Recreational & Family - Show us your Ultimate Bike Path Warrior!

Just because you ride for fun or with your kids doesn't mean you can't have a tricked out ride. What have you done to your rec bike to make it more practical, fun or bad-arsed? Show the pictures!

And if you ARE still riding a plain-Jane "comfort" bike, paint it orange or put streamers on it. As a mater of fact, I think I'm going to do the baseball card mod to my ride next!

As for my whip? 2005 Trek 820 with Topek child carrier rack, center stand, Wald basket, dual-flashlight mounts, Velo Orange Tourist bars, touring tires and 3/4 fenders usually pulling a Burly trailer. Pics to follow.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff57/noreasterDL/photo-14.jpg

We have bike-glows (http://www.bikeglow.com) on our bikes, in all different colors. It's really nice for winter commuting, and fun when we're biking home late and each bike (including the kids') is a different color.

Well, I don't know how "ultimate" my bike is, but I do ride it on bike trails....so here we go:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/Altair4/IMG_3994.jpg

Novara Forza from REI equipped with Planet Bike Beamer 5 headlight, Sigma BC 1009 cyclecomputer, SKS P45 fenders (I've since added a front mudflap), Topeak Road Morph air pump, Planet Bike Big Buddy seat pack (with patch kit, spare tube, pair of vinyl gloves and a Park multi-tool), Racktime TourIt rear rack with ClampIt spring clamp, and Planet Bike Blinky 7 rear light. Not shown - pair of Ortlieb Classic Rear Rollers in yellow.

We have bike-glows (http://www.bikeglow.com) on our bikes, in all different colors. It's really nice for winter commuting, and fun when we're biking home late and each bike (including the kids') is a different color.Those are the coolest things! I had never heard of them. I assume you are going to post pictures!

Well, I don't know how "ultimate" my bike is, but I do ride it on bike trails....so here we go:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v220/Altair4/IMG_3994.jpg

Novara Forza from REI equipped with Planet Bike Beamer 5 headlight, Sigma BC 1009 cyclecomputer, SKS P45 fenders (I've since added a front mudflap), Topeak Road Morph air pump, Planet Bike Big Buddy seat pack (with patch kit, spare tube, pair of vinyl gloves and a Park multi-tool), Racktime TourIt rear rack with ClampIt spring clamp, and Planet Bike Blinky 7 rear light. Not shown - pair of Ortlieb Classic Rear Rollers in yellow.looks ultimate to me! I like that rack. It looks like it would hold up under some weight. Nice lighting on the shot too. :)

looks ultimate to me! I like that rack. It looks like it would hold up under some weight. Nice lighting on the shot too. :)

The rack is rated to 30 kg (66 lbs.). Adding the clamp worked out great. I can roll up my jacket or tights if I get too warm and just clamp them to the rack. Works for small purchases, too.

Thanks for the compliment on the lighting. Light fill-in flash to give it some "glow" and "shine." I might re-shoot it, if I get a nice sunset for a background this winter.

Here's my son's bike with his Bike glow: http://flickr.com/gp/fletzet/3599Rz
My bike is in the background, but it didn't have one installed yet at that time. Now we have a 12" with purple light, a 16" with a blue light, a cruiser with an aqua light, an xtracycle with red light, and a road bike with a green light. I'm afraid it'll have to warm up a bit, though, before I'll be able to do much after-dark photography of the whole set with willing participants. At this point in the year, we're usually in a hurry to get home already, if we've got the lights on.

Here we are riding the Erie Canal trail last year. The one in back is strongest so he has to pull all of the weight...

http://www.adventurecycling.org/weeklyphoto/index.cfm?w=655

Here we are riding the Erie Canal trail last year. The one in back is strongest so he has to pull all of the weight...

http://www.adventurecycling.org/weeklyphoto/index.cfm?w=655Good looking crew you have there! Looks like something that might cross-post in the touring forum! What WERE you up to there?

