Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Beach Cruisers
Reload this Page >

Converting F5 Cannondale to Beach Cruiser

Notices
Beach Cruisers Do you love balloon tires and fenders? Do you love riding the simplicity of a single gear and coaster brakes or a single gear cluster? Do you love the classic curves in the tubing of a cruiser that takes you back to the 1950's and 1960's, stylistically? Here's your home! Welcome to the Beach Cruisers and Cruisers forum!

Converting F5 Cannondale to Beach Cruiser

Old 07-04-16, 11:50 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Converting F5 Cannondale to Beach Cruiser

Converting F5 Cannondale to Beach Cruiser
This is my first post in this forum, been doing some research on converting mtb, to a beach cruiser, mainly because of comfort.
Got my F5 cannondale about 6 years ago, changed stock gears to better grade shimano then the originals, and haven't had to do anything repair wise or any adjustments in about 3 years. I ride just about everyday on the beach in hollywood, fl. for about 8 miles then I park her back in the living room till the next day's ride.
Thing is, I just want to have a more laid back relaxing kind of ride now, tired of leaning forward, and sitting on that little hard gel seat.

Have some ideas on what to do, but wanted a little feedback, especially tire size help.
Here's the specs on the cannondale F5: https://knowyourbike.com/cannondale/f5.

The handlebars i want to swap out will be these: S&M Bikes | 7" 4 PIECE CRUISER BAR


Saddle :

or this:


Tires: My tire size is 26X2.1 (would it be ok to put say 2.25 on instead?) seems there's more of that size then the 2.1 my F5 has.
1. Two 2 Beach Cruiser 26x2 125 Bicycle Tires Inner Tubes Diamond Red Wall New | eBay

2. Red Wall Duro XXX 26"X2 125" Beach Cruiser Tire Chopper Lowrider Rat Rod | eBay

Are the parts I listed good enough to get me more comfort while biking, I truly hope so.
Any help would be much appreciated !

My bike as it is.
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-05-16, 11:07 AM
  #2  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
Welcome. Nice mugshot Jesse.

Things to consider:

Are those bars the right diameter for your stem clamp? Your current bars have a 31.8mm diameter where the stem clamps around them. The bars you are looking at appear (no specs listed) to have a 7/8ths inch or 1 inch old school clamping area.

Those bars are a lot higher and wider. A LOT. Will you have enough brake and shifter cable to make the reach? If not, are you willing to recable the whole bike, or pay someone to do it?

Raising the bars isn't the whole solution to finding your comfort. Reach is a really big deal too. If you want to sit more upright then you MUST get a bar that sweeps back some, and/or replace your existing stem with a shorter stem to decrease the reach.

Dialing in fit is often a lot of trial and error. In order to get a closer starting point, try this. Sit on the bike while right next to a wall and lean against the wall. Let go of the bars and sit how you WANT to be positioned. Look at where your hands are and estimate how much rise you need and how much less reach you need. Or, better, have a friend measure for you.

Stems also come in a a few angles too. So you can use a different stem to raise the bars and decrease reach. Or, you might get lucky if you find the handlebar with the perfect bend/back-sweep,

The tire will fit for sure. Be aware of tire weights though. Having a smoother tread should result in a smoother ride, but sometimes people are surprised when they change a set of tires and the bike feels super sluggish and heavy. This is because the newer tire is heavier. Increasing/decreasing rotating mass/weight has a big effect on acceleration and handling. It doesn't take much weight to really transform a bikes performance in either direction. Just be aware and shop according to your priorities.

Saddles are very personal because everyone's butt is different. I may LOVE saddle "A" and someone else will find it unbearable, even for short rides. Changing your riding position will change your saddle need as well. As you sit more upright you rotate onto the wider section of your sit bones. So a saddle that works while bent over, might not work when you sit up. Go to a bike shop and sit on as a many saddles as you can in order to get an idea of what may work for you. Don't buy a saddle until you get the front end and your riding position completely sorted out.



Last edited by SquidPuppet; 07-05-16 at 11:10 AM.
SquidPuppet is offline  
Old 07-05-16, 11:31 AM
  #3  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Glad you like Jesse Avatar...lol.
I really appreciate the reply, I see I have some work ahead of me to get this conversion right.
I know i'll have to get bike re-cabled. I think i'll bring it to my bike shop, and ask them for some help in what i need, and how much it will cost.

Just wanted to post here first, to see what other might have to say about it, and the items i listed.

Thanks for the tip on the handlebars as well Squid. Really appreciate the help!

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet
Welcome. Nice mugshot Jesse.

