Show me your cruiser.
04-13-21, 12:50 AM
#1251
Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 31
Bikes: Schwinn Panther Alfine 8 speed klunker MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Well... they can.
There's a large number of IGH hubs on the market, and they vary greatly in price, from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars.
They have advantages and disadvantages. Some say they put too much weight on the rear axle. Some think they may not handle high torque situations that one would find mountain biking. Some like them because there's no derailleur to break, or chain slap, that they're less likely to be affected by mud, etc. There's a lot of opinions on who's hub is best for this or that application.
I have read some positive things about this hub (Shimano Alfine 8 speed), and in particular, people's reports about their real world experience using it mountain biking. I'm not some Double Black Diamond rider, I don't do big hits, or anything like that. I ride fire roads, flowy singletrack, and love doing long downhill trails; this hub has no problems handling all of that.
That being said, ALL internal gear hubs are persnickety: they need to be set up correctly. Just so. Any number of little things can throw them off. I know some bike mechanics are less familiar with them, so be prepared to just learn how to do things yourself. That requires special tools, taking the time to learn how to do whatever it is you need to do. Removing/replacing the rear wheel takes a few extra steps. Can be a hassle (but certainly not impossible) to change a flat in the field.
But, when they're set up correctly, they're sweet as pie. I really like hub. It seems rugged, gives me a nice range, it feels faster than I was expecting. I'm very happy with it.
What do you have in mind for a klunker? You should totally build one. Everyone should build a klunker.
There's a large number of IGH hubs on the market, and they vary greatly in price, from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars.
They have advantages and disadvantages. Some say they put too much weight on the rear axle. Some think they may not handle high torque situations that one would find mountain biking. Some like them because there's no derailleur to break, or chain slap, that they're less likely to be affected by mud, etc. There's a lot of opinions on who's hub is best for this or that application.
I have read some positive things about this hub (Shimano Alfine 8 speed), and in particular, people's reports about their real world experience using it mountain biking. I'm not some Double Black Diamond rider, I don't do big hits, or anything like that. I ride fire roads, flowy singletrack, and love doing long downhill trails; this hub has no problems handling all of that.
That being said, ALL internal gear hubs are persnickety: they need to be set up correctly. Just so. Any number of little things can throw them off. I know some bike mechanics are less familiar with them, so be prepared to just learn how to do things yourself. That requires special tools, taking the time to learn how to do whatever it is you need to do. Removing/replacing the rear wheel takes a few extra steps. Can be a hassle (but certainly not impossible) to change a flat in the field.
But, when they're set up correctly, they're sweet as pie. I really like hub. It seems rugged, gives me a nice range, it feels faster than I was expecting. I'm very happy with it.
What do you have in mind for a klunker? You should totally build one. Everyone should build a klunker.
04-13-21, 10:57 AM
#1252
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
Well... they can.
There's a large number of IGH hubs on the market, and they vary greatly in price, from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars.
They have advantages and disadvantages. Some say they put too much weight on the rear axle. Some think they may not handle high torque situations that one would find mountain biking. Some like them because there's no derailleur to break, or chain slap, that they're less likely to be affected by mud, etc. There's a lot of opinions on who's hub is best for this or that application.
I have read some positive things about this hub (Shimano Alfine 8 speed), and in particular, people's reports about their real world experience using it mountain biking. I'm not some Double Black Diamond rider, I don't do big hits, or anything like that. I ride fire roads, flowy singletrack, and love doing long downhill trails; this hub has no problems handling all of that.
That being said, ALL internal gear hubs are persnickety: they need to be set up correctly. Just so. Any number of little things can throw them off. I know some bike mechanics are less familiar with them, so be prepared to just learn how to do things yourself. That requires special tools, taking the time to learn how to do whatever it is you need to do. Removing/replacing the rear wheel takes a few extra steps. Can be a hassle (but certainly not impossible) to change a flat in the field.
But, when they're set up correctly, they're sweet as pie. I really like hub. It seems rugged, gives me a nice range, it feels faster than I was expecting. I'm very happy with it.
What do you have in mind for a klunker? You should totally build one. Everyone should build a klunker.
There's a large number of IGH hubs on the market, and they vary greatly in price, from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars.
They have advantages and disadvantages. Some say they put too much weight on the rear axle. Some think they may not handle high torque situations that one would find mountain biking. Some like them because there's no derailleur to break, or chain slap, that they're less likely to be affected by mud, etc. There's a lot of opinions on who's hub is best for this or that application.
I have read some positive things about this hub (Shimano Alfine 8 speed), and in particular, people's reports about their real world experience using it mountain biking. I'm not some Double Black Diamond rider, I don't do big hits, or anything like that. I ride fire roads, flowy singletrack, and love doing long downhill trails; this hub has no problems handling all of that.
