delmar vs cranbrook

macattie88 · #1 01-05-2010, 08:21 PM

i've narrowed it down to these two bikes for my first build....the delmar is more expensive...is it worth it?...if so,why?also with these two bikes,is there any issues with the brake arm hitting the bolts on the sprokets...thanks for any help,everyone has been so helpful already

Tcams · #2 01-05-2010, 08:44 PM

I personally think the delmar and the cranny are the same when it comes to quality. Im pretty sure they are assembled at the same factory(correct me if im wrong). I chose the cranny for my first build and glad I did. Cranny's are less than 100 bucks, you cant beat that, unless you look for bikes on craigslist.

I really dont think there is a difference in the two bikes.

If I could do my first build all over again I would of spent the extra funs on a decent bike, not one from walmart. Check your local craigslist for bikes. there are always GREAT deals there. If not wait a couple days and im sure one will pop up.

If you do go with the cranny and have some questions, let me know and I will help you out.
Yes you will have to bend the break arm to clear the nuts. Its not hard at all.

~tcams

Dymaxion · #3 01-05-2010, 08:55 PM

I can't really comment on the cranbrook but I was in exactly the same situation as you about 3 weeks ago when I looked at the same two bikes at my local Walmart and ended up buying the DelMar. My decision was based on preference, not a noticable quality difference. I liked the black look better that the champaign colored canbrook, I like the Schwinn brand better than the Huffy brand based on experieces with bikes long ago (I am sure quality is equivelent today), and the DelMar had a rear rack and I wanted the to mount the gas tank on a rear rack.

I have been very pleased with my choice of the DelMar for my first build. The build went together quickly and easily. The only challenge was fabricating a front motor mount I was happy with since I didnt want to drill the frame. I had no issues with the coaster brake arm hitting the sprocket or bolts. The only thing I had to do while mounting the rear sprocket was to trim the coaster brake dust cover so the sprocket fits over it and onto the hub. It took less than 5 minutes and then the sprocket fit perfectly. Other folks have instead enlarged the center hole in the sprocket but trimming the dust cover seems to be a lot easier and cleaner.

Below is a pic of my build that I just finished a few nights ago (bad cell phone picture). I have a few clean up items left such as shortening the cables, etc but she is running great.

Bottom line is there have been lots of builds on both so you will be just fine with either bike. Pick the one you like the best and get on with the building...

Tcams · #4 01-05-2010, 09:36 PM

Here is a pic of my bike. I added 15 ape hangers to give it a ratly look.

macattie88 · #5 01-05-2010, 09:51 PM

nice delmar and cran...tcams....im 6 ft tall...will the bike be cramped for me?....if so i guess a laybck post would work.

**2door** · #6 01-05-2010, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macattie88

nice delmar and cran...tcams....im 6 ft tall...will the bike be cramped for me?....if so i guess a laybck post would work.

macattie,
The lay back seat post will help more than you can guess. The Del Mar, Cranbrook, Point Beach, Jaguar and Southport are all very similar in length. I have two Jags and I would'nt go back to riding them without a lay back post. The further back, the better. I go 7 inches and it feels perfect. Oh, I'm 5'11".
Tom

flybytaco · #7 01-05-2010, 10:00 PM

love me my cranbrook

Tcams · #8 01-05-2010, 10:01 PM

No it will fit you just fine. Im 5 `10 so 2 more inches would be alright. a layback seatpost is on my list of things to buy..

Your going to wanna re grease both front and back wheel bears on either bike. When they assemble them they just slab it in there.

I just my dust cap with sizzors and it did the trick.

flybytaco · #9 01-05-2010, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dymaxion

I can't really comment on the cranbrook but I was in exactly the same situation as you about 3 weeks ago when I looked at the same two bikes at my local Walmart and ended up buying the DelMar. My decision was based on preference, not a noticable quality difference. I liked the black look better that the champaign colored canbrook, I like the Schwinn brand better than the Huffy brand based on experieces with bikes long ago (I am sure quality is equivelent today), and the DelMar had a rear rack and I wanted the to mount the gas tank on a rear rack.

I have been very pleased with my choice of the DelMar for my first build. The build went together quickly and easily. The only challenge was fabricating a front motor mount I was happy with since I didnt want to drill the frame. I had no issues with the coaster brake arm hitting the sprocket or bolts. The only thing I had to do while mounting the rear sprocket was to trim the coaster brake dust cover so the sprocket fits over it and onto the hub. It took less than 5 minutes and then the sprocket fit perfectly. Other folks have instead enlarged the center hole in the sprocket but trimming the dust cover seems to be a lot easier and cleaner.

Below is a pic of my build that I just finished a few nights ago (bad cell phone picture). I have a few clean up items left such as shortening the cables, etc but she is running great.

Bottom line is there have been lots of builds on both so you will be just fine with either bike. Pick the one you like the best and get on with the building...

hey thats how i mount my tank lol stop bitin my style lol

macattie88 · #10 01-05-2010, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2door

macattie,
The lay back seat post will help more than you can guess. The Del Mar, Cranbrook, Point Beach, Jaguar and Southport are all very similar in length. I have two Jags and I would'nt go back to riding them without a lay back post. The further back, the better. I go 7 inches and it feels perfect. Oh, I'm 5'11".
Tom

what diameter seat post does the del mar and cranbrook use?,they come in diff sizes.