Ready to Upgrade

[proline20]

I am looking for advice on purchasing a new bike to motorize. I jokingly put a weedeater on my wally world bike and now I'm hooked... Plan is friction drive on rear wheel (rear fender will not work). What do I need to look for in a Beach Cruiser style bike? I've seen 72 spoke wheels, single speed, coaster brakes, ones with gears, front springer suspension and more.
I like simple - coaster brake, right? Comfort - springer front and awesome seat? Durability is important!!! I don't want wobbly rims after hitting a pothole going 25mph. Any of these good? http://www.beachbikes.net/index.php?p=product&id=58&parent=28&pro_detail=Y
Thanks for the help.

 

[terrence]

Hi proline, this slightly relates to your question but its something I noticed.
I have ordered a bike from them, also from http://www.bikebuyers.com/
this early spring for my elderly neighbors. Both places did me good. The thing I just noticed when I went
on their web sites is their prices are 35% more now, than I paid. Also shipping is double.
Can you wait til the bike season tapers off?

I also threw a friction on a wally world cruiser for my wife which pushes very good
on dry days. terrence

 

[proline20]

Thanks terrence.
What about durability? Comfort? Anyone ridden lots of different cruisers out there?

 

[Rain City]

I think you will want more than a coasterbrake if you plan on doing regular MB speeds.

Maybe you could get a bike frame that you like, and customize the handlebars. Throw some big ones on there, go to a motorcycle shop or something for some good ones. Get creative.

 

[proline20]

I'm liking the Micargi 26" Cougar GTS. For $200 delivered, with 144 spokes and springer suspension, sounds like a deal. Anyone ride one?

 

[Donald M. Haney]

I love that Cougar. Check out Graucho's build. Also check the gallery. Look for 'Silver Bullet'. Awesome. The 144 spoke can be a challange to install the clamshell sproket. Maybe go with wheel w/ fewer spokes for the rear.

 

[Mountainman]

Plan is friction drive on rear wheel (rear fender will not work). http://www.beachbikes.net/index.php?p=product&id=58&parent=28&pro_detail=Y
Thanks for the help.

if the plan is friction drive
do to the way in which these frames are made (which look very cool)
but - may have to add metal to channel bracket - not a big deal...

in regards to comment about waiting until bicycle season is over (pricing)
forget it -- prices are not going to come down...

Ride That Thing - Mountainman

 

[proline20]

I'm putting a Bumble Bee on whatever I choose. One bolt install, no metal reinforcing, no sprocket. The bolt-on goes thru the 'v' just to the rear of the seat post hole. MountainMan has great taste with that Urban Deluxe!!! (which was originally first place in the running)
I'm only a couple months into this and am eager to learn! I want the simplest, strongest most comfortable possible ride. I'm trying to make a short list of 'must haves' and know these so far: Steel Frame, Basic Cruiser, $200 max price delivered, fat seat, coaster brake, fat tires, and big handlebars.
I want simple + strong - I killed my wally world bike in 2 months and 600 miles and my engine just got broke in. Sick of cables and gears!

Are 144 spokes the strongest? 72 spokes? 48? 36?
I see a lot of 'alloy rims w/stainless steel spokes' - are they strong?
I'm 6' tall, frame size recommendation?
Are springer suspensions strong?
Is a shock absorber seat post worth the $?

I understand you can go to a bike shop and have just about anything made custom you want - not my intent. I want to buy a cool ride once in the general marketplace turnkey and be done...

Firmstrong Urban LRD has 68 spokes...in the running?

 

[sparky]

Are 144 spokes the strongest? 72 spokes? 48? 36?
I see a lot of 'alloy rims w/stainless steel spokes' - are they strong?

I hear that double wall alloy rims are the best you can get, and I'm sure stainless steel spokes don't hurt.

There's also mags (the solid metal wheels) if you don't want to worry about spokes twisting, breaking off, etc.

Is a shock absorber seat post worth the $?

Prolly, but I'd imagine that a full-suspension bike would be a better choice, tho. Wonder how many full-suspension cruisers there are...

 

[proline20]

I hear that double wall alloy rims are the best you can get, and I'm sure stainless steel spokes don't hurt.

There's also mags (the solid metal wheels) if you don't want to worry about spokes twisting, breaking off, etc.

Prolly, but I'd imagine that a full-suspension bike would be a better choice, tho. Wonder how many full-suspension cruisers there are...

Does having more spokes make it stronger, or is it the rim quality and spoke guage?

Local bike shop here only had trek and sun, said could only get 12" and 20" mags...

I understand you can go to a bike shop and have just about anything made custom you want - not my intent. Wanna choose the right bike to maximize fun!