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Bike/20db2a7b.jpg

I found an adjustable rack, just two supports going down and they were a rod inside a tube with three holes to make the different lengths. I had to cut the tubes shorter and drill new holes to make it fit just above the 12" wheel. Axiom Columbus bag on top that is insulated to be a cooler. We have 4 of those gladware divided plastic dishes and I've packed 4 salads and sandwiches in for lunches out.
Had the same bag on top a normal rack on a single trail a bike and had to make my own mounts for it. The seatpost clamp is a hanger for electrical conduit.
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Bike/2010-04-12174328.jpg

Very creative and fun! I love the full seat on the way-back. Is that another mod or stock? I think that it would be great if my guy could do something to burn off energy other than pinching my back or heaving stuff out of the trailer!

That seat back is an Adams trail a bike accessory. It just bolts on to the seat post so it fit both the trail a bike and the Giant Halfwheeler.

Enine: that looks like an amazing setup, I'd LOVE to be able to do that. Just got married, wife has boys, 4 and 5 (i'm trying to adopt), and we've got one on the way now too! Your setup would be exactly what I need next summer!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v465/woodchuckssuck/ssbike.jpg

Bike path here is fairly flat, so I gave up speeds when riding alone. On flat land, speeds only get in the way of enjoying nature :)

Went for a 22 mile ride this morning on our bike trails, and I just happened to take the camera along!

2011 Diamondback Insight 2

http://i471.photobucket.com/albums/rr78/Jimbo_47/000_0472.jpg

Couple of nice looking rigs there! Two totally different ways of doing the same thing. Sorta.

It's only a 'Warrior' to me. Just ride it now at the park or quick trip to the store.
Pushing 42 lbs. used to be easier when I was younger.
Since I acquired 3 of these for free and built one, have enough parts left over to probably keep it going for years to come.

http://i557.photobucket.com/albums/ss13/Bokonondawg/oldnnew003.jpg

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4114/4919744413_5e8924f4c4_b.jpg

Currently my only rideable bike. It's a Kulana Moondog. It's the only new bike I've ever bought. It's a Wal-Mart special I bought on clearance for 90 bucks 5 years ago. Not really much of a bike path warrior, more like just a do everything bike. I've bashed it off-road a bit, which bent the oversized 52t sprocket I had put on up front. Also put on a Shimano Mega-Range 7 speed freewheel on the back. Should have a three piece crank in it this weekend so I can have it ready for my Arizonian desert adventure.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4114/4919744413_5e8924f4c4_b.jpg

Currently my only rideable bike. It's a Kulana Moondog. It's the only new bike I've ever bought. It's a Wal-Mart special I bought on clearance for 90 bucks 5 years ago. Not really much of a bike path warrior, more like just a do everything bike. I've bashed it off-road a bit, which bent the oversized 52t sprocket I had put on up front. Also put on a Shimano Mega-Range 7 speed freewheel on the back. Should have a three piece crank in it this weekend so I can have it ready for my Arizonian desert adventure.

nice wm cruiser.
i built one of these from the box and half the parts were junk (bent fork, bent fenders, bent chain guard, bent spokes. basicly its a good thing i have a stockpile of bike parts) and i didnt use them. but these have a really good frame and can take a beating. a buddy of mine had one too ans we put a mega range and turned it 21speed threw some 26x2.3" mtb tires on it and switch the handle bars to risers and he loves it and takes it everywhere even some nasty trales i wouldnt do with my mtb.

btw ive never seen the green version you have. if that had the green ones here id have one.

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my gt at the end of the easy bay bike path, bristol r.i.