Things to consider:

Are those bars the right diameter for your stem clamp? Your current bars have a 31.8mm diameter where the stem clamps around them. The bars you are looking at appear (no specs listed) to have a 7/8ths inch or 1 inch old school clamping area.

Those bars are a lot higher and wider. A LOT. Will you have enough brake and shifter cable to make the reach? If not, are you willing to recable the whole bike, or pay someone to do it?

Raising the bars isn't the whole solution to finding your comfort. Reach is a really big deal too. If you want to sit more upright then you MUST get a bar that sweeps back some, and/or replace your existing stem with a shorter stem to decrease the reach.

Dialing in fit is often a lot of trial and error. In order to get a closer starting point, try this. Sit on the bike while right next to a wall and lean against the wall. Let go of the bars and sit how you WANT to be positioned. Look at where your hands are and estimate how much rise you need and how much less reach you need. Or, better, have a friend measure for you.

Stems also come in a a few angles too. So you can use a different stem to raise the bars and decrease reach. Or, you might get lucky if you find the handlebar with the perfect bend/back-sweep,

The tire will fit for sure. Be aware of tire weights though. Having a smoother tread should result in a smoother ride, but sometimes people are surprised when they change a set of tires and the bike feels super sluggish and heavy. This is because the newer tire is heavier. Increasing/decreasing rotating mass/weight has a big effect on acceleration and handling. It doesn't take much weight to really transform a bikes performance in either direction. Just be aware and shop according to your priorities.

Saddles are very personal because everyone's butt is different. I may LOVE saddle "A" and someone else will find it unbearable, even for short rides. Changing your riding position will change your saddle need as well. As you sit more upright you rotate onto the wider section of your sit bones. So a saddle that works while bent over, might not work when you sit up. Go to a bike shop and sit on as a many saddles as you can in order to get an idea of what may work for you. Don't buy a saddle until you get the front end and your riding position completely sorted out.


CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-05-16, 11:34 AM
  #4  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
Originally Posted by CrankyMat
Glad you like Jesse Avatar...lol.
I really appreciate the reply, I see I have some work ahead of me to get this conversion right.
I know i'll have to get bike re-cabled. I think i'll bring it to my bike shop, and ask them for some help in what i need, and how much it will cost.

Just wanted to post here first, to see what other might have to say about it, and the items i listed.

Thanks for the tip on the handlebars as well Squid. Really appreciate the help!
There are shops that have "Fitting" pros too. Just FYI. Good luck.
SquidPuppet is offline  
Old 07-05-16, 03:24 PM
  #5  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanks again.
appreciate you also pointing out the stem size on my bike...lol that helps when picking new handlebars.
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-05-16, 07:34 PM
  #6  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
Originally Posted by CrankyMat
Thanks again.
appreciate you also pointing out the stem size on my bike...lol that helps when picking new handlebars.

Another FYI. Stems are available with different size clamps. So if you find a pair of handlebars that you LOVE, you can always buy a stem that will work.
SquidPuppet is offline  
Old 07-06-16, 08:15 PM
  #7  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by SquidPuppet
Another FYI. Stems are available with different size clamps. So if you find a pair of handlebars that you LOVE, you can always buy a stem that will work.
Found the right diameter, and which looks to be the perfect handlebar for the conversion.

https://www.bikeman.com/HB5051.html

and for the seat, i'm gonna go with this i think.

Where to Buy WTB Speed V (this had the best price to comfort ratio), and looks nice.

appreciate the replies squid....your the only one...lol.
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-07-16, 07:47 AM
  #8  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
Originally Posted by CrankyMat
Found the right diameter, and which looks to be the perfect handlebar for the conversion.

https://www.bikeman.com/HB5051.html
Please allow me to save you $40.00

"On One" created that bend and many manufacturers have since copied it. "On One" calls that bar the "Mary" bar and it was huge with Mountain Bikers converting their bikes to urban assault vehicles. I had the bar on a bike and can vouch for it. High quality aluminum, excellent finish, lighter than helium and stiffer than granite. $22.50.

Notice the upward angle on the stem? I did that for height and comfort.

On-One Mary Handlebar | Planet X
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
New_1_DSCF0250.jpg (97.6 KB, 135 views)
File Type: jpg
DSCF0280.jpg (96.6 KB, 130 views)

Last edited by SquidPuppet; 07-07-16 at 07:52 AM.
SquidPuppet is offline  
Old 07-07-16, 02:06 PM
  #9  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
YOur bike is real sweet looking. Love the color, it's a real cruiser minus the cruiser frame.
Those bars look perfect....and you just saved me $40 bucks !!!
I really appreciate your help squidpuppet......thanks so much.
p.s
What do you think of the saddle I have my eye on?

