4um: Are they asking too much for this bicycle?

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Title: Are they asking too much for this bicycle?
Source: retro cruiser bicycles
URL Source: http://www.retrocruiserbicycles.com ... ipts/prodView.asp?idproduct=59
Published: Sep 12, 2011
Author: Dakmar
Post Date: 2011-09-12 21:09:02 by Dakmar
Keywords: None
Views: 3270
Comments: 53

Several years ago, I bought a bicycle, hoping to ride it for a little exercise. It was a standard, upright bicycle, with six gears and handbrakes. I can't get comfortable on the thing, my legs are too long to sit back, and the handlebars are too far away to sit upright. I basically feel like I'm taking my life into my own hands every time I get on this bike.
I used to spend hours riding around my home town on a Schwinn Manta Ray (24") I borrowed from my neighbor, the bike i question looks like it would be just as comfortable, with the added bonus of having a coaster brake. I'd like to get this bike, does anyone know of a similar package, maybe even with a higher sissy bar with a padded headrest, a springer front end, and a rack I can use to transport small quantities of snacks/liquor back to my abode?
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#1. To: Dakmar (#0)
If you need a padded headrest, call a cab.
Break the Conventions - Keep the Commandments - G.K.Chesterson

Lod posted on 2011-09-12 21:16:52 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#2. To: Lod (#1)
If you need a padded headrest, call a cab.

LOL, good idea, but don't you remember the old 70's Schwinns?
The high end ones had a padded headrest at the top of the sissy bar:

And don't you dare call me a sissy, Lod! :)
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 21:25:33 ET (1 image) Reply Trace Private Reply
#3. To: Ferret (#0)
Whatever happened to bikes us clumsy kids could ride?
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 21:36:34 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#4. To: Dakmar (#2)
I had one just like it. My first bike. It was dark purple though with coloured streamers coming out of the handlebars. If I remember right it had the padded headrest.
No Planes. Think about it. ... Guaranteed Penetration (no it's not porn)... "To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle." ~ George Orwell... Israelis For 9/11 Truth

wudidiz posted on 2011-09-12 21:58:45 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#5. To: Dakmar (#0)
Are they asking too much for this bicycle?

Uh... yeah.
Maybe check ebay or craigslist. You should be able to get it for much less than that.
No Planes. Think about it. ... Guaranteed Penetration (no it's not porn)... "To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle." ~ George Orwell... Israelis For 9/11 Truth

wudidiz posted on 2011-09-12 22:06:56 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#6. To: wudidiz (#4) (Edited)
You're referring to the Schwinn? They don't make those (that model) anymore. The URL I posted for this article is a custom manufacturer, the basic bike is $500. I was wondering if anyone knew of any other manufacturers? A vintage Schwinn Manta Ray goes for about $700 on ebay, and most of them need serious refurbishing, and are only a 24" frame to start with.
Why is it so hard to get a comfortable bike? I only spent like $118 on the enema machine currently parked in my toolshed.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 22:08:03 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#7. To: Dakmar (#2) (Edited)
.

The Schwinn Krates are by far my favorite Schwinn. Models include the Grey Ghost, Apple Krate, Lemon Krate, Orange Peeler, and Coal.
Many had 5 speeds with the mean shifter on the top tube. They were styled after a dragster with the small front tire and gear shifter, and drag slik on the back. Features also include caliper brakes, some had an Atom hub which was a drum brake, front springer suspension, and suspended rear seat.

"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 22:12:11 ET (2 images) Reply Trace Private Reply
#8. To: wudidiz (#4)
I had one just like it. My first bike. It was dark purple though with coloured streamers coming out of the handlebars. If I remember right it had the padded headrest.

The Schwinn Krate's were the coolest bikes ever made:
Damned shame they didn't come standard with a headrest! :)
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 22:16:27 ET (1 image) Reply Trace Private Reply
#9. To: Dakmar (#0) (Edited)
Oh, and if you have to ask what the price of a vintage krate in mint condition is worth, then you can't afford it.
The 1971 Grey Ghost by far is the rarest and most covetted. I was a bicycle mechanic and racer many years. If I know one thing, I know bicycles.
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 22:16:50 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#10. To: Ferret (#7)
The Schwinn Krates are by far my favorite Schwinn.

