Landrider
02-19-12, 10:45 PM
#52
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Bikes: Motorized Land Rider Auto Shift
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I own a motorized auto shift Land Rider. I installed a Staton Inc crank drive system. You can view images of the bike by looking up LR Jerry. Of course upgrades had to be made in order to motorize the bike but this is common when putting an engine on any bike. Because of the crank drive system the bike is now a 21 speed instead of a 14 speed. I manually shift the front three gears and the rear seven shift automatically. The chain, twist shift, rear hub and freewheel (not a cassette) was replaced. I live in Tennessee where there's lots of steep hills and long grades. Because of my setup I can ride where single ratio drive motorized bicycles can't. Most of the peddle only riders have very lite bikes are young and very fit. I'm 49 years old 6'2" and 235 lbs. I've been able to go up any hill 7+ mph. Level ground 30 mph. And downhill 45+ mph. Since the frame is a heavy duty one its able to handle the high speeds. I've had my critics but the biggest thing against them is the bike actually works. In the end ride what you enjoy. Open minded creative people will always find ways to improve things. Different doesn't mean inferior.
08-30-16, 03:40 PM
#53
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08-30-16, 03:40 PM
#54
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I own a motorized auto shift Land Rider. I installed a Staton Inc crank drive system. You can view images of the bike by looking up LR Jerry. Of course upgrades had to be made in order to motorize the bike but this is common when putting an engine on any bike. Because of the crank drive system the bike is now a 21 speed instead of a 14 speed. I manually shift the front three gears and the rear seven shift automatically. The chain, twist shift, rear hub and freewheel (not a cassette) was replaced. I live in Tennessee where there's lots of steep hills and long grades. Because of my setup I can ride where single ratio drive motorized bicycles can't. Most of the peddle only riders have very lite bikes are young and very fit. I'm 49 years old 6'2" and 235 lbs. I've been able to go up any hill 7+ mph. Level ground 30 mph. And downhill 45+ mph. Since the frame is a heavy duty one its able to handle the high speeds. I've had my critics but the biggest thing against them is the bike actually works. In the end ride what you enjoy. Open minded creative people will always find ways to improve things. Different doesn't mean inferior.
08-30-16, 03:45 PM
#55
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As far as you know. I've had my Landrider for 15 years and it's never broken down. Normal maintenance to bearings etc., adjustment to shift point (3 times since I've owned it). If you don't want one, don't buy one but don't dump on other peoples choices out of ignorance or contrariness.
08-30-16, 03:49 PM
#56
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I too would covet a bike that read my thoughts. The LR lags behind a bit in your proactive approach (as is my nature also) to making gear changes. It will actually lag a bit (just a few seconds actually...maybe 10) in it's response to changing pedal speed/terrain. This is adjustable but I have not "gone there" yet. Admittedly, the AutoShift is a bit of a novelty and takes a bit of "gettin used to" to enjoy it's advanages.....which are highly criticized by the vet bikers. Such is life. Opinions are like brains...everyone has one. The type riding I do is highly variable and the Landrider gets it don for me......but I will eventually upgrade to a much higher tech bike...maybe a Cannondale.
But, having bought my LR at a deal on Craigslist....I am OK with the choice and will keep her around for many rides to come....we're going to Charleston, SC this week along with the BMW K75 to do some winter fun in the sun and trails.
But, having bought my LR at a deal on Craigslist....I am OK with the choice and will keep her around for many rides to come....we're going to Charleston, SC this week along with the BMW K75 to do some winter fun in the sun and trails.
08-30-16, 04:02 PM
#57
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I do not mean to get personal. When someone with a post count of one or two shows up to endorse a product, whether in a new thread, or a zombie thread like this one, it pins the needle on my shill dectector.
Just read back through this thread, starting with the single poster OP, and tell me those suspicions are not justified.
I note, however, that you did not directly address my acusation, so apology witheld for now.
I am not an anomymous internet sniper. The name you see in the left column is an abrieviation of what appears on my driver's license.
If you tell me you are not a shill, are not affilliated with Landrider, and have not posted on this previously under a different name, I will take you at you word, and I WILL apologize.
