starting out

[lumpy]

hey everyone,
just starting the planning stage of a custom cruiser on an uber tight budget. from lurking here, i've found i really like the frame design of the electra rally sport/ratrod as well as the crown cycle hell on wheels. i'm leaning towards that frame style in a lowered stance paired with wide tires, larger diameter wheel in front on springer forks. being i don't have access to one to try out, are these frames a decent size?
i'm 6'7" and while there will be some silliness to me on the bike, i don't want to look like a total tool.
thanks, john

 

[X-RAY]

if youre 6'7", i doubt anyone will tell you you look silly on a bike! :lol:

 

[ratdaddy]

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=17932&hilit=big+chief

http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic. ... ilit=goose

I think if you got a Big Chief and had someone weld in a center bar in the middle of the frame it would give you the look you want. Plus, it would fit you better and you wouldn't feel like a "tool". :lol:

The initial outlay of cash for the Big Chief wouldn't be ginormous so I think you could swing some of the stuff you want to do with it.

ps. you can even get it in a 3-speed.
http://www.cheapbeachbikes.com/product/ ... ruiser-Man

 

[karfer67]

the felt frame is also rather long. take a look at the el guapo

 

[lumpy]

looking increasingly tough to find the electra frame, let alone on the cheap. the problem with the complete bikes listed is that is pretty much my entire budget for the build.
came across this while surfing the web tonight. the frame seems similar enough to the ones i like and the $99 price tag at dick's has me seriously thinking of starting with this as the base for my build.
looks like a trip to see how i fit in is in order.

my inexperience with bicycle modification is going to lead to maybe some pretty dumb questions, please bear with me
-being a cheapy retail store bike, how hard is it to get parts to fit specifically springer forks.
-is there a standard to gear tooth spacing, how difficult will it be to get a 24" wheel out back
-down the road would i be able to add multiple speeds... i really want a jockey shift with a cool shift knob to tie in to the theme
and if the frame i really want becomes available, will the parts switch over?
thanks again,
john

 

[X-RAY]

dont let anyone laugh at you for buying a retail store bike, thats what all mine currently are. first thing, repack the bb and both wheels. its amazing how expensive they think grease is. make sure everything is put together right and and tight. wheels probably need some truing. in my opinion, these are things that shouldnt bother a true enthusiast, just another excuse to work on a bike. you know what a cheap bike and an expensive bike have in common? they both get you off the couch! thats the whole idea.

 

[deorman]

dont let anyone laugh at you for buying a retail store bike, thats what all mine currently are. first thing, repack the bb and both wheels. its amazing how expensive they think grease is. make sure everything is put together right and and tight. wheels probably need some truing. in my opinion, these are things that shouldnt bother a true enthusiast, just another excuse to work on a bike. you know what a cheap bike and an expensive bike have in common? they both get you off the couch! thats the whole idea.

They can also both be broken. $1000.00 junk is far more annoying than $150.00 junk. :mrgreen:

 

[lumpy]

my concerns aren't about what people think, it's the availability and fitment of upgrade parts. with a lot of retail line items, they don't use standard size components. i don't want to get stuck with a bike i can't change forks or any other part.

 

[deorman]

Check the wheel stay clearance at the tire on a bike you are considering for fat 24's. You want at least enough clearance left to stick your thumb in with a regular 26" balloon.

 

[lumpy]

well, i'm finding out that the frames i like aren't compatible with someone on a tight budget.
all the cheapy retail chain bikes are a tad too small. the only frames i really look and feel comfortable on are the $350+ nirve galaxy frame cruisers, the 375+ electra rat rod and the 600+ electra chopper. am i setting my sights a little high or is there hope of a cool custom in the frame styles i like for around $200?

 

[deorman]

At 6'2", any bike under $350 is too small, I've grown accustomed to big bars and looong seatposts. At 6'7", it's going to be tough to find anything other than an old (or expensive) road bike that doesn't require some creative mods to fit. I wish you luck, it'll be interesting to see what you come up with.

 

[Bigcam59]

The Montego frame is the same as the frame I used in my Tiki Sidecar bike, and it is SMALL! At 6' 1" I can barely pedal it with the seat all the way out. If you are looking at department store bikes, a better choice might be the Ocean Pacific Cruiser sold at Walmart. I've been eyeing one up myself, the frame is a bit bigger and the pedals are a bit more forward. The downside is it is aluminum, so that would make any welding type modification a bit more difficult, but the OP Cruiser with a Laid back seat post might just fit you. This thread'll take you to the Walmart post here so you you can take a look at it yourself.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=26341&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&hilit=walmart
Another possibility is finding an older frame. I have a 50's Hawthorne frame that I built up. I was pleasantly surprised to see how well it fit compared to the Tiki frame. Mind you the seat is up a bit...

Good Luck! 8)