Classic & Vintage - Larger Frame Size Cruisers

I was wondering about getting a cruiser frame and "building" it up to a traditional looking cruiser for around town/short rides. But being a Clyde, I was needing a larger/stronger frame than from what I've seen around normally. Something in the range of 19-21 inches (in Mnt Bike sizing).

I don't want to destroy any history here. I'm a collector of C&R rifles and I hate it when someone "sporterizes" one of them! I just want a cruiser to fit me.

I would rather just be able to by a modern cruiser frame, if possible.

Thank you for any suggestions, links, or info.

Jerry

I was wondering about getting a cruiser frame and "building" it up to a traditional looking cruiser for around town/short rides. But being a Clyde, I was needing a larger/stronger frame than from what I've seen around normally. Something in the range of 19-21 inches (in Mnt Bike sizing).

I don't want to destroy any history here. I'm a collector of C&R rifles and I hate it when someone "sporterizes" one of them! I just want a cruiser to fit me.

I would rather just be able to by a modern cruiser frame, if possible.

Thank you for any suggestions, links, or info.

Jerry

Good news is most of the cruiser frames fall into that size range. AFAIK most of the cruisers are only made in one size. Check out the Schwinn (http://www.schwinnbike.com/usa/eng/Products/Cruisers/) line up, might find something ready to roll. Raleigh (http://www.raleighusa.com/bikes/cruiser/) has some interesting looking things too. There are others, Nirve (http://www.nirve.com/) and Electra (http://www.electrabike.com/)the only other ones I can think of at them moment.

Aaron:)

Not really a cruiser, but I found this touring bike on CL in St Louis. They are going to e-mail me back the TT measurement. I just love the looks and color.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/872584231.html

Thanks for the links.

Jerry

Not really a cruiser, but I found this touring bike on CL in St Louis. They are going to e-mail me back the TT measurement. I just love the looks and color.
http://stlouis.craigslist.org/bik/872584231.html

Thanks for the links.

Jerry

Good start, but not really a cruiser or a touring bike. That is the taller frame size which are difficult to find.

I bought the one below for $20.

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/35496/2429289660066886751S500x500Q85.jpg

A Schwinn Suburban or Collegiate in your size, might also work. They tend to be exceptionally sturdy!

Since it sounds like what you want is a stout framed bike, with smooth tires, fenders and rear rack, so why not start with a rigid mountain bike and swap things out? This assumes also that you want a wider 'cruiser' sized 1.75-2.0 inch tire to soak up the road.

In that scenario the biggest decision would be what type of handle bars to replace the straight mountain bike bar with. Good choices might be a mustache or trekking bar. You can get either from Nashbar, although the mustache bar they sell is steel and not shaped exactly like the Nitto. Both should work with an existing mountain bike stem.

Since it sounds like what you want is a stout framed bike, with smooth tires, fenders and rear rack, so why not start with a rigid mountain bike and swap things out? This assumes also that you want a wider 'cruiser' sized 1.75-2.0 inch tire to soak up the road.

In that scenario the biggest decision would be what type of handle bars to replace the straight mountain bike bar with. Good choices might be a mustache or trekking bar. You can get either from Nashbar, although the mustache bar they sell is steel and not shaped exactly like the Nitto. Both should work with an existing mountain bike stem.

I've got three early 90s Hardrocks that I redid to SS and fixed up as a tag a long tower, my commuter, and one is getting a flip/flop hub.

I was just wanting a cruiser style to mess around with. The more I learn wrenching, the more I want to do it myself. Besides, I have a chest full of tools. I'll start on my "roadie" fix after this!

Thanks for the Schwinn suggestions. I saw a Suburban in Carbondale las month at the park. It looked about what I want now. Too bad my wants and availablity don't arrive at the same station.

Jerry

Good start, but not really a cruiser or a touring bike. That is the taller frame size which are difficult to find.

I bought the one below for $20.

Aaron:)

http://inlinethumb41.webshots.com/35496/2429289660066886751S500x500Q85.jpg

I know, but I just like the looks of it!
If the TT is ok, I plan on offering him $50 before I take the drive over the river. Seems that older bikes are getting a higher price these days, especially in St Louis. The CL around here doesn't have anything! But the pawn shops have a bunch, but at prices only a student pawning his stereo would pay.

Jerry

Schwinn did make a rather uncommon, up-sized version of their cantilever middleweight frame back in the '60s. Don't recall the exact model.

-Kurt