Electra Townie 3S?
06-29-22, 10:19 AM
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Electra Townie 3S?
Hi,
I'm considering an Electra Townie 3S from craigslist for $100. It appears to be functional & rideable but it will need stuff like a new seat & grips which are flaking like crazy, and possibly new tires if the old ones won't hold air. My main question is about the brakes. It appears this bike has a front rim brake and a rear coaster brake. How does this work & is this a safe combo? I'm assuming I won't be able to test ride it. I'd be riding it in traffic sometimes so stopping is important lol.. I guess my other question is does this sound like a reasonable deal for $100.
Thanks
I'm considering an Electra Townie 3S from craigslist for $100. It appears to be functional & rideable but it will need stuff like a new seat & grips which are flaking like crazy, and possibly new tires if the old ones won't hold air. My main question is about the brakes. It appears this bike has a front rim brake and a rear coaster brake. How does this work & is this a safe combo? I'm assuming I won't be able to test ride it. I'd be riding it in traffic sometimes so stopping is important lol.. I guess my other question is does this sound like a reasonable deal for $100.
Thanks
06-29-22, 12:20 PM
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These days probably a decent deal.
Probably front linear pull rear coaster. Should be ample stopping power.
Online it looks like it should have a 3 speed internal gear hub. Even if the tubes leak make sure you can ride and shift it before buying.
The tires are likely good enough. The tubes might need changing.
Probably front linear pull rear coaster. Should be ample stopping power.
Online it looks like it should have a 3 speed internal gear hub. Even if the tubes leak make sure you can ride and shift it before buying.
The tires are likely good enough. The tubes might need changing.
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06-30-22, 08:35 AM
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Sounds like it's been trashed. Plan on going through it completely (pr having a mechanic check it) if you're going to trust it in traffic IMO. Personally, unless I needed a project, I'd look for a bike which had been stored and maintained better.
07-08-22, 11:03 AM
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A rear coaster brake paired with a front rim brake is a good combination in my opinion. Many cruiser rely on only coaster brakes, however there are two problems, not big ones but reasons a front brake is recommended:
It can be difficult to modulate a coaster brake. The difference between slowing effectively and locking the rear wheel up and skidding is small.
If the chain falls off or is there is some problem with the coaster brake, you still have a brake
There is not as much stopping power with the rear brake as there is on the front, particularly when stopping quickly
Many people with cruiser like the fact that the handle bars have no cables attaching to them for a cleaner look and simpler operation. I agree with that and have a cruiser with only a coaster brake, but I don't ride it fast or down hills.
The addition of the front hand brake lever doesn't clutter things up by much at all since the cable run is so short and the benefit is worth it. Since the bike you are looking at already has both, that is good. Keep it if you get the bike.
If it is a three speed then it already has a cable for the shifter. And you are capable of going faster than a single speed so a front brake would be a good thing.
With anything used condition is critical. If it needs tires, tubes, a new chain and the front wheel trued and you have a bike shop do the work, that is going to be enough money that you may want to pass on it. Then you need grips and a seat.
Let us know what you do. Post pictures if you get it.
It can be difficult to modulate a coaster brake. The difference between slowing effectively and locking the rear wheel up and skidding is small.
If the chain falls off or is there is some problem with the coaster brake, you still have a brake
There is not as much stopping power with the rear brake as there is on the front, particularly when stopping quickly
Many people with cruiser like the fact that the handle bars have no cables attaching to them for a cleaner look and simpler operation. I agree with that and have a cruiser with only a coaster brake, but I don't ride it fast or down hills.
The addition of the front hand brake lever doesn't clutter things up by much at all since the cable run is so short and the benefit is worth it. Since the bike you are looking at already has both, that is good. Keep it if you get the bike.
If it is a three speed then it already has a cable for the shifter. And you are capable of going faster than a single speed so a front brake would be a good thing.
With anything used condition is critical. If it needs tires, tubes, a new chain and the front wheel trued and you have a bike shop do the work, that is going to be enough money that you may want to pass on it. Then you need grips and a seat.
Let us know what you do. Post pictures if you get it.
Last edited by Velo Mule; 07-08-22 at 11:11 AM.
