aluminum, you will appreciate the stiffness.
Are you smaller? Like 165 or less? Think about the steel frame.
My question is about your weight. Aluminum is an unforgiving material, uncompromisingly stiff.
Steel is much more forgiving, a softer feel if you will. It flexes where aluminum doesn't.
Are you a bigger person? Choose the aluminum, you will appreciate the stiffness.
Are you smaller? Like 165 or less? Think about the steel frame.
Going to throw in something I've been thinking.
Check out the men's Schwinn Midway at Walmart.
It's of a similar quality to those other two, and it's cheap enough where you'd not lose so much when you sold it.
Take the box to a bike shop and have a complete tune up done (braking and shifting adjustment, lube, assembly.
Buy the Walmart warranty that covers EVERYTHING, and if it breaks, take it back.
You're still saving money.
Check out the men's Schwinn Midway at Walmart.
It's of a similar quality to those other two, and it's cheap enough where you'd not lose so much when you sold it.
Take the box to a bike shop and have a complete tune up done (braking and shifting adjustment, lube, assembly.
Buy the Walmart warranty that covers EVERYTHING, and if it breaks, take it back.
You're still saving money.
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Then whatever bike you order finally, make a deal with whatever LBS is willing to assemble, adjust, and lube, to ship to their location as well.
That way all you do is pick it up and go.
Don't feel weird about it, Bike shops don't make a lot of profit on sales of new bikes. Labor however, is a cash cow.
That way all you do is pick it up and go.
Don't feel weird about it, Bike shops don't make a lot of profit on sales of new bikes. Labor however, is a cash cow.
BTW, I looked at sixthreezero's website and I really liked them as a company. They have customization options, are based here in California and have this interesting testing policy.
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Should I add fenders? It doesn't rain very often here, but I'd still rather have them than not.
I just now realized that Sixthreezero and Firmstrong are basically the same company. This will help me in finding resources about it.
#7
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
#8
Bicyclerider4life
All my bikes have fenders. I think it makes them look more complete, and I don't like getting "skunk stripes".
I'm not a racer, so the little weight they add is not a big deal.
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Alright, I guess I'll stick with them. I'm not in a hurry either. This will be used for 15-min rides from/to classes and then leisure rides by the beach during the weekends. Cruisers are already hated here on campus, so a little slower won't matter much
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I also found this on CL: https://santabarbara.craigslist.org/...426627544.html
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I also found this on CL: https://santabarbara.craigslist.org/...426627544.html
Not only is that a great bike, but you'll be able to sell it in 2 years for the same price.
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I've never seen a 5-speed Electra for sale, what model do you guys think that is?
Anything I should watch out for if I go check it out?
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It looks like a D7. Seller may have the speeds wrong.
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I swear I'll stop quoting you guys after this one. What about this? https://www.bicyclebobs-sb.com/produ...d-209615-1.htm The 2018, black one.
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"I’m not sure what he exact model but it’s stock from about 5 years ago." So maybe a 2013 7D.
I also asked for any other issues besides the flat tire, to which he said "no issues". Since this is a beach town, I'm mostly worried by rust in these 5 years. I'll go check it out.
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This that is not a Cruiser, just came up today. Listed as a Townie but it's probably a Loft 7D hybrid/city bike. Looks like a decent bike for a decent price (depending on condition) but I'm more concerned about comfort riding it. What I like about cruisers is the more comfortable upright riding position. Would I be able to have something similar with this bike?
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I have a city bike as well (MTB conversion), I spend the vast majority of my time on the bike with the bigger tires because the ride is better. However, there are times when I'll ride the bike with narrow tires.
I say buy them both, ride both and flip the one you decide isn't as good as the other.
I say buy them both, ride both and flip the one you decide isn't as good as the other.
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But note sellers use similar tactics.
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Like any negotiation, don't get too excited or happy about the bike. Make lots of conversation and "buddy" up to the seller. Then find something minor wrong with the bike, focus on that, and then offer a lower price. But don't insult the bike or seller; just make it seem like you'd be settling for less than you want if you buy the bike. Most sellers are listing bikes at higher than they expect to get.
But note sellers use similar tactics.
But note sellers use similar tactics.
"No issues on the bike
No rust
It’s a great bike
Rust minimal since it’s always outdoors
It’s newer than 2015
It’s the loft model"
Not sure what to expect on rust (beach town, conflicting information) but it sounds like this could be the one
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I have a city bike as well (MTB conversion), I spend the vast majority of my time on the bike with the bigger tires because the ride is better. However, there are times when I'll ride the bike with narrow tires.
I say buy them both, ride both and flip the one you decide isn't as good as the other.
I say buy them both, ride both and flip the one you decide isn't as good as the other.
Like any negotiation, don't get too excited or happy about the bike. Make lots of conversation and "buddy" up to the seller. Then find something minor wrong with the bike, focus on that, and then offer a lower price. But don't insult the bike or seller; just make it seem like you'd be settling for less than you want if you buy the bike. Most sellers are listing bikes at higher than they expect to get.
But note sellers use similar tactics.
But note sellers use similar tactics.
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Good luck with your studies!