Which bike for cross-country trek(no pun intended)

[Sprocket777]

Hello,

I'm am stuck working overseas for a year right now with limited fun times. So I have been reading and contemplating a cross-country trip as a vacation when I return to the states (Inspired by a ride report called "Sydney to Londen on a moped named Dot"). This is purely in the mad-man brainstorming stages right now, so it may or may not happen.

I have decided that if I was going to do it, I would use a GEBE with either a 32 or 40 Tanaka because of the limited drive train power loss compared to systems with a gear box.

My current bike is a nice DB mountain bike with disc brakes. Two problems though are: 1. Riding position too uncomfortable for all day long, 2. The frame "pinches" in the back and is too narrow to fit the drive ring.

I am interested in a bike that has:
-A steel frame
-Front suspension
-Not over 300-400 $
-Comfortable riding position (not recumbent)

Seems like the name brand bikes use aluminum frames, and I would be worried about them cracking over 3k miles of weighted down abuse.

What do you think? Any reputable beach cruisers out there? I know Bamabikeguy used a "standard" bike, but not sure what type it was. Wish he was here to offer his advice.

Thanks

 

[Sprocket777]

Found it!

Here is a great list for anyone wanting to build a cruiser. It lists mostly names I've never heard of, but many are hand built American bikes.
http://www.coolbeachcruisers.com

This is one of my favorites so far.

http://worksmancycles.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/cruisers.html

Looks like a VERY tough bike. Comes with thicker gauge tubing and 11 gauge spokes! I don't know if the GEBE ring would fit 11g though.

 

[Pauly20782]

Check out spookytooth cycles. They have some very nice solid tough frame bikes, you can even convert the bike to a trike. I have built a trike from an add on kit from them and it is superb. Advice get a big texas saddle seat. (smile) Oh another thing, for long trips use a 4 stroke motor. 2 strokes just don't have the muscle to make long trip,. cross country a 2 stroke would probably never make it.

 

[Tanaka40]

Oh another thing, for long trips use a 4 stroke motor. 2 strokes just don't have the muscle to make long trip,. cross country a 2 stroke would probably never make it.

Well, anyone that has owned a Tanaka would go heads up on that. The Tanaka's are really industrial motors and can produce over 2.0 horsepower from 40 cc's and close to 3 hp with a 47cc. If you doubt this, PM augi or any of the GEBE 2 stroke guys and gals here. BTW the more the Tanaka's are used the faster they go.:helmet: