I want a FAST cruiser.
02-28-08, 04:24 PM
#26
The Legitimiser
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Southampton, UK
Posts: 4,849
Bikes: Gazelle Trim Trophy, EG Bates Track Bike, HR Bates Cantiflex bike, Nigel Dean fixed gear conversion, Raleigh Royal, Falcon Westminster.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
02-28-08, 08:45 PM
#28
Schwinnasaur
a cruiser frame in and of itself will not slowyou down- its the wheels, gearing and componentry that will.
derailluer cruiser frame, alloy MTB wheels, 1.5 to 1.75 slicks and you will have a very fast bike who's look belies its abilities at speed.
Several of the current Schwinn cruisers, with a small upgrade in wheelset and tires, perhaps a nine speed mtn drivetrain, will give you a very very speedy ride.
derailluer cruiser frame, alloy MTB wheels, 1.5 to 1.75 slicks and you will have a very fast bike who's look belies its abilities at speed.
Several of the current Schwinn cruisers, with a small upgrade in wheelset and tires, perhaps a nine speed mtn drivetrain, will give you a very very speedy ride.
Any way. I can go faster but I really did not gain much. However, I live in New Orleans and the terrain is close to dead flat. I probably would think it was worth while, if there hills, but I probably would not be driving a cruiser if there were hills. In a flat place, a cruiser is OK. The f'd up roads here also encourage cruisers.
02-28-08, 10:02 PM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Austin, tx
Posts: 267
Bikes: Beater Managerie
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
They look like what used to be called Cruiser Class BMX's, which was originally a more adult size BMX back in the 80's. What they DON'T look like is Beach Cruisers, which I reckon is what he meant. Double loop frames, balloon tyres, fat sprung saddles - that's what cruiser means to me.
btw, Lamplight that is a sweeet bike.
02-28-08, 10:16 PM
#30
Senior Member
Just add Nitto Albatross bars and fatter tires... Instant cruiser! Of course fat tires do kind of limit you to the touring and mountain biking frames, but even 700x32 tires will be way more comfy than super skinny tires.
My wife has a Rivendell Wilbury mixte that is a fast cruiser. It has a full range of gears, albatross bars, and 650B wheels. It also has the most beautiful lugs I've ever seen. You can cruise really fast on this bike. She lets me ride it, and fortunately we are about the same height :-)
My wife has a Rivendell Wilbury mixte that is a fast cruiser. It has a full range of gears, albatross bars, and 650B wheels. It also has the most beautiful lugs I've ever seen. You can cruise really fast on this bike. She lets me ride it, and fortunately we are about the same height :-)
I ride a vintage Raleigh that has cruiser-like geometry, although it's labeled a touring bike - it actually looks a bit like Lamplight's Specialized, a couple of posts up here. Longer stem and sprung saddle, 5 speed derailleur, fenders etcetera. It's faster than my first bike, which was a mountain bike, and a thousand percent more comfortable to ride. I am pretty happy with my speed on it, but I'm a slow-and-steady type.
02-28-08, 11:06 PM
#31
Uber Goober
I was riding my old cheap multi-speed mountain bike around and felt like I was zipping along pretty good on it. Switched to a single-speed cruiser, initially lost some speed, but am now going faster than I ever did on that mountain bike. So the "Pedal Harder" has some truth to it.
Mine is geared lowish, 44:22, I think. 15mph is a pretty good speed for it. Without a headwind or hill, I can hold about 17mph. That's spinning pretty good, but not continuously, either.
I bought an old 3-speed upright bike a while back. It's got 1-3/8 x 26" tires on it. Those are skinny little tires. Consider one of those- 3 speeds don't attract much enthusiasm in the used bike market.
Mine is geared lowish, 44:22, I think. 15mph is a pretty good speed for it. Without a headwind or hill, I can hold about 17mph. That's spinning pretty good, but not continuously, either.
I bought an old 3-speed upright bike a while back. It's got 1-3/8 x 26" tires on it. Those are skinny little tires. Consider one of those- 3 speeds don't attract much enthusiasm in the used bike market.
__________________
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
"be careful this rando stuff is addictive and dan's the 'pusher'."
