Looking to build a cruiser for my girlfriend HELP!
I am looking to save money by building a decent bike myself for her. 300 bucks is my budget.
Posted Jan 22, 2013, 8:07 PM UTC
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I just built up a 1965 Schwinn Hollywood for my SO. Powder-coated the frame and chain guard seafoam green, spread the rear stays so I could use a shimano nexus 3-speed internal geared hub, and got a chrome fork so I could give the SO a front break (and not just the rear coaster). I picked up the bike in working condition for $150 and the Hollywood's have a beautiful swan-neck frame. If I had gone with a single speed hub and not bead-blasted and powder-coated the frame, it would have come in around $300.
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Those be some big words brother. A nice light three speed would be fantastic for her. Doing a rebuild sounds ideal because I lack most of the tools to make one from scratch it seems.
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It is anything but light. The old Chicago Schwinns are brazed steel tanks. The riding speeds and positions of curisers make that not matter so much though. A three speed hub does improve things, but a new one will set you back about $120-150 built into a wheel from either Electra or Nirve. I am not sure how much you could pick up a used one for.
edit: you braise meat, not steel...
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How nice of a bike are you looking to build? You can buy ready made cruisers that are half-way decent for under $300.
If you want to rebuild, I have bought bikes for rebuilding on craigslist. Someone always has an old cruiser laying around they need to get rid of. My friend just sold a beautiful 3 speed women's cruiser for $100. Its no Felt but unless you got tons of dough or are super into your cruisers that's not necessary.
Usually can find some old steal framed schwinns pretty easily. Ill see if I can find some pics of my refurbs and post them for you.
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I sell Sun cruisers - and especially like the commercial grade Atlas line. http://www.sunbicycles.com/products.php?cl1=INDUSTRIAL
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Well what sort of cruiser are you looking for? Another guy posted about one for his wife and was thinking of going with Felt, which makes for a nice bike but it can get pricey. On the other hand you could buy and old vintage bike and work on restoring it and painting it together. She might like that. A third route is to buy a cheapo chinese bike from walmart and fix that up.
I absolutely wouldn't be opposed to just buying a nice one out right as long as the price is right. A restore job is sounding idea it's just a matter of finding the right bike to build up now.
There's sometimes a few nice ones for sale over on the forums at ratrodbikes.com. You can also find frames there. I have a vintage Schwinn girls bike I'm thinking of selling but I don't know if it's the right size for your gf.
It would need fresh paint and a new seat. That's about it.