That being said, ALL internal gear hubs are persnickety: they need to be set up correctly. Just so. Any number of little things can throw them off. I know some bike mechanics are less familiar with them, so be prepared to just learn how to do things yourself. That requires special tools, taking the time to learn how to do whatever it is you need to do. Removing/replacing the rear wheel takes a few extra steps. Can be a hassle (but certainly not impossible) to change a flat in the field.
But, when they're set up correctly, they're sweet as pie. I really like hub. It seems rugged, gives me a nice range, it feels faster than I was expecting. I'm very happy with it.
What do you have in mind for a klunker? You should totally build one. Everyone should build a klunker.
I don’t know what I would build. I guess one that fits me close enough (18” MTB bike), has close enough to MTB or BMX geometry, and isn’t too expensive of a frame and fork set. Prefer 1 1/8 thread less.
Within reason the klunker style looks fun. And because I know I’m not doing backflips in Utah or whatever, I guess can get away with not strictly following 2 triangles frames as not super concerned with frame strength.
What does a Panther measure out crank to stem? Rear axle width? Was it originally set up horizontal dropout or more like 3x7? Thanks.
04-13-21, 11:07 AM
#1253
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
Well... they can.
There's a large number of IGH hubs on the market, and they vary greatly in price, from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars.
They have advantages and disadvantages. Some say they put too much weight on the rear axle. Some think they may not handle high torque situations that one would find mountain biking. Some like them because there's no derailleur to break, or chain slap, that they're less likely to be affected by mud, etc. There's a lot of opinions on who's hub is best for this or that application.
I have read some positive things about this hub (Shimano Alfine 8 speed), and in particular, people's reports about their real world experience using it mountain biking. I'm not some Double Black Diamond rider, I don't do big hits, or anything like that. I ride fire roads, flowy singletrack, and love doing long downhill trails; this hub has no problems handling all of that.
That being said, ALL internal gear hubs are persnickety: they need to be set up correctly. Just so. Any number of little things can throw them off. I know some bike mechanics are less familiar with them, so be prepared to just learn how to do things yourself. That requires special tools, taking the time to learn how to do whatever it is you need to do. Removing/replacing the rear wheel takes a few extra steps. Can be a hassle (but certainly not impossible) to change a flat in the field.
But, when they're set up correctly, they're sweet as pie. I really like hub. It seems rugged, gives me a nice range, it feels faster than I was expecting. I'm very happy with it.
What do you have in mind for a klunker? You should totally build one. Everyone should build a klunker.
There's a large number of IGH hubs on the market, and they vary greatly in price, from a couple of hundred to a few thousand dollars.
They have advantages and disadvantages. Some say they put too much weight on the rear axle. Some think they may not handle high torque situations that one would find mountain biking. Some like them because there's no derailleur to break, or chain slap, that they're less likely to be affected by mud, etc. There's a lot of opinions on who's hub is best for this or that application.
I have read some positive things about this hub (Shimano Alfine 8 speed), and in particular, people's reports about their real world experience using it mountain biking. I'm not some Double Black Diamond rider, I don't do big hits, or anything like that. I ride fire roads, flowy singletrack, and love doing long downhill trails; this hub has no problems handling all of that.
That being said, ALL internal gear hubs are persnickety: they need to be set up correctly. Just so. Any number of little things can throw them off. I know some bike mechanics are less familiar with them, so be prepared to just learn how to do things yourself. That requires special tools, taking the time to learn how to do whatever it is you need to do. Removing/replacing the rear wheel takes a few extra steps. Can be a hassle (but certainly not impossible) to change a flat in the field.
But, when they're set up correctly, they're sweet as pie. I really like hub. It seems rugged, gives me a nice range, it feels faster than I was expecting. I'm very happy with it.
What do you have in mind for a klunker? You should totally build one. Everyone should build a klunker.
Likes For SkinGriz:
04-15-21, 11:04 AM
#1255
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Somewhere South
Posts: 1,680
Bikes: Most of my bikes are Single Speed Conversions
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 267 Post(s)
Liked 3,067 Times
in
1,015 Posts
Back in Black !
swapped the green wheelset out for the original black wheelset after changing the rear cog to a 24 tooth for neighborhood cruising .
Put the original Electra saddle back on too . Trying to decide which is more comfortable, leather or padded.
Pulled the rear rack off my Hardrock . I think it looks better .