02-29-08, 12:02 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Bellingham, WA
Posts: 403
Bikes: Rivendell Atlantis, Kogswell P58, 1988 Pinarello, Rivendell Wilbury (my wife's bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That is a SERIOUSLY gorgeous bike! I think I know what I want for a graduation present
I ride a vintage Raleigh that has cruiser-like geometry, although it's labeled a touring bike - it actually looks a bit like Lamplight's Specialized, a couple of posts up here. Longer stem and sprung saddle, 5 speed derailleur, fenders etcetera. It's faster than my first bike, which was a mountain bike, and a thousand percent more comfortable to ride. I am pretty happy with my speed on it, but I'm a slow-and-steady type.
I ride a vintage Raleigh that has cruiser-like geometry, although it's labeled a touring bike - it actually looks a bit like Lamplight's Specialized, a couple of posts up here. Longer stem and sprung saddle, 5 speed derailleur, fenders etcetera. It's faster than my first bike, which was a mountain bike, and a thousand percent more comfortable to ride. I am pretty happy with my speed on it, but I'm a slow-and-steady type.
Vintage Raleighs are awfully beautiful bikes themselves. My wife's grandparents used to have a pair of 1974 Raleighs with 3-speed Sturmey-Archer shifters, Brooks saddles, and Brooks seatbags. I couldn't believe the condition and told them that they had collectors items. That was seven years ago and a different house. Sadly nobody remembers what happened to those beautiful bikes. I used to have fantasies about my wife and I riding the same Raleighs around town that her grandparents had ridden. Sadly it was not meant to be. That said it's tough to beat the pair of Rivendells we have now!
Sean
02-29-08, 12:12 AM
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 477
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The Pashley Guv'nor looks fast.
02-29-08, 01:57 AM
#34
Just a commuter
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 262
Bikes: Scott Metrix 20 for commuting, Specialized Dolce Elite for fun
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Also some nice bags from here:
https://velo-orange.com/bapaandba.html
Wallbike.com and Peterwhitecycles.com are other good resources for similar bags. The Berthoud bags are awfully nice. Rivendell was selling some of those for awhile I believe.
There should also be plenty of European sources for Berthoud, Carradice, Brooks, Nigel & Sons, etc.
Sean
https://velo-orange.com/bapaandba.html
Wallbike.com and Peterwhitecycles.com are other good resources for similar bags. The Berthoud bags are awfully nice. Rivendell was selling some of those for awhile I believe.
There should also be plenty of European sources for Berthoud, Carradice, Brooks, Nigel & Sons, etc.
Sean
02-29-08, 02:02 AM
#35
Viking Warrior
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Bristol, CT
Posts: 224
Bikes: 60's SpaceLiner, 60's Ross Futura, 60's Sears spyder, 70's Zebrakenko, 98 Ross Chimera Hybrid, 90's Schwinn Frontier, and ThunderHorse, my trusty mountain steed, also my gf's 64 Schwinn ladies cruiser and her purple lowrider are at my disposal.
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
may I suggest get a vintage roadster? preferably of the 3-speed english lightweight variety. I just picked this up myself:
'67 Western Flyer
pretty fast in 3rd gear. Also, if you can track one of these down it's the fastest cruiser I have, I can even keep up with roadie friends:
mid 60's Spaceliner, with skinny balloons. Good luck, keep cruisin, however fast you want!
'67 Western Flyer
pretty fast in 3rd gear. Also, if you can track one of these down it's the fastest cruiser I have, I can even keep up with roadie friends:
mid 60's Spaceliner, with skinny balloons. Good luck, keep cruisin, however fast you want!
02-29-08, 06:51 AM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 8,896
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 196 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Bianchi Milano.
02-29-08, 11:15 AM
#37
break-beats
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 143
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The Pashley Guv'nor looks fast.
Please tell me there's a company like this in the States!!
I'm pretty sure there's not, though.
And with our exchange rate I certainly won't be able to buy one from them anytime soon.
02-29-08, 11:27 AM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Bellingham, WA
Posts: 403
Bikes: Rivendell Atlantis, Kogswell P58, 1988 Pinarello, Rivendell Wilbury (my wife's bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Those Pashley's are really cool.
I'm sure there are bike shops in the states that can get them... the same ones that get people Dutch bicycles and order special frames and special equipment.
You may also want to check out A.N.T bikes in the Boston area. https://www.antbikemike.com/ specializes in similar styles of bikes, and makes gorgeous custom racks.
Sean
I'm sure there are bike shops in the states that can get them... the same ones that get people Dutch bicycles and order special frames and special equipment.
You may also want to check out A.N.T bikes in the Boston area. https://www.antbikemike.com/ specializes in similar styles of bikes, and makes gorgeous custom racks.
