I want a cruiser

[tuscan_raider]

Fully appreciate I may be derided by the MAMILs in here, but here goes.....
I have a hybrid, but I want more fun.
Not interested in going fast or along major offroad tracks.
Mostly around the country side and along cycle routes with the family (young kids)

I really like these

https://www.soulbeachcruisers.com/

and some on here

https://www.ridelow.co.uk/bikes/mens-bikes/lowride...

but I could take a punt on buildng one starting with a frame

Any views? Any one got one? Anyy one built one (recommend suppliers)?

[SomersetWestie]

tuscan_raider said:

Fully appreciate I may be derided by the MAMILs in here, but here goes.....
I have a hybrid, but I want more fun.
Not interested in going fast or along major offroad tracks.
Mostly around the country side and along cycle routes with the family (young kids)

I really like these

https://www.soulbeachcruisers.com/

and some on here

https://www.ridelow.co.uk/bikes/mens-bikes/lowride...

but I could take a punt on buildng one starting with a frame

Any views? Any one got one? Anyy one built one (recommend suppliers)?

If this bloke can ride one, it's cool...........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMRYIRnVhlE

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Errr...I've got one It's definitely not for sale but it might inspire you:



NB And I absolutely do not wear lycra

[Pilotguy]

I have an Electra Lakester. Nearly useless where I live due to hills! Only has 3 speed hub, grip-shifter.

[lufbramatt]

CharlieAlphaMike said:

Errr...I've got one It's definitely not for sale but it might inspire you:



NB And I absolutely do not wear lycra

Love that, very café racer!

[tuscan_raider]

Thanks to you both - I love the look of both of those.!

Where did you get them?

[CharlieAlphaMike]

Be careful with what you buy. They're not necessarily great (or easy) to ride. Mine, for example, is very heavy and it's a single speed which means you get off and walk on even the slightest of inclines. And it only has a coaster brake It is a lovely thing to own though

[tr7v8]

Very popular in the Netherlands, but I wouldn't want one in the UK. Coaster brakes, few gears, heavy. Doesn't matter in the Netherlands which is flat.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

lufbramatt said:

Love that, very café racer!

Thanks

[CharlieAlphaMike]

tuscan_raider said:

Thanks to you both - I love the look of both of those.!

Where did you get them?

Mine is an Autum (correct spelling) Minion. It's number 7 of 7 so you won't get another one (probably) and was built by Mode Bikes in California. It's based on a Felt Frame (so you could perhaps build your own). I bought it several years ago from a guy in the UK. he was the first owner.

If you need more inspiration, it has Springer front forks, a leather Brooks saddle and Brooks leather handlebar grips. The rear sprocket, springs on the forks and the saddle have been copper (I think) plated. I also have a leather Brooks tool bag (not pictured) which hangs off the back of the saddle. I'm not sure what make of wheels are on the bike but they're 26" and it's on Schwalbe Big Apple tyres.

The bike is in storage and is well wrapped up in a protective cover. The picture shown is the only one I have but I'll try and get some pictures on here because my plan is to get the bike out of storage and to ride it more during the Summer.

[stepaway]

SomersetWestie said:

If this bloke can ride one, it's cool...........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMRYIRnVhlE

Much prefer this one .......

https://youtu.be/8f8wAXDZ9D0

[Pilotguy]

tuscan_raider said:

Thanks to you both - I love the look of both of those.!

Where did you get them?

Local bike shop a few years ago. Electra are marketed by Trek these days, look for a retailer. I’m selling mine, don’t get enough use because of the hills issue. I’ve hardly ridden it in 5 years.

[Frank7]

Oh well, I read that wrong.
You want a cruiser it said, I thought that surely you were seeking a Crown Vic, law enforcement U.S.A.’s go to vehicle of choice

[AJB88]

I've got a communist Romanian version in the garage, Pegas.

It rides nice but gearing is awful.

[CharlieAlphaMike]

This website might be of interest. I haven't used them myself but it looks like they have some interesting stuff for sale:

http://www.cruisershop.eu/

[CharlieAlphaMike]

As an alternative and something that might be more useable but just as IMHO, what about a Pashley Guv'nor or Speed 5?

https://www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/bicycles/guv-nor.p...

https://www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/bicycles/speed-5.p...

[lufbramatt]

CharlieAlphaMike said:

As an alternative and something that might be more useable but just as IMHO, what about a Pashley Guv'nor or Speed 5?

https://www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/bicycles/guv-nor.p...

https://www.pashley.co.uk/bikes/bicycles/speed-5.p...

Good shout, my manager at work has got a Pashley Parabike (he's a huge aviation geek) and it's a lovely thing. The hub brakes are surprisingly good.