EDIT: Added the latest picture of my black Electra Cruiser One , which is no longer a One , I swapped the wheels again for a black custom set of aluminum rims with a two speed kick back KT hub . I swapped the cog to a chrome 22 tooth . I went with a bit smaller set of tires , Kenda 26x1.9” cruiser slicks . Brought the overall height down a little where I can touch the ground while seated with my short legs . Put the Brooks B-67 back on too . Just looks cooler
swapped the green wheelset out for the original black wheelset after changing the rear cog to a 24 tooth for neighborhood cruising .
Put the original Electra saddle back on too . Trying to decide which is more comfortable, leather or padded.
Pulled the rear rack off my Hardrock . I think it looks better .
EDIT: Added the latest picture of my black Electra Cruiser One , which is no longer a One , I swapped the wheels again for a black custom set of aluminum rims with a two speed kick back KT hub . I swapped the cog to a chrome 22 tooth . I went with a bit smaller set of tires , Kenda 26x1.9” cruiser slicks . Brought the overall height down a little where I can touch the ground while seated with my short legs . Put the Brooks B-67 back on too . Just looks cooler
Likes For OldCruiser:
Likes For bOsscO:
05-09-21, 06:34 PM
#1257
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 13
Bikes: 1988 Bianchi road bike, Cannondale Quick Hybrid, Specialized RockHopper and a beat up beach bike for the sand
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
that's what I am looking for the summer trip to the beach!
05-10-21, 11:17 AM
#1258
Full Member
My Cruiser-esque Fatty. I'm really liking this thing.
High Desert at 7200 Feet
High Desert at 7200 Feet
Likes For JehD:
06-15-21, 10:37 AM
#1259
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
1996 Gary Fisher Klunker. I've been looking for one of these for quite some time now. Finally found one in nice shape for a decent price. I have all the original parts it came with. I changed a few things like the pedals, seat and handlebars.
Likes For ed h:
06-15-21, 04:29 PM
#1260
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2021
Location: Houston area
Posts: 245
Bikes: 1961 Higgins Flightliner
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 68 Post(s)
Liked 101 Times
in
70 Posts
Fisher's Klunker is definitely one of my dream bikes. I go back and forth on building a period klunker with the motorcycle handlebars, levers and components from the 70s.
Likes For surveyor6:
06-16-21, 08:57 AM
#1261
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
Surveyor6 - The Breezer Ignaz X is another cool looking cruiser, was made from 1996 to 1998. I've been looking for one for about three years and so far never found one.
Must have been made in a lot smaller quantities than the Klunker, as in the same time frame I've seen several Klunkers for sale. Mods will be a little more difficult on the Breezer since it has an internal geared hub and doesn't have the frame bosses for rim brakes.
Last edited by ed h; 06-16-21 at 09:49 AM. Reason: add image
06-18-21, 01:54 PM
#1262
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
Surveyor6 - The Breezer Ignaz X is another cool looking cruiser, was made from 1996 to 1998. I've been looking for one for about three years and so far never found one.
Must have been made in a lot smaller quantities than the Klunker, as in the same time frame I've seen several Klunkers for sale. Mods will be a little more difficult on the Breezer since it has an internal geared hub and doesn't have the frame bosses for rim brakes.
Must have been made in a lot smaller quantities than the Klunker, as in the same time frame I've seen several Klunkers for sale. Mods will be a little more difficult on the Breezer since it has an internal geared hub and doesn't have the frame bosses for rim brakes.
06-18-21, 01:59 PM
#1263
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
Nothing special, but just wanted to learn on it.
Only purpose is this term I’ll have done 21 units and wanted to build a klunker to reward myself until I put the hammer down again next term.
Canti frame probably not as strong and I’m debating on the eccentric bb adapter.
06-20-21, 08:20 PM
#1264
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Yolo County, West Sacramento CA
Posts: 517
Bikes: Modified 26 inch frame Schwinn Varsity with 700c wheels and 10 speed cassette hub. Ryan Vanguard recumbent. 67cm 27"x1 1/4" Schwinn Sports Tourer from the 1980's. 1980's 68cm Nishiki Sebring with 700c aero wheels, 30 speeds, flat bar bicycle.
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 131 Post(s)
Liked 141 Times
in
102 Posts
Never heard of the IGNAZ X. Very good looking bicycle. It looks like it has a roller cam internal brake that Shimano equipped their Nexus hubs with back in the day. I would be careful of this brake on long hard downhills especially in mountainous terrain. I've owned a Nexus 7 speed IGH with the roller brake and the brake was not a powerful brake by any means. However you have a very mountain capable brake in the front cantilever brake so I would take this bike into the mountains. The Nexus 7 speed hub always shifted beautifully. The shifting mechanism wears out after a period of years of steady use and I've had to throw away two Nexus 7 speed hubs. I could find no repair people anywhere that wanted to tackle the shifting mechanism. By the way I used to take my hubs apart a lot after the shifters started acting up. They are really no more difficult to take apart than Sturmey Archer 3 speeds. They do have more parts but they all go back together in a logical manner. The rotary shifting mechanism on the other hand is chock full of parts and very small for all the torque loads that go through it. I never took the shifting mechanism apart and that was where the wear that caused the hubs demise occurred.