I'm on the right, wife and 13 year old son to the left in the pic and a fellow C&V rider about half way through a 40 mile ride last fall.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y171/FORDSVTPARTS/PERSONAL%20JUNK/39miler.jpg

My daughters are 11 and 5, the 11 year old isn't big into biking, the 5 year old wants to ride with us but she's still on training wheels but should be off this year and I already have a small frame 24" wheel road bike waiting for restoration so it'll be ready once she's big enough.

nice wm cruiser.
i built one of these from the box and half the parts were junk (bent fork, bent fenders, bent chain guard, bent spokes. basicly its a good thing i have a stockpile of bike parts) and i didnt use them. but these have a really good frame and can take a beating. a buddy of mine had one too ans we put a mega range and turned it 21speed threw some 26x2.3" mtb tires on it and switch the handle bars to risers and he loves it and takes it everywhere even some nasty trales i wouldnt do with my mtb.

btw ive never seen the green version you have. if that had the green ones here id have one.

I guess I got lucky or you just had bad luck but I haven't really had to replace much. I changed out the rear for a mega range, broke some spokes while trying to adjust my rear derailleur, a couple of tubes, and replaced the front sprocket with a big 52 tooth one soon to be a 52 and a 38. I'm taking it out for an off-road Arizona desert tour in a couple of weeks. Got my racks on the front and back and have some "panniers" aka mil-surp canvas bags ready to be put on here. You're right about the frame. It's the main reason why I bought it, other than the color :)

A few more shots for the very few Wal-Mart cruiser fans :)

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4136/4905583556_74bf0af31b_b.jpg

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4097/4920343194_ee5676244d_b.jpg

Both taken out in Arizona. Still trying to figure out my bike route for the upcoming trip. It'll all be either two track trails or jeep roads. My buddy has a mystery beach cruiser that he's setting up for the trip as well.

Trek 800 with road tires, rack and bag, lights and new grips.
http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr182/oldtacomaguy/002-5.jpg

I guess I got lucky or you just had bad luck but I haven't really had to replace much. I changed out the rear for a mega range, broke some spokes while trying to adjust my rear derailleur, a couple of tubes, and replaced the front sprocket with a big 52 tooth one soon to be a 52 and a 38. I'm taking it out for an off-road Arizona desert tour in a couple of weeks. Got my racks on the front and back and have some "panniers" aka mil-surp canvas bags ready to be put on here. You're right about the frame. It's the main reason why I bought it, other than the color :)

A few more shots for the very few Wal-Mart cruiser fans :)

Both taken out in Arizona. Still trying to figure out my bike route for the upcoming trip. It'll all be either two track trails or jeep roads. My buddy has a mystery beach cruiser that he's setting up for the trip as well.

Yea when it comes to wm bikes you win some and you lose some.
My Ocean Pacific cruiser from wm wears ago has been a great bike
And beyond upgrades I've never had to change anything but tires and tubes.

I still think cruisers need their own section.

Here's my wm cruiser as it sets. I take it on any concrete path I can find. It's a converted 6spd and is getting a facelift this spring. (Time to go green)
http://i1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff427/whitefiretiger87/Op%20cruiser/OP.jpg

Yea when it comes to wm bikes you win some and you lose some.
My Ocean Pacific cruiser from wm wears ago has been a great bike
And beyond upgrades I've never had to change anything but tires and tubes.


I'm planning on buying a Huffy Cranbrook this weekend. I think it's the cheapest adult bike one can buy. I want to take it out on a short "tour" (100 miles tops) just for the fun of it. Being a single speed I don' think I'll be breaking any speed records.


I still think cruisers need their own section.


Me too although it would seem that cruisers don't get a lot of love on the bikeforums.