Thanks again man, have a gr8t day!

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet
Please allow me to save you $40.00

"On One" created that bend and many manufacturers have since copied it. "On One" calls that bar the "Mary" bar and it was huge with Mountain Bikers converting their bikes to urban assault vehicles. I had the bar on a bike and can vouch for it. High quality aluminum, excellent finish, lighter than helium and stiffer than granite. $22.50.

Notice the upward angle on the stem? I did that for height and comfort.

On-One Mary Handlebar | Planet X
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-07-16, 02:30 PM
  #10  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
Originally Posted by CrankyMat
YOur bike is real sweet looking. Love the color, it's a real cruiser minus the cruiser frame.
Those bars look perfect....and you just saved me $40 bucks !!!
I really appreciate your help squidpuppet......thanks so much.
p.s
What do you think of the saddle I have my eye on?

Thanks again man, have a gr8t day!
You are welcome dude.

Saddles. Super personal. Some people hate slippery saddles because they can't stay put. Other people love slippery saddles because it's easier to move around. LOL. Some people love narrow saddles because they don't rub your thighs. Some people hate narrow saddles because they ride up into your soft tissue. LOL.


All my bikes have Brooks leather saddles. There is no "Base" under the leather. The leather is only connected at the nose and the very back. It is literally suspended in air like a hammock. Because of this, they act like suspension when you go over bumps. Plus, with some miles and sweat, leather will form to YOUR butt, just like a good pair of shoes forms to your feet.

The very first time I rode on my Brooks B17 I knew I would never go back. Luxurious, like a Benz.

MILLIONS of people HATE the way Brooks saddles feel. LOL.

Brooks saddles are a little on the heavy side, and they aint cheap.

A good bike shop will have the tool necessary to measure the width of your sit bones. Basically it's a gel pad on a bench. You sit on it (in the position you ride in!)for a minute and when you get up there will be dents in the gel from your bones. The distance between the two is then measured. Then you can pick a saddle of the appropriate width.

But even when you know that, it's still totally personal. For example, my butt is MOST irritated by soft foam rubbery saddles. I like a hard surface to sit on. You could be the exact opposite.

Like I said, go sit on as many as you can and you'll start noticing stuff that you like/hate.

The Charge "Spoon" seems to get great reviews by a TON of folks here in the Single Speed and Fixed Gear Forum. I've seen it mentioned with extreme favor a zillion times. Inexpensive and they say it's really durable. It may be the best thing you've ever sat on in you life. Or, after five miles you might be screaming at it calling it an ass hatchet. LOL. I think it's a handsome saddle, but looks should actually be the last thing to consider when buying a saddle.

Spoon - Charge Bikes

Good luck. Update this thread after you get it all set up.

Peace


These are some of my other saddles. LOL


The B15 Swallow. For racing kuz it's sexy as hell.





Honey colored Team Pro Classic





Blue to match




And a couple of black ones







Last edited by SquidPuppet; 07-07-16 at 02:43 PM.
SquidPuppet is offline  
Old 07-07-16, 08:26 PM
  #11  
Senior Member
 
SHOFINE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Gulf Coast
Posts: 541
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times in 15 Posts
Hey Mat!

If you get that Mary Bar shipped to Hollywood for less than $30 let me know. Most of my bikes have Mary type bars. Ever since the PX Oregon shop shut down it's all from overseas. I got a couple of Metropolis bars for less than $35 a few years ago but no more! I'd love to get me another mary though.



BTW I saw my 1st Fat Bike on the Broadwalk while down for the 2013 Orange Bowl.
SHOFINE is offline  
Old 07-07-16, 09:27 PM
  #12  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I am very glad you suggested the mary bars.
Seen nothing but great reviews from mountian bike riders that use them.
I'll be purchasing the red ones, should go well with the red cannondale.

Man, all your bikes are awesome looking, clean and crisp looking. Love the chopped logs behind one of your bikes, looks like a nice place to be.

Thanks again for the saddle suggestion, i've bookmarked it, and will get the tan saddle spoon i think. I'm glad i joined this group, was hoping to get some more seasoned pro's that may help me out in my mtb to cruiser/urban conversion.

You f'ing awesome squiddy !!!!
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-07-16, 09:31 PM
  #13  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
i just ran into a youtube video that has exact mary bars, but their called -Soma Fab Clarence Handlebar

here's the youtube link...they look identical.......perhaps i'll have to check 'em out since the mary's are not in the U.S.....shipping anyway's.


thanks for the update on the mary bars btw....