My characterization of the Landrider stands however. The basic design is sound, and the freewheeling chainwheel and fixed cassette are an ingenious way to make the mechanism work to downshift while coasting.
The issues are, too many wear points, and not enough adjustments to compensate for wear.
And the big one, too many proprietary parts that are unobtainable when replacement is indicated.
Glad you enjoy your bike.
Just read back through this thread, starting with the single poster OP, and tell me those suspicions are not justified.
I note, however, that you did not directly address my acusation, so apology witheld for now.
I am not an anomymous internet sniper. The name you see in the left column is an abrieviation of what appears on my driver's license.
If you tell me you are not a shill, are not affilliated with Landrider, and have not posted on this previously under a different name, I will take you at you word, and I WILL apologize.
My characterization of the Landrider stands however. The basic design is sound, and the freewheeling chainwheel and fixed cassette are an ingenious way to make the mechanism work to downshift while coasting.
The issues are, too many wear points, and not enough adjustments to compensate for wear.
And the big one, too many proprietary parts that are unobtainable when replacement is indicated.
Glad you enjoy your bike.
08-30-16, 04:06 PM
#58
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There have been a few variations of the Landrider over the years. A customer brought one in to our shop for regular maintenance, and I took it for a spin just out of curiosity. I was pretty much underwhelmed.
For those who don't know (Landrider prospective customers), gear selection has less to do with speed than terrain. It sometimes takes the use of multiple gears to maintain the same speed on varied terrain. You might shift down a few gears going up a hill, or shift up a few gears when going down a hill. The reason we change gears is to make more efficient use of our strength, not to maintain a steady cadence over varied speeds.
A human being is not a gas powered engine, people can get tired after a long ride and decide that an easier gear would suit them better. On a Landrider you have to change the "range", which is just another word for "shift". So the Landrider is not truly automatic, is it?
If you want a nice bike which you and your wife can ride regularly (as often as possible), then get a couple new Schwinn cruisers. You can get them with 1, 3, or 7 speeds. The 3 and 7 speed models use internally shifting hubs with old fashioned coaster brakes, which shift as easily as changing the "range" on a Landrider, but without the complicated and cheaply made autoshift set up.
I have a Schwinn Classic 7 Deluxe. It's a faithful copy of the old 50's Schwinn Phantom. It's a beauty to look at, and a beauty to ride, and its a much better deal all-around than the Landrider. Everyone who sees it (there aren't many of them around here in Japan) asks about it
FWIW, I am a serious cyclist who has been riding for more than 30 years. I bought the Schwinn because I wanted something to ride around the park with my girlfriend, and now I find I ride it much more than any of my other bikes.
Here are pics of both, which would you rather ride?
Schwinn Deluxe 7
Landrider
Amazingly enough, they both cost about the same.
For those who don't know (Landrider prospective customers), gear selection has less to do with speed than terrain. It sometimes takes the use of multiple gears to maintain the same speed on varied terrain. You might shift down a few gears going up a hill, or shift up a few gears when going down a hill. The reason we change gears is to make more efficient use of our strength, not to maintain a steady cadence over varied speeds.
A human being is not a gas powered engine, people can get tired after a long ride and decide that an easier gear would suit them better. On a Landrider you have to change the "range", which is just another word for "shift". So the Landrider is not truly automatic, is it?
If you want a nice bike which you and your wife can ride regularly (as often as possible), then get a couple new Schwinn cruisers. You can get them with 1, 3, or 7 speeds. The 3 and 7 speed models use internally shifting hubs with old fashioned coaster brakes, which shift as easily as changing the "range" on a Landrider, but without the complicated and cheaply made autoshift set up.
I have a Schwinn Classic 7 Deluxe. It's a faithful copy of the old 50's Schwinn Phantom. It's a beauty to look at, and a beauty to ride, and its a much better deal all-around than the Landrider. Everyone who sees it (there aren't many of them around here in Japan) asks about it
FWIW, I am a serious cyclist who has been riding for more than 30 years. I bought the Schwinn because I wanted something to ride around the park with my girlfriend, and now I find I ride it much more than any of my other bikes.
Here are pics of both, which would you rather ride?