Sean
Last edited by sean000; 03-02-08 at 03:21 AM. Reason: Corrected URL to A.N.T. (sorry for the typo)
02-29-08, 01:10 PM
#39
DancesWithSUVs
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Griffin Cycle Bethesda,MD
Posts: 6,983
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Another vote for Milano. I had one,and it was pretty quick. Ditch the chainguard and kickstand,ditch the roller brake for a caliper,and swap on some higher psi tires and it would do pretty decent.
__________________
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
C'dale BBU('05 and '09)/Super Six/Hooligan8and 3,Kona Dew Deluxe,Novara Buzz/Safari,Surly Big Dummy,Marin Pt Reyes,Giant Defy 1,Schwinn DBX SuperSport,Dahon Speed Pro TT,Brompton S6L/S2E-X
02-29-08, 10:35 PM
#40
One speed: FAST !
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Ft. Lauderdale FL
Posts: 3,375
Bikes: Ebay Bikes... =)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
03-01-08, 07:15 PM
#41
One speed: FAST !
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Ft. Lauderdale FL
Posts: 3,375
Bikes: Ebay Bikes... =)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I went to the LBS today and after looking around at all of the bikes I decided that a cruiser would just not do what I need and want =(
So I put an order in for a Specialized Tricross Comp.
It has eyelets for the rear rack & it has room for fenders. It is very light, and has reasonably good components for daily riding.
Wish me luck =)
I got one in blue/black... this is just the black...
So I put an order in for a Specialized Tricross Comp.
It has eyelets for the rear rack & it has room for fenders. It is very light, and has reasonably good components for daily riding.
Wish me luck =)
I got one in blue/black... this is just the black...
03-02-08, 01:19 AM
#43
Senior Member
I'm mourning my mother's Raleigh 3-speed, which I donated to Goodwill before I knew any better, but also lusting after the matched pair of early 1970's Raleigh 3 speeds (with Brooks saddles and dynamo headlamps) that have been gathering dust in The Boy's parents' garage for twenty-five years. They are khaki green with black and chrome accents, purchased in Winnipeg.
03-02-08, 01:24 AM
#44
Senior Member
The Pashley Guv'nor looks fast.
03-02-08, 01:29 AM
#45
Senior Member
That is a nice one, but I think I like this one even more:
https://www.pashley.co.uk/products/phantom.html
https://www.pashley.co.uk/products/phantom.html
03-02-08, 01:38 AM
#46
Senior Member
I like them ALL. As much or more as I like the Rivendell bikes.
Would anyone like to give me a few thousand dollars? I promise to put them to very good use...
Would anyone like to give me a few thousand dollars? I promise to put them to very good use...
03-02-08, 03:30 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Bellingham, WA
Posts: 403
Bikes: Rivendell Atlantis, Kogswell P58, 1988 Pinarello, Rivendell Wilbury (my wife's bike)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I really like the Phantom as well... very striking.
This post got me looking at the A.N.T. website for the first time in awhile and I found this bike with a 14-Speed internal hub!
My only problem with A.N.T. is that I'm a sucker for lugs, but the frames are still beautiful in a very clean and utilitarian way. Check out their custom racks like this one (not to mention the hammered aluminum Honjo fenders and Paul brakes):
This post got me looking at the A.N.T. website for the first time in awhile and I found this bike with a 14-Speed internal hub!
My only problem with A.N.T. is that I'm a sucker for lugs, but the frames are still beautiful in a very clean and utilitarian way. Check out their custom racks like this one (not to mention the hammered aluminum Honjo fenders and Paul brakes):
Last edited by sean000; 03-02-08 at 04:30 PM. Reason: Honjos are aluminum, but I wrote steel since I was thinking about frames ;-)
03-02-08, 04:03 AM
#48
Hooligan
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Base of the Rocky Mountains, Canada. Wonderous things!
Posts: 1,431
Bikes: 2010 Cannondale Hooligan 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I don't usually like those hammered fenders, but they look really good on that bike in particular.
03-02-08, 09:24 AM
#50
cyclepath
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: "The Last Best Place"
Posts: 3,550
Bikes: 2005 Trek Pilot 5.0, 2001 Specialized Sirrus Pro, Kona Lava Dome, Raleigh hardtail converted to commuter, 87 Takara steel road bike, 2008 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Maybe Frost River.
https://www.frostriver.com/bike_bags/bikebags_menu.html
https://www.frostriver.com/bike_bags/bikebags_menu.html
__________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-- Friedrich Nietzsche