Originally Posted by SHOFINE
Hey Mat!

If you get that Mary Bar shipped to Hollywood for less than $30 let me know. Most of my bikes have Mary type bars. Ever since the PX Oregon shop shut down it's all from overseas. I got a couple of Metropolis bars for less than $35 a few years ago but no more! I'd love to get me another mary though.



BTW I saw my 1st Fat Bike on the Broadwalk while down for the 2013 Orange Bowl.
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-08-16, 09:59 AM
  #14  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by CrankyMat
i just ran into a youtube video that has exact mary bars, but their called -Soma Fab Clarence Handlebar

here's the youtube link...they look identical.......perhaps i'll have to check 'em out since the mary's are not in the U.S.....shipping anyway's.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-ehToqf1yE

thanks for the update on the mary bars btw....
I don't see them anywhere in u.s. But i'd pay the extra money since they do look exactly like what i want.
Thank u Handlebar...
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-08-16, 10:06 AM
  #15  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
Originally Posted by SHOFINE
Hey Mat!

If you get that Mary Bar shipped to Hollywood for less than $30 let me know. Most of my bikes have Mary type bars. Ever since the PX Oregon shop shut down it's all from overseas. I got a couple of Metropolis bars for less than $35 a few years ago but no more! I'd love to get me another mary though.



BTW I saw my 1st Fat Bike on the Broadwalk while down for the 2013 Orange Bowl.

WTF? When did Planet X close their USA shop?


$57.00 for shipping from UK. LOLLLLLLLLLL that's rude! I got 2 rims from ASIA for less than that.

Goodbye Mary, Hello Clarence. LMAO
SquidPuppet is offline  
Old 07-08-16, 11:50 PM
  #16  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by SquidPuppet
WTF? When did Planet X close their USA shop?


$57.00 for shipping from UK. LOLLLLLLLLLL that's rude! I got 2 rims from ASIA for less than that.

Goodbye Mary, Hello Clarence. LMAO
Lol Squid.... found the clarence bars for $41 bucks (no tax) & shipping is only $5 bucks......goodbye mary....never even got to 1st base with you. haha
TreeFortBikes

Last edited by CrankyMat; 07-08-16 at 11:54 PM.
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-10-16, 10:16 AM
  #17  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Nice cruiser with FSA Metropolis handlebars

Hey Squid.
This bike has the metropolis hbars, and I have to say i think i like 'em.
Their not as wide as the clyde bars.

CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-10-16, 11:23 AM
  #18  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
Originally Posted by CrankyMat
Hey Squid.
This bike has the metropolis hbars, and I have to say i think i like 'em.
Their not as wide as the clyde bars.

Who is Clyde? I though we just bailed on Mary for Clarence?

He's got them on upside down too.

You know those only have 37mm rise, right? So about 1.5 inches higher than your straight bar. And there is no sweep to those, so you are reaching (bending) forwards just as much.

Velo Orange makes some nice comfort bars. Check out their "Tourist", "Montmarte" and the "Left Bank"

Handlebars - Components

Rivendell sells Nitto bars, which are high quality, but pricey.

Or you could get real American cruiser bars, the Wald 872, 896, or 898. They are 24, 26, or 28 inches wide. Paint them or wrap them. The Wald bend is perfect for my wrists. 3.5 inches high. I like to wrap my bars because it provides multiple comfortable hand positions for long rides.

https://www.waldllc.com/CATALOG.pdf

https://www.amazon.com/Wald-896-Low-...ald+handlebars

Or, if you don't mind a few extra grams, Husky Industrial sells steel bars MEGA cheap. $10.00. Some less. I have them on 3 bikes and they are good and stiff. I just cut them to the width and sweep that I wanted for a custom fit. They have the "Mary" type bar for $8.78.

Husky Bicycles: Cruiser Bars

$8.78!!!!!!!!!!!



You'd need a 25.4mm stem for a lot of these bars, but very nice ones can be found CHEAP, and you could get the angle/height/reach tuned just right.
SquidPuppet is offline  
Old 07-10-16, 11:35 AM
  #19  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
I want to emphasize something here. You said you want to be less bent over.

Sit on your bike, let go of the bars, and sit how you want your back positioned. Then reach forward, very casually and relaxed, only bending as much as is comfortable without weighting your hands. Can your core muscles be comfy there for a long ride? If yes, THAT'S where you want your hands, right? Be honest with yourself when buying the parts. Some parts look sexy but fit like crap. Buy what's gonna keep you riding. It's no good having a sexy bike that you won't ride because your neck or wrists or crotch hurt after five minutes.
SquidPuppet is offline  
Old 07-10-16, 08:28 PM
  #20  
Senior Member
 
SHOFINE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Gulf Coast
Posts: 541
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Liked 41 Times in 15 Posts
I have the Metropolis on my Kona and Sawyer.