Schwinn Deluxe 7
Landrider
Amazingly enough, they both cost about the same.
08-31-16, 09:07 AM
#60
mechanically sound
As far as you know. I've had my Landrider for 15 years and it's never broken down. Normal maintenance to bearings etc., adjustment to shift point (3 times since I've owned it). If you don't want one, don't buy one but don't dump on other peoples choices out of ignorance or contrariness.
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08-31-16, 09:31 AM
#61
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I Sold A New Landrider
for my brother who had bought one (and was upsold all of the accessories), but never rode it. Fortunately, IIRC, we got $225 of his money back.
I went over the bike fully before selling it, greasing and lubricating where needed and cleaning thoroughly. Trued the rims and adjusted the v-brakes. I think that I got it running as well as any factory-shipped version would/could.
My impressions:
- Shifting is wonky - the upshift is pretty much spot on, although at a lower rpm than I'd prefer. The downshift lags significantly and is an abrupt change. I couldn't get used to it.
- Component part quality is "below average", meaning bottom of the WalMart, K-Mart level of non-branded Chinese stuff. V-brake arms, as an example, were of lower grade castings, still with significant flash marks, and heavy. Rims were non-eyeleted with straight gauge spokes.
- Degree of adjustability is a plus. Stem was variable angle, and the seatpost gave a significant range.
- Tires were adequate for multi-surface paths.
- Heavy, obviously, but that doesn't matter one whit to anyone who knows better. Even the multi-tool (an upsell) is pretty heavy as compared to the Park tool model. I kept the multi-tool.
Summary:
It functioned, but was unpleasant to ride for an experienced bicyclist. Okay for a day at the beach. Not okay for a day running errands in moderately hilly/urban environments. Would not recommend. YMMV, as always.
I went over the bike fully before selling it, greasing and lubricating where needed and cleaning thoroughly. Trued the rims and adjusted the v-brakes. I think that I got it running as well as any factory-shipped version would/could.
My impressions:
- Shifting is wonky - the upshift is pretty much spot on, although at a lower rpm than I'd prefer. The downshift lags significantly and is an abrupt change. I couldn't get used to it.
- Component part quality is "below average", meaning bottom of the WalMart, K-Mart level of non-branded Chinese stuff. V-brake arms, as an example, were of lower grade castings, still with significant flash marks, and heavy. Rims were non-eyeleted with straight gauge spokes.
- Degree of adjustability is a plus. Stem was variable angle, and the seatpost gave a significant range.
- Tires were adequate for multi-surface paths.
- Heavy, obviously, but that doesn't matter one whit to anyone who knows better. Even the multi-tool (an upsell) is pretty heavy as compared to the Park tool model. I kept the multi-tool.
Summary:
It functioned, but was unpleasant to ride for an experienced bicyclist. Okay for a day at the beach. Not okay for a day running errands in moderately hilly/urban environments. Would not recommend. YMMV, as always.
08-31-16, 11:04 AM
#63
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I am 51. I was 39 when this thread was started.
09-05-16, 10:05 AM
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09-05-16, 10:16 AM
#67
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for my brother who had bought one (and was upsold all of the accessories), but never rode it. Fortunately, IIRC, we got $225 of his money back.
I went over the bike fully before selling it, greasing and lubricating where needed and cleaning thoroughly. Trued the rims and adjusted the v-brakes. I think that I got it running as well as any factory-shipped version would/could.
My impressions:
- Shifting is wonky - the upshift is pretty much spot on, although at a lower rpm than I'd prefer. The downshift lags significantly and is an abrupt change. I couldn't get used to it.
- Component part quality is "below average", meaning bottom of the WalMart, K-Mart level of non-branded Chinese stuff. V-brake arms, as an example, were of lower grade castings, still with significant flash marks, and heavy. Rims were non-eyeleted with straight gauge spokes.
- Degree of adjustability is a plus. Stem was variable angle, and the seatpost gave a significant range.
- Tires were adequate for multi-surface paths.
- Heavy, obviously, but that doesn't matter one whit to anyone who knows better. Even the multi-tool (an upsell) is pretty heavy as compared to the Park tool model. I kept the multi-tool.