You beat me to the punch by like four minutes. I've not received an answer about getting a retro cruiser with a factory 24" front wheel. :)
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 22:20:57 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#11. To: Ferret (#9)
Oh, and if you have to ask what the price of a vintage krate in mint condition is worth, then you can't afford it.

Those were rich kids bikes, as I recall. I still think the shifter location was brilliant, but that's prolly why I've never won a Nobel Prize for Ergonomics in the Face of Declining Elite Fertility.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 22:27:17 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#12. To: Dakmar (#10)
Randy Ellis of the Eugene police Department is a collector. he has over twenty of these rare bicycles in incredibly good condition.
He also has a rare old early 1950s fat tired bicycle tricked out as a police bicycle he has let me borrow to take to Portland to style around on.
It got an awful lot of attention. I had a cop ask me about it and he gave Randy a call about it on my suggestion. He chatted a few minutes and said, "carry on" and left after that call.
Downtown PDX is hilly. I got a good workout without going far that weekend.
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 22:27:56 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#13. To: Dakmar (#10) (Edited)
These were plink around the pea patch machines not meant for serious off road abuse. They are more a toy than a transportation machine.
I have a nice boy's green Sting Ray with ape hangers and a banana seat. When I'm on it at Saturday Market in Eugene people ask to ride it. If they are pretty and female they might have a chance at that.
Boys definately need to buy their own. However even I never let anyone try it unless I have access to a machine to chase with. This is still 2011 and Eugene, Oregon is incredibly bad for bike theft.
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 22:33:12 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#14. To: Dakmar (#8)
Mine was a Hiawatha.
Something like this, but it had the sissy bar etc.

White wall tires and chrome fenders... :)
No Planes. Think about it. ... Guaranteed Penetration (no it's not porn)... "To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle." ~ George Orwell... Israelis For 9/11 Truth

wudidiz posted on 2011-09-12 22:34:58 ET (1 image) Reply Trace Private Reply
#15. To: Ferret (#9)
Oh, and if you have to ask what the price of a vintage krate in mint condition is worth, then you can't afford it.
The 1971 Grey Ghost by far is the rarest and most covetted. I was a bicycle mechanic and racer many years. If I know one thing, I know bicycles.

Do you think the bike in the URL I posted at the top of this article is worth it? I'd gladly pay it, but I don't want some piece of crap made of tin. I realize for $500 I'm not going to get a state-of-the-art piece of engineering, either.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 22:35:34 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#16. To: Dakmar (#11)
I own aout 16 quality bicycles. My Cenelli is worth several thousand dollars and is my best.
My oldest is a Raleigh Silver Streak from the mid 1950s.
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 22:36:08 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#17. To: Dakmar, Lod (#3)
Break down and buy one of these and you'll cruise like a boss:

“The best and first guarantor of our neutrality and our independent existence is the defensive will of the people…and the proverbial marksmanship of the Swiss shooter. Each soldier a good marksman! Each shot a hit!”
-Schweizerische Schuetzenzeitung (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
X-15 posted on 2011-09-12 22:40:38 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#18. To: Ferret (#13)
These were plink around the pea patch machines not meant for serious off road abuse. They are more a toy than a transportation machine.

The Krate's were drag bikes, no kid in their right mind would have confused them with BMX bikes. Those weren't mass marketed until about '75, best I can recall.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 22:43:56 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#19. To: Dakmar (#15)
It is a vintage machine with Schwinn's unique internally lugged frame (a Chicago Schwinn, made my a mostly female bike building crew.)
It has One-piece ("Ashtabula") Cranks. (The forks are mand by Ashtabula too).
One-piece cranks are the easiest type to service, and require no special tools. All you need is a large adjustable wrench and a screwdriver.It is worth that price easily. You could sell it in Eugene for that price. In Portland I have seen them go for over a thousand from people buying a piece of their youth.
One should always have such a bike checked. I can tell what that is by the picture, but the new copies of these machines made in China by the company who bought the Schwinn name have been sold for vintage price to the gullible.
There is a "Book of Schwinns" too that one can look up their seriel number in and see what way and year a bike was made. (Sue at Blue Heron on the University of Oregon Campus has one copy I access all the time.)
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 22:45:22 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#20. To: X-15 (#17)
Break down and buy one of these and you'll cruise like a boss:

