Utility Cycling - Worksman Classic Cruiser - considering one

Anybody here have one? I spent years riding one of their industrial tricycles in the GM plant I worked at. I really liked that old trike and with chrome wheels & solid rubber tires it never got a flat. Well I'm planning on getting a cruiser and somehow I found myself on the Worksman web site and lo & behold they make a cruiser with all the neat options like springer front suspension, big drum front brake, whitewall balloon tires and a retro cruiser rear rack. I wondering if these new options (Springer/rack) Worksman is offering is as well built as the rest of the bike?

I went to the build sheet and put together a pretty nice bike for about $750 not bad for made in New York City area USA. I outfitted the bike with a 3 spd hub (I live in flat Florida). Should I consider the 7 spd hub on the premise it'll get that heavy bike up to speed quicker?

I originally was thinking of buying a Classic Schwinn Phantom or similar but was worried I might not ride it as much as I like cause its like a museum piece. I was thinking the Worksman may fit the job being it can be customized to resemble a 50's cruiser and be more durable than even the bikes of the past.

See links and please feel free to comment or post pics if you have some.

http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/cruiserspringerfrontfork-200.jpg

http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/cruiserbackrack-200.jpg
http://www.newyorkfirst.com/img/products/big/workmanbike.jpg

http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/inbbluoutdoors-300.jpg

http://images.grainger.com/B288_21/images/products/2KGF9.JPG
http://www.grainger.com/images/products/enlarged/XL-2KGG8.JPG
http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_s.../cruisers.html

As another longtime Worksman fan (I own a 3sp PAV trike) I too have much factory time on a Worksman.

One feature that will help that 3sp ride better is to order the small 32 tooth
front chain ring (or ask if you can get the 23 tooth they put on trikes) to move the rear gearing down to a very useful range.

As far as 'civilian" quality goes Worksman is not as polished in fit and finished but they give no ground on toughness or ride.

One thing that is important about Worksman bikes that is never mentioned is that all their frames are hand welded lugged frames just like the custom bike makers sell for big bucks.

If you liked Worksman on the job you'll love a kevlar tired Worksman 3sp cruiser of your own. :thumb:

I really loved my red Worksman Tricycle, I hated giving it up when I left GM. I had the chromed wheels and I would polish them up nice and cruise along the assembly lines getting envious stares from the hard working people on the lines and occasionally a cute girl would give a smile as well.

We had dozens of them and boy did they hold up year after year. On bigger jobs I'd pull my Kennedy Toolbox off and load my rear carrier with a big motor or gearbox and rush it down to the breakdown.

I bought a Schwinn Meridian for work but I only use it to transport "my stuff" from the parking lot to the control room and back again at the end of the shift. Funny how having that bike waiting makes starting or leaving work all that much more fun.

I'll look into that gearing for use with the 3 spd and post my configuration when I order, they currently suggest the 36 tooth sproket for use with the multi-geared rear ends..

I'll look into that gearing for use with the 3 spd and post my configuration when I order, they currently suggest the 36 tooth sproket for use with the multi-geared rear ends..

If you have a steep hills or long grades to pull where you live you might ask Worksman if they will install the 22/23 tooth on the front. Call them to
order or ask any question you need to.

I've been urging friends and relatives to look at Worksman for a few years, still waiting for the chance to pull the trigger on my own purchase though. Looking at a front loader trike to use with my vending business and perhaps a tandem for my sweetie and me.

Looking at a front loader trike to use with my vending business and perhaps a tandem for my sweetie and me.

Nice stuff and you'll always be able to sell when you're done using them cause they last forever.
http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/stpt.jpg

http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/WTC4x4.jpg
http://www.nationalguild.com/Worksman/icecream.jpg
http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/media/sbstpurple-270.jpg

Thats my understanding! Right now I'm leaning towards the one with the steel lockbox built in (SUD), although a hardwood box with a black frame would look very classy. I imagine I'd need to plunk down a few extra hundred dollars on the 7-speed upgrade, park brake, an umbrella, and a few other options to really trick it out.

Thats the dream anyway.

I think the 7 spd would be a good idea for getting moving with a heavy load, I've read the first few gears are perfect (not much speed but effortless pedaling).

Thats my understanding! Right now I'm leaning towards the one with the steel lockbox built in (SUD), although a hardwood box with a black frame would look very classy. I imagine I'd need to plunk down a few extra hundred dollars on the 7-speed upgrade, park brake, an umbrella, and a few other options to really trick it out.

Thats the dream anyway.


I think the 7 spd would be a good idea for getting moving with a heavy load, I've read the first few gears are perfect (not much speed but effortless pedaling).

If you fellas are thinking of putting a 7 spd on a Worksman trike forget it 'cause Worksman won't do it for no amount of money. I asked already.:(

If you fellas are thinking of putting a 7 spd on a Worksman trike forget it 'cause Worksman won't do it for no amount of money. I asked already.:(

Really, every front loader I checked (http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/frontload.html) lists a 7-speed coaster brake as an option...

funny while sitting with my son and having coffee and a bagel, I saw one of these go by. It looks good in a total utiliy, form follows function way.

The rider didn't stop so I couldn't get a closer look (my son thinks I'm crazy about bikes...this might just confirm)

The rider didn't stop so I couldn't get a closer look (my son thinks I'm crazy about bikes...this might just confirm)


Ahh...............appreaciating the beauty of a machine with both form and function effects many of us.

Really, every front loader I checked (http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/frontload.html) lists a 7-speed coaster brake as an option...

Interesting. When I asked 3 yrs ago they said they wouldn't put 7spd's on a trike due to the difficulty of welding on the sprocket to the 7spd housing. Looks like times have changed. :rolleyes:

Does the quad cycle have a differential? It would need one, right?

How tall are you?
I am 6'2" tall and the 20" Worksman I bought was still way too small a frame for me.

I suggest you go to any local bike shop and try sitting on a similar bike with the same size frame to get an idea of if it will fit well enough or not.
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