I think I've seen your cruiser over on Rat Rod Bikes, it's pretty snazzy. I've always liked cruisers even as a kid but my parents would buy me cheapo mountain bikes from garage sales or old 10 speed road bikes which were totally unsuited to the gravel roads where I grew up. I bought my first cruiser when I jumped a freight train hoping to go out west. Instead I only went maybe 100 miles and it was eastward besides. Spent three days hoboing around with my buddy. The second day we decided that it was time to get a couple of bikes. So we both bought the cheapest bikes we came across. I picked up a girls cruiser for 15 bucks. The seat was a horrid hard steel and plastic one. I wound up wrapping it in my flannel coat. My buddy bought a 10 speed for 10 bucks at a garage sale. The next day we slowly rode back the 40 some miles home. His bike may have had more speeds but mine rolled super easy. I kept that bike for a few years, it usually was thrown in the back of my truck in case it broke down or ran out of gas (truck was really old and clunky). I bought the bike I have now on a whim. I was with my buddy who drove truck. He stopped at a Wal-Mart and there was this green beach cruiser on super sale. I didn't want to spend 90 bucks on a new bike but liked the color so much that I bought it anyway. It's been happy cruising ever since :)

I'm not on rat rod bikes.

For the love of riding ill never own another huffy. I had one as a young teen and ended up with the frame of it wrapped around my leg. Yet some how I didn't bend the wheel.

What is the location of you photo enine? Looks like a nice paved trail. For great info and photos on Florida paved trails visit my website: http://www.trailviewmount.com/

My K2 started out like this when I picked it up back in 2009
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/Staticfade/Side.jpg

Since then I bought a Trek Xcaliber for my solo rides or when my daughter isn't with me and the K2 evolved into this :) The only things on it that are as it came are the shifters, fork and brakeset. I am planning on a Surly instigator fork in the near future as well and I honestly enjoy riding this bike as much as the new Trek.

Nothing too extreme but it gets the job done and I love the way that it rides.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/Staticfade/K2side.jpg

and a shot with the Adams attached since thats how it looks 90% of the time lately.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc44/Staticfade/Adams.jpg

All these are ridden on paths,and roads (only the 29"ers and occasionally the CX on trail),so they're all Path Warriors at one time or other,from newest to the oldest...

'12 Citizen Miami and '12 Schwinn Loop:
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/2012%20Citizen%20Miami/017.jpg

'11 Origin 8 700CX:
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/2011%20Origin%208%20700CX/IMG_3385.jpg

'10 Vassago Jabberwocky (the 29"er SS):
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/2011%20Vassago%20Jabberwocky/IMG_3461.jpg

'10 Vassago Bandersnatch (the geared 29"er):
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/Ride%20Pics-2011/IMG_3550.jpg

'57 CCM (only on the rarest of occasions and driest of days since there's bare steel showing,LOL):
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/1950s%20CCM/IMG_3732.jpg

The first warrior is my 2009 Gary Fisher Zabrano to which I have added a rear view mirror, handlebar bag, cage and bottle, air pump, bar ends and a couple small flashing front and rear lights.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/xjken99/IMG_0427.jpg

My second warrior is also a path bike. It's a '92 Schwinn Frontier that I have added bar ends, cage and bottle, rear view mirror and a flashing rear reflector

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/xjken99/IMG_0437.jpg

Here are a few of my Bike Trail Warriors. I love them all for diffrent reasonsl......The wife & I really love Tandem riding AKA the Marrage Counsler.

Ride Safe All,
Bill G

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This is my all around bike and my daughter's brand new Pedal Trainer. She just turned 4 and has really great balance, but simply refuses to pedal forward. So, the wife and I bought this so that she could still join us on trips around the parks while also hopefully learning how to pedal herself so that she can eventually get herself her own 'big girl' bike. So far we've put about 18 miles on it in a week with only two trips so doing pretty good for her age I think.

I've been considering adding a basket or rack to my bike for when the daughter and I go solo, but atm my wife rounds us out with her Electra '7d' Townie so I haven't had much of a need. I do plan on adding mirrors and lights soon though in hopes of starting to use it on my nightly work commute, but that will have to wait for another month or so at least if I do.

This newly-built-up old friend* has been getting ridden lots since it's build a few weeks ago...
http://i722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/Longhaultruker1/2000%20Trek%206000%20Xtracycle/008.jpg



*"Old friend",I've had the Trek since new in June of 2000,the Xtra bits are new (even if they were bought "used",they'd never been assembled) :)

My bike path warrior is an Electra Townie 24 speed. Upgrades: Electra Bullhorn cruiser bars, front and rear Avid BB7 disc brakes, Brake Therapy disc brake adapter for rear wheel, Rhino Lite disc wheels, Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post, Hobson Easy Seat 2 (version 1), new RST front suspension fork to accommodate disc brakes, Halo Twin Rail tires (very fast and thorn resistant), Bike Nashbar Platform pedals, Townie rear rack with rack trunk bag.

This thing is extremely comfortable. I tout it as the Holy Grail of Beach Cruisers. It is probably the last upright bike I'll ever have to buy.

Click on thumbnail for larger pic:
255169

The first warrior is my 2009 Gary Fisher Zabrano to which I have added a rear view mirror, handlebar bag, cage and bottle, air pump, bar ends and a couple small flashing front and rear lights.

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/xjken99/IMG_0427.jpg

My second warrior is also a path bike. It's a '92 Schwinn Frontier that I have added bar ends, cage and bottle, rear view mirror and a flashing rear reflector

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn148/xjken99/IMG_0437.jpg
LLOVE them! I especialy dig the center stand on the yellow one!

This you ride on a bike path? Why?

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Actually, I take it back. I have been doing a lot of Bike Path miles on this thing lately to get my legs back under me.....
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This is my pathway cruiser... Ugly old bike I got for $10 and played with...

Replaced the original saddle, handlebar, grips, brake levers, shifters, seatpost and tires.

261724

Yessiree, Flame grips and whitewall tires, LOL.

My bike path warrior is an Electra Townie 24 speed. Upgrades: Electra Bullhorn cruiser bars, front and rear Avid BB7 disc brakes, Brake Therapy disc brake adapter for rear wheel, Rhino Lite disc wheels, Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post, Hobson Easy Seat 2 (version 1), new RST front suspension fork to accommodate disc brakes, Halo Twin Rail tires (very fast and thorn resistant), Bike Nashbar Platform pedals, Townie rear rack with rack trunk bag.

This thing is extremely comfortable. I tout it as the Holy Grail of Beach Cruisers. It is probably the last upright bike I'll ever have to buy.

Click on thumbnail for larger pic:
255169Git 'er done T-Hed! Nice ride!

This is my pathway cruiser... Ugly old bike I got for $10 and played with...

Replaced the original saddle, handlebar, grips, brake levers, shifters, seatpost and tires.

261724

Yessiree, Flame grips and whitewall tires, LOL.:love:

Here is my path bike, it's a late 70's/early 80's Free Spirit 6 speed. Cruiser white wall tires are almost too wide, I ended up having to change fenders from narrow chrome to these wider black ones. That is a cargo rack under the baby carrier, I just never removed it (our 1 year old prefers the carrier over a bike trailer right now). Rides like a dream thanks to those large tires. Vintage speedometer I can never seem to get dry (had 125 miles on it when I installed it), the frame was rescued from the dump.

http://www.butchthecat.com/butch/bike1.jpg

Someone had mentioned getting a Huffy Cranbrook Cruiser. My wife loved the looks of it, we were going to restore an old 3 speed huffy to look like it, but I ended up just getting her the bike. She loves it, I think it certainly has style. She's added a cup holder and wicker basket, I have a chrome cargo rack to add to the back. This is her first coaster brake bike, she's still getting used to it...its a bit scary when you're not used to it. Because her bike is a one speed, I generally pull and haul everything with the Free Spirit, it has a freight trailer it hauls as well.

http://www.butchthecat.com/butch/bike2.jpg

This photo is old, but shows the idea of my double-double. Not too nimble, so bike paths are a plus.

Since this was taken, my eldest daughter(6) is off the tandem and rides the front of the trail-a-tandem, where she can pedal and shift. (Photo had that spot not pedal-capable, just footrests). Middle daughter now (4) kid-stokes, and son (2) is still at the back in a seat.