Can I get it with a banana seat, coaster brake, high sissy bar (w/headrest), and ape-hanger handle bars? A three speed nut-cracker shifter would seal the deal.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 22:50:03 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#21. To: Dakmar (#18)
Rivendell Bicycles are made by the Schwinn founding family that sold their Schwinn name. They are incredibly tasteful, functional pieces of working art.
I wamt one. But then again, if I had all the bicycles I wanted, I would have to own a storage building too.

renaissancebicycles.com
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 22:51:13 ET (1 image) Reply Trace Private Reply
#22. To: Ferret (#19)
One should always have such a bike checked. I can tell what that is by the picture, but the new copies of these machines made in China by the company who bought the Schwinn name have been sold for vintage price to the gullible.

The bike in the URL is brand new, that's what I'm asking about. The URL is a dealer site.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 22:52:46 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#23. To: Ferret (#21)
Rivendell Bicycles are made by the Schwinn founding family that sold their Schwinn name. They are incredibly tasteful, functional pieces of working art.

Screw that, it doesn't have a headrest. :)
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 22:55:54 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#24. To: Dakmar (#20)

This English made Raleigh folders ofter can be found on Craig's list or better yet a garage sale for next to nothing. They will sell for 600-800 dollars in the portland, Oregon market.
I got a green one for sisty once and overhauled the hub and put a Brooks leather saddle on it (150.00) and sold it for 750.00 five years ago in PDX. It was in new condition.
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 22:56:53 ET (1 image) Reply Trace Private Reply
#25. To: Dakmar (#20)
No, the Men's 1-speed and 3-speed Cruisers come sorta close but emphasize cruising comfort.
“The best and first guarantor of our neutrality and our independent existence is the defensive will of the people…and the proverbial marksmanship of the Swiss shooter. Each soldier a good marksman! Each shot a hit!”
-Schweizerische Schuetzenzeitung (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
X-15 posted on 2011-09-12 22:59:08 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#26. To: Ferret (#21)
I used to ride my neighbor's Manta Ray like a unicycle (balanced on the rear wheel) all the way across town. I ride my upright bike around the block and get muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 23:00:20 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#27. To: X-15 (#25)

Before: a very old pre WW II bicycle.

After: a great deal of work and creative effort returns a piece of two wheeled history to the streets.
http://sheldonbrown.com/cellar.html
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 23:03:59 ET (2 images) Reply Trace Private Reply
#28. To: Ferret (#27)
Now that's a restoration!!
“The best and first guarantor of our neutrality and our independent existence is the defensive will of the people…and the proverbial marksmanship of the Swiss shooter. Each soldier a good marksman! Each shot a hit!”
-Schweizerische Schuetzenzeitung (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
X-15 posted on 2011-09-12 23:06:19 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#29. To: Ferret (#24)
This English made Raleigh folders

Hideous! I'd run the thing into the first available tree, on purpose or not! :)
Why can't I buy a bike where I'm not sitting 7 feet in the air directly over the peddles and hunched over the handlebars like some circus freak?
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 23:06:55 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#30. To: Ferret (#27)
That's beautiful, did you do that restoration yourself?
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 23:08:42 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#31. To: Dakmar (#0)
It's custom made in the USA, go for it!
We are not allowed to make a decision as mundane as what kind of lightbulb we're going to use anymore, but we're allowed to choose who runs the city, state, and fedgoob? Give me a break. - Esso
SolvoSermo.Com Free speech Video Hosting
Critter posted on 2011-09-12 23:11:51 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#32. To: Dakmar (#26) (Edited)
"I used to ride my neighbor's Manta Ray like a unicycle (balanced on the rear wheel) all the way across town. I ride my upright bike around the block and get muscle spasms in my neck and shoulders."

