Hi, new here...looking at donor bikes, etc.

[trapdoor2]

So...not new to recumbents (currently ride an Optima Baron and a Catrike Speed, although not at the same time ). I saw the Silvio review on Bentrider and have been since exploring the Cruzbike world. So far, so good.

I am of an age, naturally, where seeking comfort is looming ever larger over seeking speed. I find myself yearning for that comfy chair. Both the Baron and Catrike are quite comfy...but both are 'unsuspended' and will rattle your eye-teeth out given the right level of chipseal. Our fair city is fond of the smooth variety, thankfully, but they have taken to tossing huge "traffic tables" (speed bumps) across all the fast bits of downhill (except for main thoroughfares). Quite frankly, the Baron and the Speed are taking a pounding. Recently, my brother had to retire his Baron after cracking the frame and I do not wish to similarly experience such a level of $,$$$.$$ discomfort.

So, here I am looking at cheap Wal-mart full suspension bikes as donors for a Cruzbike conversion. A mens 26" AL y-frame ("Nitro") is $95...delivered new to my local Supercenter. Scary, that! I think my first Schwinn was not much less than that in 1963..

So, granted this is a cheap bike with cheap components. I am not expecting SRAM index shifting nor Campy smoothness...but something to let me experience the Cruzbike format (having never experienced anything but pix/video). If the koolaid tastes good, well, I guess I'll be assimilated and I'll be selling my first recumbent children to get a Silvio.

I am 5' 10", 280 lbs and have about a 32" inseam. This Wally-world special appears to be a "medium" frame (but nothing is said on their site about sizing). I guess I ought to go there and see about stand-over heights on their Y-frame bikes.

Thoughts regarding bike selection? I have cruised the local flea markets and garage sales, most donor bikes in this category are so well thought of that for just a few more dollars, I can purchase new. I did find a nice old Raleigh though ($15!)...now I have a fixie in the works.

===Marc

 

[Mark B]

Welcome to the forum!

You're doing just exactly what I did; sipping the Koolaid just a little before drinking deeply.

Looking forward to hearing how your build goes and can't wait to see the finished product!

Mark

 

[Mark B]

To add further... In looking at that bike, I think it's a good buy-in for you on your conversion. I think you already know this, but your conversion is going to be heavy, the seat height will be a tad high and it will be nearly impossible to ride when you first get on it. The seat is comfortable, very comfortable, if you can get it set right. My conversion is comfortable enough, but pales in comparison to my Silvio and it's the same seat. With a high seat, it's real hard to get the recline you have with the Silvio. The conversion is a lot of fun, but If you're the type that gives in right away, this probably isn't your bike. But, if you're up for a challenge, then this bike wll be a hoot for you!

My number one tip I give people to help them learn the Cruzbike is to concentrate on your hips. Pedaling a bike is pedaling a bike. The pedaling/steering/countersteering thing is something to keep your brain out of and let your body figure out. Pay attention to those hips because your natural tendency is to use body english like you would on a regualr bike, shifting your hips one way and the other to help with balance. On a FWD MBB, this is counter productive. Keep your hips still and use the handlebar to leverage the hips one way and the other. This is all you are doing. Managing a right hand turn is nothing more than using your handlebar to force your hips left. If you try to do both, which is what almost all first-timers do, results can be nearly disastrous. The front end will whip too quickly and can cause you to lose control. This is a GOOD thing, as I have learned, when making emergency maneuvers, but a bad thing, when you're trying to do a smooth corner.

Have fun and post lots.

Mark

 

[trapdoor2]

Thanks for the replys, Mark. Yes, I know it will be "heavy". However, so is my Baron...I'm nowhere near 'weight weenie' status so the extra lbs don't scare me. Besides, getting 20lbs off of a bicycle is nearly impossible without expending large vats of $$$. Getting 20lbs off my butt requires merely riding more and eating less.

After watching the videos, I'd say riding this thing will be a piece of cake compared to the Baron. Learning to ride the Baron (tiller steering) was like being 5yrs old again and not having yer Dad to hold on while you wobbled about...and fell down. I have the scars to prove it! I appreciate the pointers, though. I like the MBB concept but am sure I'll have some scary moments to laugh about later. The seating position is much more upright than what I'm used to (+1 for learning to ride). Although I love the Baron, it is a Low Racer and being "low" is often a problem around traffic/others.

I don't expect any significant problems with the conversion process. The FAA thought enough of my mechanical abilites give me a license to tear Helicopters (or any aircraft) apart and put 'em back together...after the first few post-maintenance test flights, you start believing in yourself. :lol:

I do worry a bit about the crappy components this donor bike will have. Crappy shocks are the usual culprits, esp. up front. Of course, it has MTB gearing (and probably some sort of POS shifting). If it is as much fun having full suspension as I expect, I will probably mess with that a bit (I run a 53/42/26 with an 11-32 9sp cluster and SRAM 9.0 twist on the Baron). It will be an interesting comparison, for sure.