Summary:
It functioned, but was unpleasant to ride for an experienced bicyclist. Okay for a day at the beach. Not okay for a day running errands in moderately hilly/urban environments. Would not recommend. YMMV, as always.
I went over the bike fully before selling it, greasing and lubricating where needed and cleaning thoroughly. Trued the rims and adjusted the v-brakes. I think that I got it running as well as any factory-shipped version would/could.
My impressions:
- Shifting is wonky - the upshift is pretty much spot on, although at a lower rpm than I'd prefer. The downshift lags significantly and is an abrupt change. I couldn't get used to it.
- Component part quality is "below average", meaning bottom of the WalMart, K-Mart level of non-branded Chinese stuff. V-brake arms, as an example, were of lower grade castings, still with significant flash marks, and heavy. Rims were non-eyeleted with straight gauge spokes.
- Degree of adjustability is a plus. Stem was variable angle, and the seatpost gave a significant range.
- Tires were adequate for multi-surface paths.
- Heavy, obviously, but that doesn't matter one whit to anyone who knows better. Even the multi-tool (an upsell) is pretty heavy as compared to the Park tool model. I kept the multi-tool.
Summary:
It functioned, but was unpleasant to ride for an experienced bicyclist. Okay for a day at the beach. Not okay for a day running errands in moderately hilly/urban environments. Would not recommend. YMMV, as always.
I'd ridden for 40 years on 4 different bikes and and I was used to it in 3 rides, keeps me at a decent cadence and I like it. If you're worried about he the weight of the multi-tool you are a bit of a needle nose. This ain't the Tour de France and you aren't steroid ridden Lance Armstrong. A Leatherman is heavy too, but I keep one on my belt anyway.
09-05-16, 10:20 AM
#68
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Because others will come along and read some of the misguided posts against Landrider and think those posts are the end all and be all of words on it.
The better question is, why are you still reading these old posts, the dates are right at the top of them.
09-05-16, 10:55 AM
#69
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Because I'm a Bike Forums moderator.
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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
09-05-16, 10:58 AM
#70
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I am requesting information on the LANDRIDER.
I have read many members opinions of the Landrider bicycle but.... would like to hear from someone who actually owned one or has ridden the Landrider brand.
My wife and I are 55 yrs old, she has tried riding a conventional 10 speed in the past and had problems pedaling, shifting, and breaking. (she never had a bicycle as a child and never learned to ride). If shifting were removed from the equation riding might be easier for her.
Neither of us are challenged, both hold MS, we just want to ride for fun and exercise.
We would love to hear from anyone with first hand experience.
thank you,
Charles London
I have read many members opinions of the Landrider bicycle but.... would like to hear from someone who actually owned one or has ridden the Landrider brand.
My wife and I are 55 yrs old, she has tried riding a conventional 10 speed in the past and had problems pedaling, shifting, and breaking. (she never had a bicycle as a child and never learned to ride). If shifting were removed from the equation riding might be easier for her.
Neither of us are challenged, both hold MS, we just want to ride for fun and exercise.
We would love to hear from anyone with first hand experience.
thank you,
Charles London
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
09-06-16, 03:41 PM
#72
Zip tie Karen
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I think that my point was unclear. The tool was a low-grade imitation of the equivalent Park Tool...a clear facsimile. The weight was only indicative of the quality of steel used in the individual tool arms. As for what tools everyone carries, each must decide based on risks and needs. My review of the LandRider was written for those who might be considering one and who use search engines to inform the choice. I would not ride one, because I think that there are better values at that price point. For $75 at the beach, maybe...
10-06-16, 04:15 PM
#73
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I think that my point was unclear. The tool was a low-grade imitation of the equivalent Park Tool...a clear facsimile. The weight was only indicative of the quality of steel used in the individual tool arms. As for what tools everyone carries, each must decide based on risks and needs. My review of the LandRider was written for those who might be considering one and who use search engines to inform the choice. I would not ride one, because I think that there are better values at that price point. For $75 at the beach, maybe...
10-06-16, 04:17 PM
#74
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10-06-16, 04:20 PM
#75
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