That takes good bike handling skills. I like doing that too. Though I usually get that creative on one of my two Klein ATBs in an off road environment.
I have a Klein Pinnacle Elite and a Klein Fervor, both without suspention. The Pinnacle was gone for three years which brought the Fervor into my stable. I offered a 500 dollar reward for three years for information leading to it's recovery and finally paid it to someone who gave me the information I needed to get into what turned into a pretty brutal physical fight.
Needless to say, I got it back. The Police got involved but as I had the original receipt and a copy of the theft report, I didn't have too much lasting trouble over this.
I started it with a fairly brutal take down after eyeballing it enough to see it was mine. Never yell "Hey, That's mu bike!" All that does is start a bicycle race.
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 23:12:58 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#33. To: Dakmar (#0)
Got one of these in mint condition if you're interested.
Godfrey Smith: Mike, I wouldn't worry. Prosperity is just around the corner.
Mike Flaherty: Yeah, it's been there a long time. I wish I knew which corner.
My Man Godfrey (~~1936~~ 2011)
Esso posted on 2011-09-12 23:16:24 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#34. To: Critter (#31) (Edited)
It's custom made in the USA, go for it!

I think you're right, the frame alone is probably worth it, and I can replace any other parts as needed. Sure as hell can't get a 26" dragster style bike at any department store.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 23:20:26 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#35. To: Esso (#33)
'letrit? Sort of defeats the purpose...
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 23:21:44 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#36. To: Dakmar (#30)
That is an example of a restoration from the link in the post. I have done simular restoration work. I'll find the disc with the pictures of the best ones and get them online so I can do links to what I did.
The best one I did was a Columbia skip tooth from the 1920s. I rent it to a bike shop which has it on the wall as static display for 'atmosphere.' I am going to let that lease expire (in a cople of years) as I haven't been able to ride it around for a long time.
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 23:22:24 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#37. To: Dakmar (#35)
Got pedals too.
Godfrey Smith: Mike, I wouldn't worry. Prosperity is just around the corner.
Mike Flaherty: Yeah, it's been there a long time. I wish I knew which corner.
My Man Godfrey (~~1936~~ 2011)
Esso posted on 2011-09-12 23:25:05 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#38. To: Ferret (#32)
That (wheelstand) takes good bike handling skills. I like doing that too.

It's actually pretty easy on dragster-style bike, you're basically sitting over the rear wheel to begin with. That's why I find them so comfortable. I have unfortunate tendency to fall right off upright bikes. :(
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 23:30:14 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#39. To: Esso (#37) (Edited)
Got pedals too.

Speed: 18 mph
• Range: 15 - 25 miles
• Weight: 90 lbs
• Charge Time: 5 - 6 hours
Uh-huh, you ride the thing about 10 miles and then have to pedal it back. No thanks.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-12 23:35:36 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#40. To: Dakmar (#38) (Edited)
"It's actually pretty easy on dragster-style bike, you're basically sitting over the rear wheel to begin with. That's why I find them so comfortable. I have unfortunate tendency to fall right off upright bikes."

It's even easier on a modern freestyle bicycle designed for such riding. I used to be better at it, but at age 57 I don't want to break my collar bone again any time soon.

Here is a Pinnacle simulat to mine. It even has the Klein Ground Control barstem like mine does, as well as the backfire paint scheme. I must of chased down dozens of Pinnacles in the three year it was gone. I never was anything less than intensely obsessed with finding this stolen bike. I took it deathly seriously.
I had to replace most the running gear, but the barstem was still on it and it had not been repainted. Someone tried to 'recover't from me after I got it back. All that did was allow me to find a lawyer who had it early after it was pilfered from me and retrieve my wheels from it I had built for it. I put my name and SS number on all such parts in Morse Code near the valve stem.
It paid off when he gambled on showing me his current ride gambling I would not be able to prove they were mine.
He is like the last guy to have this bike the wheels came from before I took them back in one sense; he knows how seriusly jealous a bicycle owner I am. It is the only bike I have had stolen.
No one in their right mind would go after one of my bikes in my neighborhood. I have nice machines, but I am dangrous to prey on when it comes to bicycles.
I have caught people on campus stealing bikes. I have practiced on them, and I know too much about bike thieves to be fooled by one when they are stealing.
Anyone breaking in to go after bicycles best hope I'm not home. They court a sure death by doing so. I get pretty intense about the topic.
The above bike is mostly stock and was priced at about 1600.00 new stock. Mine has some higher quality components on it. So does the Fervor.
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-12 23:58:44 ET (1 image) Reply Trace Private Reply
#41. To: Ferret (#40) (Edited)
It's even easier on a modern freestyle bicycle designed for such riding.

