Originally Posted by
roccobike
This may be seen as incorrect in this forum, but I'd encourage your folks to buy one new bike from an LBS to replace the cruiser. It will be lighter and faster. I'd get the 3 speed working for the other ride, for now. The objective is to get them to ride. Once they are hooked, then you can bring over the vintage steel road bikes to get them really moving.
I discussed this with them. I wouldn't want them to get a cheap big box bike, I would prefer that they buy a hybrid fitness type bike from an LBS, but they start at around $300+ each (600-700 total) and they are not looking at spending nearly this much yet given the economy. I think I can do most of the work that they need for less than $150 total (new saddles, grips, tires, tubes, cables, front brake for the Sears, ) I may be able to score another cruiser with a 3 speed to either use or source for parts so that my Mother has gears.