introducing the bairdco prototype cruiser.

for awhile now, i've been having some secret dealings with an American bike company, to bring their bikes into the motorized world.

This is a company that's been around for 40+ years, but is relatively unknown. Most of their bikes are used in industrial applications, and they're the guys other companies have gone to to build their retro, reproduction, commemorative bikes.

i've owned 2 of their bikes in the past, one of them my brother has, and the other one is a "unisex" industrial bike, with a reinforced step-thru frame, and i've pedaled that thing all over for at least ten years now, but both were made in the early 70's.

the frames are indestructable, the welds are heavy duty, and their frames and forks carry a 10 year warranty against defects in workmanship, which goes with the bike, not the owner.

The frame and fork i have is one of their regular models, and it's one of the cruisers i've been pedaling around the beach this year, as i worked up a plan to motorize it. i'm in frequent contact with the company, and have been offering my input to come up with a new design for an awesome looking, safe and reliable bolt-on build.

this bike should be done in the next few weeks, using as many new, american made parts as possible, and where it's impossible, to use quality parts from reputable manufactures.

my goal is to offer a turn-key bike for under $1000. i'm hoping to offer them as complete bikes, DIY kits you can put together yourself, and as parts, too. that means if you just want a frame to replace yours or base a build around, you can get it.

as for this bike, i'm going to build a copper in-frame tank for it, but i'm working on getting an aluminum tank built for them in the future, as well as weld-on or bolt-on custom motor mounts, and many other special touches.

it's a slow process, mostly hindered by finances, but soon it should be rolling along at full speed.

stay tuned to this thread for the build-up progression...

i know where you guys are coming from. i've been putting off saying anything about this until it was a reality, and i hope i haven't jumped the gun. i don't want this to turn into another "worksman is making drop loop board trackers..." type of thing.

i'm going all in on this, and i'm hoping it all pans out. i'm not the type of guy who sticks my neck out without making sure i ain't gonna lose my head. i have faith that this wil become a reality, and if it doesn't, it's my reputation that suffers, and they won't lose any sleep over it.

back to the basics, i'm working out a few different frames and forks, and really trying to make this all work out.

i might fail, but at least i gave it my best effort...

almost done. pics tomorrow...

here's a sneak peek of the bike with the engine mounted.

had to modify the front mount slightly, just 5 minutes with a grinding bit to get the correct angle. other than that, it was a direct bolt on fit. the production bikes will have an option of welded on or bolt-on mounts to raise the engine a little. the way it sits now, it's a 1/4" above the sprocket. it's fine, but i'd like to have a bit more room for a chainguard. it's got a 36t pedal sprocket.

the bars and seat are getting changed as soon as the parts come in.

wheels are Sun Metal Products (the company that makes worksman rims) with 11g. spokes, shimano CBE110 coaster, and a Sturmey Archer Dynohub Drum Brake up front.

on the complete bike package, i'm going to offer a lighting system so it's legal, at least in California.

when it's complete, i'll have a base model parts list. there'll also be extras. lots of them.

my camera batteries are dead, so i just have this one cell phone pic.

oh, and this bike's already sold!

thanks, SB. without really any mods, it seems like it was made for a motor.

and Venice, there's a few similarities, but it's not a Worksman.

i haven't hooked the chain up yet, but it seems to have plenty of room. i put a 1/2" spacer on the rear axle of the motor sprocket side and there's room for more. i'm hoping the Fat Franks clear the chain enough so it doesn't get that greasey sidewall look.

the customer wanted the tires, as well as the color scheme. the frames i'm gonna get will be raw steel, so can powdercoat them any color, or sell them as is.

i'm keeping it under wraps for now, at least until we work out the specifics. it's really not a secret, 'cause i'm sure there's some people who know what they are (and i'm waiting for someone to go "...Hey! that's a ----------!") which is no big deal, but it is my deal, if you know what i mean.

at first glance, there is a resemblance to a Worksman, but these frames are less angular, the rear triangle is completely different, and the drop-outs are different. Worksman doesn't have any bikes with the same features, so they'd have to re-tool to build one, and i don't have that much money or influence.

they're built just as solid, maybe even stronger than a worksman, though, and they ride super smooth.

if it stops misting and drizzling today, i'll probably have everything put together today except for the custom tank. but if i do, i'll slap the kit tank on and take it for a spin.

and post up some more pics...