No way, look at where longitudinal center of gravity is, 100.2% of the rider's mass is forward of the rear axle. I'm not saying one could not pull a wheelie on such a contraption, but it would require immense sustained exertion and a good sense of balance. All that's required to get the front wheel of a Manta Ray off the ground is sliding back in the seat as far as the sissy bar permits.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-13 0:14:58 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#42. To: Dakmar (#2)
deleted
The relationship between morality and liberty is a directly proportional one.
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters." ~ Ben Franklin
"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the worst, and to provide for it.” ~ Patrick Henry
Eric Stratton posted on 2011-09-13 0:27:29 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#43. To: Dakmar (#41) (Edited)

Here is a typical Freestyle bicycle complete with axle pegs, spinnable handle bars (the cables are swashplated at the heatset bearings), and it has a typical bent seat post.
They have exra spokes and a very srtong frame designed to take serious air. Look how long the crank arms are too.
I have watched guys do incredible things with these machines. They oftern use them on courses that allow skateboard-like courses and really fly with them.

Freestyle Biking UK
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-13 0:28:27 ET (1 image) Reply Trace Private Reply
#44. To: Dakmar (#41)
--
BMX Freestyle Bike Tricks - High School Exhibition
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-13 0:30:07 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#45. To: Ferret (#43)
Does it have a coaster brake? Sometimes I hit a bump and my hands come off the handlebars and putting my feet down is the only way can stop. I think a coaster brake would be a real nice feature on a bike like that.
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-13 0:34:12 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#46. To: Dakmar, Lod (#0)
Several years ago, I bought a bicycle, hoping to ride it for a little exercise. It was a standard, upright bicycle, with six gears and handbrakes. I can't get comfortable on the thing, my legs are too long to sit back, and the handlebars are too far away to sit upright. I basically feel like I'm taking my life into my own hands every time I get on this bike.

What it sounds like is the bike was never properly adjusted for you.
You might need a longer seat post, and a different set of handlebars, but those would be less than a new bike. Particularly a Pansymobile.
Remember The White Rose"“Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings - that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.” ~ Gautama Siddhartha — The Buddha
Original_Intent posted on 2011-09-13 0:34:39 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#47. To: Dakmar (#45)
They need to be able to free wheel when taking this kind of air. A coaster brake would be very dangerous in this sort of cycling. They usually have rim or disc brakes.
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-13 0:37:19 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#48. To: Original_Intent (#46)
I need something with a cheater slick.
And you're a pansy! :)
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-13 0:37:23 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#49. To: Ferret (#47)
A coaster brake would be very dangerous in this sort of cycling.

What a bunch of pansies! :)
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-13 0:38:19 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#50. To: Dakmar (#45)
--
Extreme mountain bike crash
Here is what happens when you don't inspect your frame with some dye penetrate spray before each extreme high speed dive down a mountain. ;-)
"The United States today is like a cruise ship on the Niagara River upstream of the most spectacular falls in North America. A few people on board have begun to pick up a slight hiss in the background, to observe a faint haze of mist in the air or on their glasses, to note that the river current seems to be running slightly faster. But no one yet seems to have realized that it is almost too late to head for shore." -- Historian and author Chalmers Johnson"
Ferret posted on 2011-09-13 0:56:20 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#51. To: Dakmar (#41)
What this thread needs is a theme song.....
" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11
abraxas posted on 2011-09-13 1:07:04 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
#52. To: abraxas (#51) (Edited)
Laugh if you must, but getting a bike like this has become a religious endeavor for me:

I'll prolly order the optional front drum brake even though my discomfort with hand-operated brakes is #3 reason for getting rid of the bike I currently own.
The optional drum brake looks bad-ass, though. :)
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2011-09-14 20:09:47 ET (1 image) Reply Trace Private Reply
#53. To: Original_Intent (#46)
You might need a longer seat post, and a different set of handlebars, but those would be less than a new bike. Particularly a Pansymobile.

Pansys...were never made like me!
"I am not one of those weak-spirited, sappy Americans who want to be liked by all the people around them. I don’t care if people hate my guts; I assume most of them do. The important question is whether they are in a position to do anything about it." - William S Burroughs
Dakmar posted on 2012-08-18 0:49:36 ET Reply Trace Private Reply
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