Funny thing. I have already had two offers to buy whatever I build up. I guess that's what I get for working in a building full of Engineers. They've been surfing the Cruzbike site too.

===Marc

 

[Mark B]

trapdoor2 wrote: I do worry a bit about the crappy components this donor bike will have. Crappy shocks are the usual culprits, esp. up front. Of course, it has MTB gearing (and probably some sort of POS shifting). If it is as much fun having full suspension as I expect, I will probably mess with that a bit (I run a 53/42/26 with an 11-32 9sp cluster and SRAM 9.0 twist on the Baron). It will be an interesting comparison, for sure.

That was my biggie, as well. That's why I went the route I did and just bought a frame. It still had a few parts on it, but they all went into the garbage. I replaced the fork, too. Even with better wheels and components, my conversion is heavy. It doesn't ride heavy until you hit a climb, though. Still great fun and a good way to get introduced to FWD MBB bikes. No regrets for me, anyway.

Mark

 

[Doug Burton]

Hi Marc, and welcome...

This is probably a good bike to "get a taste" with...

A few things based on the picture:

1. I'm assuming it has a square-taper bottom bracket; I've noticed that sometimes down there in wally world bikeland that the specs change around but the pictures don't - I'd verify what you get in the box hasn't been switched to a one-piece crank before I took the box home...

2. The front deralleur won't fit the Kit top tube without surgery; with your skillbase I don't think that will cause you an issue.

3. The seat height issue can be dealt with to some degree by relaxing the rear shock - This will slacken the head angle, but these bikes seem to be less sensitive to head angle (big trail) and the Baron will have trained you in what to look for anyway.

4. You're right about the shock, it will probably bottom out, but sometimes the cheap ones can be disassembled and "re-stuffed".

Looking forward to seeing what you build and what you think about it. I have a soft spot for cheap bikes because of all the little mechanical clevernesses the parts allow for.

Best,

 

[trapdoor2]

Hardtailcruzer wrote: A few things based on the picture:

1. I'm assuming it has a square-taper bottom bracket; I've noticed that sometimes down there in wally world bikeland that the specs change around but the pictures don't - I'd verify what you get in the box hasn't been switched to a one-piece crank before I took the box home...

2. The front deralleur won't fit the Kit top tube without surgery; with your skillbase I don't think that will cause you an issue.

3. The seat height issue can be dealt with to some degree by relaxing the rear shock - This will slacken the head angle, but these bikes seem to be less sensitive to head angle (big trail) and the Baron will have trained you in what to look for anyway.

4. You're right about the shock, it will probably bottom out, but sometimes the cheap ones can be disassembled and "re-stuffed".

Doug,

Thanks for the welcome...and the tips! I would not have looked at the bottom bracket until I had started to dissassemble it. No worries though, bottom brackets are $0.10/12. I am lucky enough to have 2 good LBSs (out of 5) in town, they'll have what I need.

Front Derailleur: I guess I could use the front derailleur off the 70's Raleigh I'm converting to fixie. It'll need a good soak in MMO (Marvel Mystery Oil) to start working again. Thanks for that observation, I'll get it soaking tonight. Of course, the original may only require a simple mod (it appears that it might be too big for the new tube dia).

The front shock will just have to wait until I can see it. Unless it is pressed together permanently (as much cheap stuff is), I should be able to either increase the preload (stuff) or perhaps find stiffer springs (re-stuff). I know virtually nothing about bicycle front shocks, so it will be fun to mess about with. Worst case, I can just lock it and go ride. Of course, there's always the aftermarket, I don't really want to throw a $$$.$$ front end on a $$.$$ frame though. Not that I haven't done that before... :roll:

I didn't think I'd get out of this build without having to do some "creative tinkering", that's what its all about, eh?

 

[trapdoor2]

Aye, I've been to Wally-World (at lunch) to take a peek at the cheap bikes in stock. Sure enough, they feature not only a set of front shocks with no-obvious-way to take them apart but a one-piece bottom-bracket/crankset to boot.

The bottom bracket doesn't scare me, I have a nice aluminum road-double crank set sitting doing nothing, would just need a bottom-bracket...Shimano 110 X 68 cartridge BB is around $25. Sorted.

The front shocks all bottom nicely as I hoist my ~20 stone onto the bike. Hmmm...

Nice having experienced folk to talk to. Y'all keep it up!

 

[trapdoor2]

Just thought I'd mention...

Ordered my conversion kit about 10 minutes ago. Koolaid is in the cup, just add water.

I found some very cool shocks today...too bad nobody here in the states carries them. RST makes some "cross trekking" forks for road-bikes. Even the least expensive are probably more than the whole bike though.

Now I'm gonna have to explain to the wife how that extra bike got in the garage...

Hmmm...now I have an "overall" Cruzbike design question. I'll post it as a new topic...if I can figure out where.

