First of all, i am happy you decided to build a stretch, you can be sure it would bring you a lot of joy from cruising and happy moments
I'm all curious to follow you on your build journal.
I have
built a bike like that recently. Well, i have actually deeply modified Dyno Glide frame, so the rake have been left about the same, taken out just a little bit.
I guess the angle is about 60', the same they use on Dyno Coaster frame. I have done it on purpose, since Lowrider Limousine, the repop of Coaster was my first cruiser and i have been using it as a daily bike for four years, so i got used to the way it behaves and wanted to achieve same feeling on my new bike.
With the length i went a bit over Coaster, since i am a tall guy and it always was too short for me. Though i could not stretch it too much, otherwise i'd not be able to reach the handlebar without bending my back, and straight spine is a priority for me. I use my bike for long rides (over 700km last time
) and it is very important for me that every body part stays relaxed as possible. So that geometry allows me to do it the way i want. I will measure the base precisely later, since i do not have this bike next to me and my sketches seem to be gone with my hard drive this summer, but it is roughly 1900 mm (from axle to axle). From beginning to end it has over 2 meters 20 centimeters. The thing is that it handles surprisingly well for its length. I first was a bit unsure whether or not make it so long, but now i can assure you the length like that does not affects the maneuverability too much.
I use 100mm rim on the back and 80mm on front with 3.45 tires, so the distance between the rear stays is about 120mm, that clears the wheels just right. On the fork i have about 110, and the dropouts i have to push a little when i place the wheel, because OLD of the hub is somewhat less then that.
The geometry tip from me is don't put too much offset to the front, if your wheel axle is too far from the head tube (like
here) it would affect the steering. For a longer base it is important to allow your wheel to swing a little, if you understand what i mean by that
Another tip would be that it is very comfortable to have a back rest on that kind of bike, a sissy-bar or something, since you would push yourself a bit out when you pedal and it is good to have some support. The good thing is that when you have it you can pedal really really fast if you want
Talking about affordable wheel sets i will probably not be able to help you too much, since i live in EU and here the prices and the options available on the market are somewhat different. We have really nice deal from
robs'son rim producer, who give a
good discount on ones with scratches or bad anodizing, which does not matter when you are powder coating the rims anyway
I have used double wall rims for more durability, but i guess single wall would do the work as good. I also have very good experience about using BOA-G on that bike.
The position of suicide shifter on that bike on the picture in your post is super comfortable! I have same on my limo and got so used to that. Now i have taken it apart and going to rebuild it, so may be soon i will also post some pictures of the renovated version.
If you have any further questions - do not hesitate to ask, i'd be glad to help you!