At Modern Bike for about $50 free shipping. Bicycle Cruiser Bars - Modern Bike

I have the Velo Orange Postino with no rise.



And I have the only carbon equivalent to the Mary: a Origin 8 Space Carbon UL8 Off Road on my Farley.

SHOFINE is offline  
Old 07-11-16, 06:06 AM
  #21  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
My head is spinning with all the info and links for cruiser bars. lol.
I'll be checking them out later today. Was at a pool party yesterday, drinking beer, tequila, and vodka, so my head still ain't right..hehe
I really appreciate it man, alot. Maybe i won't mind bendin forward a bit, guess i'll go to the local bike shop, and try a cruser first to see if that's how I want to roll.
For sure tho, i'll be getting these continental retro tires...


Again man, thanks soo much !!!!

Originally Posted by SquidPuppet
Who is Clyde? I though we just bailed on Mary for Clarence?

He's got them on upside down too.

You know those only have 37mm rise, right? So about 1.5 inches higher than your straight bar. And there is no sweep to those, so you are reaching (bending) forwards just as much.

Velo Orange makes some nice comfort bars. Check out their "Tourist", "Montmarte" and the "Left Bank"

Handlebars - Components

Rivendell sells Nitto bars, which are high quality, but pricey.

Or you could get real American cruiser bars, the Wald 872, 896, or 898. They are 24, 26, or 28 inches wide. Paint them or wrap them. The Wald bend is perfect for my wrists. 3.5 inches high. I like to wrap my bars because it provides multiple comfortable hand positions for long rides.

https://www.waldllc.com/CATALOG.pdf

https://www.amazon.com/Wald-896-Low-...ald+handlebars

Or, if you don't mind a few extra grams, Husky Industrial sells steel bars MEGA cheap. $10.00. Some less. I have them on 3 bikes and they are good and stiff. I just cut them to the width and sweep that I wanted for a custom fit. They have the "Mary" type bar for $8.78.

Husky Bicycles: Cruiser Bars

$8.78!!!!!!!!!!!



You'd need a 25.4mm stem for a lot of these bars, but very nice ones can be found CHEAP, and you could get the angle/height/reach tuned just right.

Last edited by CrankyMat; 07-11-16 at 06:19 AM.
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-11-16, 06:12 AM
  #22  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Dam shofine, beautiful area, beautiful bikes ! appreciate the reply's from you and squidpuppet.
Gonna check out your links as well. How do you like those metropolis bars? Squid says i'll be leaning just as much as the straight bar on my cannondale.
I only have this one bike, you guys have lots of bikes, so you guys are definitely more advanced and knowledgeable. Hence my post here in the 1st place for help..haha
Thanks man, appreciate it alot.
p.s
love the leather seat and grips on that pretty blue schwinn ....

Originally Posted by SHOFINE
I have the Metropolis on my Kona and Sawyer.





At Modern Bike for about $50 free shipping. Bicycle Cruiser Bars - Modern Bike

I have the Velo Orange Postino with no rise.



And I have the only carbon equivalent to the Mary: a Origin 8 Space Carbon UL8 Off Road on my Farley.

CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-11-16, 09:35 AM
  #23  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
Originally Posted by SHOFINE
I have the Metropolis on my Kona and Sawyer.



That bike right there is awesome. Gumwalls with black rims is hot.
SquidPuppet is offline  
Old 07-11-16, 11:19 AM
  #24  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CrankyMat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: hollywood,fl
Posts: 19

Bikes: F5 Cannondale mtb

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by SquidPuppet
That bike right there is awesome. Gumwalls with black rims is hot.
Those tires are very nice...just found them online....Ardent from Maxxis.
Just added them to my wishlist...lol
CrankyMat is offline  
Old 07-11-16, 11:34 AM
  #25  
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
 
SquidPuppet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Coeur d' Alene
Posts: 7,861

Bikes: 3 Chinese Gas Pipe Nerdcycles and 2 Chicago Electroforged Boat Anchors

Mentioned: 75 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2358 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times in 26 Posts
Originally Posted by CrankyMat
Those tires are very nice...just found them online....Ardent from Maxxis.
Just added them to my wishlist...lol
Do you ride your bike on the sand?
SquidPuppet is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.