 

[trapdoor2]

Hmmm. "Cruzbike" box sitting on my porch when I went home for lunch. Pretty fast shipping, I say. Thanks y'all!!

Opened it over lunch but have not had time to inventory (or fondle) the parts. Did give the manual a skim-read...more thorough read this evening whilst I do inventory. No shipping damage though...that is a plus!

Ooommmmm, ooommmmmmust get donor bike on orderrrrrrr. oooommmmmm.

I have found a "Rock Shox" shock (which features X-firm springs, v-brakes, etc.) on ebay and may pick it up...if the price remains low enough.

 

[Mark B]

Uh-oh..... Now the trouble starts.... :lol: :lol:

Their shipping is really fast. Both of my Silvio frames were delivered four days from order.

Mark

 

[Doug Burton]

Mark B wrote: Uh-oh..... Now the trouble starts.... :lol: :lol:

Got that right... You're as bad a tinkerer as I am.

If you had other hobbies, go ahead and sell the stuff now...


Have Fun!

 

[trapdoor2]

Dark Lord wrote: Hope it does have the V posts.

The sellor is including a set of brakes (as shown) too. Got it for less than $30 (less shipping). I believe this thing is good for 700c tires too.

 

[defjack]

Good deal on the fork.I hope its an 1 1/8. Jack

 

[Mark B]

It is 1 1/8. Is that a Cannondale fork? It looks to be a touring bike fork, it has lowrider rack brazeons and a headshock. If you decide you don't want that fork, let me know! Me likey!

Mark

 

[trapdoor2]

Yup, according to the sellor, it came off a Cannondale "Adventure" damaged in shipping (rear frame damage). 1-1/8 threadless. Soon as I saw it, I thought, "Hey, this ought to be just right!" It is a Rock Shox "i-ride", I downloaded the manual for it and have found a source for the stiffest spring ($10). Brakes are "Promax" (although I have no idea if that is good or bad, I've never had a bike with V brakes...).

 

[Mark B]

trapdoor2 wrote: Yup, according to the sellor, it came off a Cannondale "Adventure" damaged in shipping (rear frame damage). 1-1/8 threadless. Soon as I saw it, I thought, "Hey, this ought to be just right!" It is a Rock Shox "i-ride", I downloaded the manual for it and have found a source for the stiffest spring ($10). Brakes are "Promax" (although I have no idea if that is good or bad, I've never had a bike with V brakes...).

That is a fantastic score! Way to go, I'm seriously jealous! Those brakes will be just fine!

Mark

 

[trapdoor2]

Ok...I've done it. Wal-mart "Nitro" (as pictured early on in this thread) is on order and due to arrive in 7-10 days. After that, I'll start the "Cruzbike Assembly Mambo" in earnest.

I guess I need to find a set of road tires. I might have a 559 Primo Comet hanging around...but will need to find another.

If I get the gumption, I'll start another thread to document the build. I'll have to figure out some place to host photos though, perhaps the yahoo group.

 

[Mark B]

I use Photobucket. It's intuitive and best of all, FREE!

For road tires, I heartily reccomend Specialized fat boys. I've had real good luck with the set I have on my conversion. They seem to be very durable.

DL, your avatar is... ummm.... wait..... ooooh.... yeah..... ahhhh.... mmmm..... :shock:

Is she riding a Cruzbike(r)?

Mark

 

[trapdoor2]

Photobucket...yah, but I can't access such stuff from here (work) as our firewall don't allow things like that (and often these type of forums). I'll find someway to do it...or just do the photos from home. Easier from here at work as I'm paid to be in front of a PC for 8/5. After work, I tries to have more active pursuits.

I don't get three hours to ride everyday like some folks, though. However, one of the great benefits of the Cruzbike format is that it ought to much easier to transport. I had to build a trailer for the Baron, Catrike and my wife's EZ-3, none of which will fit in the bed of the truck without major disassembly. One of the reasons I've been exploring DF Fixie riding (still a bit painful but getting better...I'm up to 15mi w/o major trouble) is to have something easy to transport and 'quick' to hop on and ride.

 

[Mark B]

trapdoor2 wrote: Photobucket...yah, but I can't access such stuff from here (work) as our firewall don't allow things like that (and often these type of forums). I'll find someway to do it...or just do the photos from home. Easier from here at work as I'm paid to be in front of a PC for 8/5. After work, I tries to have more active pursuits.

I don't get three hours to ride everyday like some folks, though. However, one of the great benefits of the Cruzbike format is that it ought to much easier to transport. I had to build a trailer for the Baron, Catrike and my wife's EZ-3, none of which will fit in the bed of the truck without major disassembly. One of the reasons I've been exploring DF Fixie riding (still a bit painful but getting better...I'm up to 15mi w/o major trouble) is to have something easy to transport and 'quick' to hop on and ride.

You like fixies, too???? Man, we must be brothers from different mothers.

Mark