06-21-21, 05:27 AM
#1265
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
There is a really cool looking Breezer Ignaz X on this website that has been converted to a rear deraileur. What really makes the Breezer stand out is the paint job, which is
reminiscent of the original 1930 Schwinn balloon tire bikes. The 1996 bikes came in a blue and white paint scheme.
Mountain bikes and road bikes
reminiscent of the original 1930 Schwinn balloon tire bikes. The 1996 bikes came in a blue and white paint scheme.
Mountain bikes and road bikes
Last edited by ed h; 06-21-21 at 12:31 PM. Reason: correct link
06-21-21, 09:56 AM
#1266
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 7,643
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball
Mentioned: 52 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1604 Post(s)
Liked 2,569 Times
in
1,217 Posts
I like that Breezer. A friend brought by a look alike to have the twist grip changed to a trigger. I was impressed how nice it rode.
https://waterfordbikes.com/SchwinnCa...0/1999_63.html
https://waterfordbikes.com/SchwinnCa...0/1999_63.html
06-21-21, 12:22 PM
#1267
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
I like that Breezer. A friend brought by a look alike to have the twist grip changed to a trigger. I was impressed how nice it rode.
https://waterfordbikes.com/SchwinnCa...0/1999_63.html
https://waterfordbikes.com/SchwinnCa...0/1999_63.html
https://ingliscycles.com/retrotec-double/
Last edited by ed h; 06-21-21 at 12:27 PM. Reason: updated link
06-21-21, 07:44 PM
#1268
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
I was thinking actually for a while of finding a Schwinn Cruiser Supreme, but they too have not been made for quite some time now. Looked on ebay and other places for a while and didn't see many of them for sale. Actually the current Heavy Duti uses the same frame style but is only available as a single speed coaster brake. The paint job on the Schwinn does look pretty nice but note the top tube and seat stays are more squared off compared to the Breezer Ignaz or Gary Fisher Klunker. Of course if money was no object, my choice would be a Retrotec Double. Get the retro look with all modern components.
The Double | Inglis & Retrotec Cycles
The Double | Inglis & Retrotec Cycles
06-24-21, 02:31 PM
#1269
Junior Member
Surveyor6 - The Breezer Ignaz X is another cool looking cruiser, was made from 1996 to 1998. I've been looking for one for about three years and so far never found one.
Must have been made in a lot smaller quantities than the Klunker, as in the same time frame I've seen several Klunkers for sale. Mods will be a little more difficult on the Breezer since it has an internal geared hub and doesn't have the frame bosses for rim brakes.
Must have been made in a lot smaller quantities than the Klunker, as in the same time frame I've seen several Klunkers for sale. Mods will be a little more difficult on the Breezer since it has an internal geared hub and doesn't have the frame bosses for rim brakes.
That red with white spears must have been popular in the late 90's. I have an Electra Eric Malone Signature from that era.
I've installed Velo Orange sealed headset bearings, Shimano sealed bottom bracket bearings and changed the Nexus 7 for an 8.
Likes For hevysrf:
06-28-21, 11:31 AM
#1270
Full Member
That is seriously awesome. I would love to have one of those or a Sawyer. Those frames are just so classic.
Likes For JehD:
07-01-21, 11:12 AM
#1271
Member
That is a seriously cool bicycle. Is that a shifter on the rear seat stay? If so what type of hub and how many gears are you running? Is that a one off front fork. I just love the whole layout of this bike. The handlebars sweeping curves are just right. This bike would fit right in on our local custom /BMX cruiser bike riding scene here in Sacramento, CA.
07-20-21, 08:21 PM
#1272
Live not by lies.
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306
Bikes: BigBox bikes.
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times
in
582 Posts
Here.
Cruiser kickstand def pops out when riding more aggressively than cruising.
Pedals need rebuild. 170 cranks probably max with this BB drop.
Fork crown drilled hole for brake bolt. Flap disked crown front and back 1/8” each maybe so nut will make.
Rear caliper made cheesy brackets at work to drop caliper.
Pulled back wheel off junk MTB I bought for parts. 18tooth freewheel good for around town, 22 would be better for serious off-roading.
I learned the basics of truing a wheel, replacing spokes, and rear axle width being a function of simple spacers and/or washers on cheap bikes. Minor redish of wheel.
Need saddle and better brake pads.
Likes For SkinGriz:
