When is a cruiser not a cruiser?
11-26-12, 04:03 PM
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When is a cruiser not a cruiser?
I know that sometimes terms are just terms, but I was wondering today about how strictly or loosely the term "cruiser" can be applied to a bicycle. In the most general possible language, of course, any bike that one "cruises" on is a cruiser. in the strictest sense, however, it seems to apply to the classic steel-framed, balloon-tired, coaster-braked, single-speed beach cruiser.
On the other hand, my Simple Seven has an aluminum frame, 7 speeds and front/rear direct-pull brakes. Even the shape is a modernized, simplified version of the old curves. That just leaves the balloon tires, comfort seat and swept-back handlebars to confirm its cruiserdom.
So when, in your opinion, does a "cruiser" begin to morph into some other kind of "Missing Link" bicycle?
On the other hand, my Simple Seven has an aluminum frame, 7 speeds and front/rear direct-pull brakes. Even the shape is a modernized, simplified version of the old curves. That just leaves the balloon tires, comfort seat and swept-back handlebars to confirm its cruiserdom.
So when, in your opinion, does a "cruiser" begin to morph into some other kind of "Missing Link" bicycle?
11-26-12, 05:00 PM
#2
You gonna eat that?
Is this a cruiser?
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi 
"However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
11-26-12, 05:22 PM
#3
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You probably need to contact UCI, who strictly control all applications of cycling nomenclature. Also, ask them about 'hybrid' while you are at it.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
11-27-12, 06:21 AM
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Here is my cruiser that’s not a cruiser. On advice from forum members I had to add a cup holder and now it’s a cruiser. 
.
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11-27-12, 08:07 AM
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11-27-12, 03:57 PM
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The cup holder is a very nice touch. My stainless coffee mug as it turns out fits conveniently in a WB cage so I'm good to go coffee wise. I don't have a cruiser, however, but I am thinking about an SS for those Starbucks R/T runs.
11-27-12, 06:05 PM
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My Cruiser is the fat tire bike to the far right of this collection of rides. 
I don't have a cup holder... I'll have to work on that.
I don't have a cup holder... I'll have to work on that.
11-27-12, 09:28 PM
#10
You gonna eat that?
It's a pretty comfy ride.
photo courtesy of Yo Spiff
__________________
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
Last edited by Doohickie; 11-27-12 at 09:33 PM.
11-28-12, 06:17 AM
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The funny thing about the cup holder is it’s a Schwinn branded product from Wallymart. As a kid I grew up with Schwinn bikes and add on extras. I don’t think there was a cup holder back in the day. Now that Schwinn is pretty much Schwinn in name only no longer made in the USA, these cup holders are a really nice product. Well made, clamp works well and there is even a taper on the holder part to match the normal coffee cup and the inside or the taper is lined with some foam. They were so proud of the quality product they are making they put the “Schwinn Quality” badge on it. Only one small problem, I looked thru about 20 of them on the rack and they all had the badge on upside down. I kind of like it that way.
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11-28-12, 10:57 AM
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Every bike can be a cruiser. Once you set out to ride in shorts,t-shirt, sans computer and navigation, you're cruising.
11-28-12, 12:33 PM
#14
You gonna eat that?
That's pretty much all of my rides.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
12-01-12, 11:52 PM
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Back at you.
This is my American Eagle. Rode down to the beach this morning. Took it on a few mountain bike trails on the way. My gardener got it from customer who had it on the side of his house in the bushes. He didn't want it, so I took it. A nice bike just to get on and ride.
And I'll post a picture of my Schwinn Jaguar. It's a modern Schwinn I bought as a frame, fork, & crank. Found a donor GT mountain bike for the rest of it. One of the few bikes I regret selling. It worked much better than it had a right to.
The Varsity cruiser. '64 Varsity frame with 26" coaster brake wheels. Another fun bike.
Love them all. And they're all at the beach.
This is my American Eagle. Rode down to the beach this morning. Took it on a few mountain bike trails on the way. My gardener got it from customer who had it on the side of his house in the bushes. He didn't want it, so I took it. A nice bike just to get on and ride.
And I'll post a picture of my Schwinn Jaguar. It's a modern Schwinn I bought as a frame, fork, & crank. Found a donor GT mountain bike for the rest of it. One of the few bikes I regret selling. It worked much better than it had a right to.
The Varsity cruiser. '64 Varsity frame with 26" coaster brake wheels. Another fun bike.
Love them all. And they're all at the beach.
12-02-12, 11:51 AM
#17
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When is a cruiser not a cruiser?
Ok, I'll bite.
Why do we have a crusier sticky here and no one will use it??
Ok, I'll bite.
Why do we have a crusier sticky here and no one will use it??
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
12-03-12, 12:55 PM
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This tread is no less , or more, than the sticky thread put up to avoid what is seen by the mods as "to much bother" to assign space for a cruiser bike forum.
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My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
My preferred bicycle brand is.......WORKSMAN CYCLES
I dislike clipless pedals on any city bike since I feel they are unsafe.
Originally Posted by krazygluon
Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred, which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?
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