Wanted: Cruiser frame

[JimsFelt66]

It seems to me that the best option (other than finding a used one on CL) is to just buy a cheap Schwinn and get not only a decent frame for a four stroke, but also a bunch of spare parts for tinkering.

Anyone have any suggestions as to a sub $150 target or walmart bike for a 4-stroke?

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/gravity/ezcruz_cruisers.htm
^Has a chomoly frame $159 shipped free

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Schwinn-26-Men-s-Southport-Bike/20581487
^7sp front and rear pull brakes, but I don't know if your partial to no fenders or not.

 

[BigBlue]

I've bought a road bike from Bikesdirect.com and they stand by their products. BikeIsland.com is their on-line parts store. They have a couple of black/red cruisers left:
http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_STOR20.cgi?Action=Details&ProdID=2732 They also sell on Ebay, but are a little more expensive due to the Ebay fees.

Happy Holiday,

Chris
AKA: BigBlue

 

[scotto-]

Just a word of good advice when looking for a cruiser frame for motorizing....four words actually: rear-entry horizontal dropouts. That is where your rear wheel attaches to the frame. The axle slides in from the rear and in most cases there will be no need for a chain tensioner (at least on one side of the bike). You can also add adjusters as shown below to keep things aligned perfectly.

 

[Deimus]

How common is that type of dropout? I've never noticed that style on a bicycle. Do you know of any current bicycles that have it or is it only available in special order frames?

 

[GasX]

How common is that type of dropout? I've never noticed that style on a bicycle. Do you know of any current bicycles that have it or is it only available in special order frames?

Felt cruisers

 

[JimsFelt66]

How common is that type of dropout? I've never noticed that style on a bicycle. Do you know of any current bicycles that have it or is it only available in special order frames?

Looks like the Dyno frame have rear facing rear dropouts too

http://for-sale.yakaz.com/dyno-glide-beach-cruiser#lo=4&docid=000bkhrsdhtco2c0

http://for-sale.yakaz.com/dyno-glide-beach-cruiser#lo=4&docid=000daitee6p8qeuk

 

[JimsFelt66]

Here's another one to add, though it's a bit out of the dollar range you requested

http://mikesbikes.com/product/13electra-cruiser-7d-180019-1.htm
^$299 Electra cruiser7 7sp with front and rear pull brakes

Same bike without gears and pull brakes is the Electra Cruiser1 for $239

 

[scotto-]

How common is that type of dropout? I've never noticed that style on a bicycle. Do you know of any current bicycles that have it or is it only available in special order frames?

Not real common unfortunately. The first Kent Bicycle I bought (Ridgeway, Northwoods....same as the Cadillac brand) has them. That bike has aluminum cruiser frame and cost $150 new. I've racked up thousands of miles on it and it still going strong.

And as others have mentioned......Felts and Dyno's have them among a few others. Sure makes tire changes and adjusting the rear axle a whole lot easier!

 

[magrider]

Scotto is right and a good point it does make things easier. all Bmx bikes have them and track bikes have the horizontal dropouts, some of the older electras have them, felt and of course Dynos, one of the reasons why they are my favorite.

you can modify any frame to the horizontal drop out, I've done it on 3 frames

another option is to buy a womans frame and replace the top down tube with a new top tube, this would be a great time to change the rake if needed aswell