This photo is old, but shows the idea of my double-double. Not too nimble, so bike paths are a plus.

Wow. I'd stick a trailer on the back of that just for a photo op. That is very much a bike train! I love the long rigs. Here is mine...there are only two of us on board and the rear trailer is just for stuff, but it seems pretty common.
http://www.butchthecat.com/butch/bike3.jpg

Here's my newest rig. It's a Giant Escape 2 which is quite possibly the lowest cost adult bike in their line, but for the price it's quite good. IT's got a 6061 frame to build on, so I can upgrade. Tomorrow I'm replacing the stock tires with Continental SportContacts because I'm allergic to flats. I already have good lighting (NiteRider 1500 pro on the front, nice blinkies on the back). Today I pulled off the grips and put on bar ends and a mirror. I'm gonna keep everything black. I got the bike basically for free, I traded an old touring bike I had straight across to an lbs.
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No fenders will be put on it because I live in the desert, and no rear rack because I like my backpack. Primary use will be as a recreational/fitness machine.

I bought my Trek 4500 on my second year of college (year 2000) and rode it off road until 2005. After that I focused on work and unfortunately stopped riding. Seven years later and 20 pounds heavier, I finally decided that working or having a child was no excuse for not exercising.... So here it is: added more road friendly tires, bar ends and upgraded brake and tranny components to shimano lx and xt. Rides very nice and my kid loves it! And of course, I already told my wife I needed another bike for when riding solo.

My wife's Biria and my frankenbike.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/20120421Mijos/IMG_0869.jpg

Another pic with mine in front

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/20120704BikeDate/IMG_2941.jpg

The Biria is an "Easy Boarding" bike which gets her over the fear of falling off the bike (like she did in 5th grade when she broke her kneecap).

My bike is a 1983 Raleigh Marathon that started life as a 12-speed drop bar sport tourer that came to me out of a dumpster. I'm into the bike for a little over $100 including 2-speed kickback hub rear wheel, cruiser bars and Brooks saddle.

My bike is a 1983 Raleigh Marathon that started life as a 12-speed drop bar sport tourer that came to me out of a dumpster. I'm into the bike for a little over $100 including 2-speed kickback hub rear wheel, cruiser bars and Brooks saddle.The Raleigh looks great. I'm going to keep my eyes on the local dumpsters from now on . . . :thumb: Frame size would indicate that you are very tall. We need a Tall Rider forum here. I'm "just" 6'5"

Another pic with mine in front

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e341/Doohickie/20120704BikeDate/IMG_2941.jpg

The Biria is an "Easy Boarding" bike which gets her over the fear of falling off the bike (like she did in 5th grade when she broke her kneecap).

My bike is a 1983 Raleigh Marathon that started life as a 12-speed drop bar sport tourer that came to me out of a dumpster. I'm into the bike for a little over $100 including 2-speed kickback hub rear wheel, cruiser bars and Brooks saddle.
That's the old Marathon? I didn't recognize it at all! It looks goos as a city-type bike. Ride on man!

The Raleigh looks great. I'm going to keep my eyes on the local dumpsters from now on . . . :thumb: Frame size would indicate that you are very tall. We need a Tall Rider forum here. I'm "just" 6'5"
If you think that is a great find DON"T go to the C&V forum. It's maddening how many nice bikes those guys pull out of dumpsters (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/491454-Your-Catch-of-the-Day-Saved-from-the-Dump!)and such!

The Raleigh looks great. I'm going to keep my eyes on the local dumpsters from now on . . . :thumb: Frame size would indicate that you are very tall. We need a Tall Rider forum here. I'm "just" 6'5"

I'm only 6'-2" myself. It's a 25" frame.


That's the old Marathon? I didn't recognize it at all! It looks goos as a city-type bike. Ride on man!

Yep. The old Dumpster Queen. More details on the conversion here (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php/795888-Cheapo-project?p=13798489&viewfull=1#post13798489).