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| Treks new roadie without the Juicemaster handlebar attachment |
This is not the right place to be if you are looking for a review of the latest light weight, carbon fiber, composite alloy for the latest steroid juicer in the tour duh french to win with. These are the kind for a slow ride through the park, or a trip to the gas station for a pack o' smokes bikes. Yeah I said smokes, these are not just for surfers, green peacer's or hippies, but chain smoking grease monkey types. One could even tie their oxygen tank on if needed. No Lycra allowed and sperm helmets need not apply...
(but aren't the roadie bikes pretty without the rider? see pic at right)
Since my love began for old bikes I found that cruisers are my favorites. Like art work with the sweeping bowed tubing, and big fat wheels. However, it is hard to find an old Schwinn or Columbia (most commonly known) in relatively good shape that works. While myself, and other old bike lovers do not mind the faded paint or "patina" of a classic, some like the fresh look and shine of new paint. There are alternatives from having to fully restore an old vintage to achieve a great Sunday rider.
First is the Firmstrong Urban Man 7Speed, in red. Great classic lines and construction, with the benefits of modern derailleur design and shifting. Some may argue that modern does not mean better, true, but it is a well designed and working bike. The paint is my favorite on this bike. Love that red, it just looks alive. List Price, $209.99 at time of post.
This is the Sixthreezero EVRYthing 5 speed. Men's frame again, 26 inch wheels. Internal geared five speed is the bomb. Such low maintenance and no worry with the internal gears. Classic looks in a subdued blue and a longer frame length than the Firmstrong. Not sure how it rides or handles, but similar designs have proven very comfortable and relaxed. Listed at $349.99 at date of post.
The Nirve Fifty-three auto 3 is really cool. An automatic shifting transmission, classic looking form and detailing that gives it a tank-bike like look. With larger tubing, classic looking fenders and a springer fork, its a beauty. Listed at $599.00 at the date of this post. A friend of a friend has one, also their Kilroy model (single Speed), and they ride really well. Comfort with less effort needed for the shifting, it is a good casual ride choice.
Schwinn is offering the classic looking hornet with some novel twists. In the top tube near the union at the head tube (in front of the handlebars) is an inset cup holder or "tray" built right into the frame. Planet bike fenders, and revisited Schwinn designs are very appealing. It is not the smoothest riding of those listed so far, but it is a competent bike and made well enough for cruising. Lists at $459 at time of post. It is a heavy bike however, and can be a truck to turn at higher speeds. I've seen other reviews similar in critique to its mass and handling, but to its benefit I like the bulky feel of it. It seems substantial and more motorcycle like than a few other cruisers. Schwinn also offers the Corvette model, the Hollywood lines for ladies, and a few others that work towards hybrid styles and touring types. They also sport the classic Schwinn Oval badge of the past. Sweet.
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| The pink streamers add that needed flair... |
These are just a few examples of the bikes available out there. Every manufacturer has produced some kind of cruiser/retro type bike lately and many are good solid bikes. This is a welcome addition for old bike lovers since it opens some of the vintage bikes back into the market as people would rather buy a new finished, ready to ride bike. Hopefully this will result in less latex paint jobs and Frankenstein builds that are commonly found. So many classics cut up for the sake of art when they were art already. If one really wants to make a bike their own, and they have the skill needed to do these "creative" builds, build one from scratch.. Just saying... Its their bike after all...
