reflex... (flex, flex, flex)...

[roadmaster]

so i notice that when i ride a stepthru or "girls bike" there is a certain amount of frame flex, especially if its an older cruiser, like my early 60's hawthorne (or my WIFE'S hawthorne). the frame is solid, but at my 215lbs, sometimes it is a little unsettling. is some amount of frame flex normal for earlier "girls bikes"? i checked everything out and its all straight, but i do notice a little, as on my early 80's clairidge "girls bike". i figured that simply by design, they are not as ridgid as a conventional frame. just wondering, thanks.

 

[deorman]

You are not imagining things. Especially compared to a cantilever. Not as much when they have smaller double top tube.

 

[Uncle Stretch]

I have seen a bunch of them...maybe of lesser quality ..that bend right where the top tube is welded to the seat post. They were probably wiggly right before that happened. :shock:

 

[roadmaster]

well, i wouldnt say wiggly, but i can imagine thats where it would buckle. when i was rebuilding it (my rr4bob), i replaced the front forks cuz they were bent back a bit. my hawthorne feels no more springy than my clairidge, but i'll have to keep an eye on it. thanks.