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DILYSI Dave
May 21 2006, 09:10 PM
This site and a few friends have relit the flame I had for riding. I'm 30, but lived on my bike from 8-16. I raced, did some flatland, and even a bit of ramp stuff. I'm sure it's the same story everyone here could tell. I got my old bike back up to snuff in the last few weeks, and have ridden a few times, and I really am liking it. One catch though is that the bike I grew up on doesn't fit me worth a damn anymore. I'm 6'1", which hasn't changed since I was about 15, but while I was probably 200# and very fit when I quit riding at 16, I'm now pushing 330# and not so fit. Amazing how that creeps up on you... Anyway, long story short, the bike that was small, but comfortable when I was 16 is now comically undersized. It's an 83 Predator which I just measured the TT at 18.5". Looking at modern stuff, that is now what the minis and micro-minis use. Wow. I'm looking at primarily goofing off around the neighborhood for a while, but I could see hitting a track or skatepark if the passion is still in me a year from now.

I've thought about a cruiser, as the idea was to still do a BMX style bike, but just one that fits me better. I never really liked the way mountain or road bikes position the rider - very unnatural coming from BMX. So the thought was a 24 with a low top tube - basically a scaled up 20". On that note, I found the FMF Pro Cruiser to my liking. It's got a 22" TT and has a low step over with relatively high bars. A scaled up 20" just like I had in mind. I don't have a lot of confidence in the cranks holding me, but that will be the case for any preassembled bike. It's aluminum and race, which concerns me a bit - I have my doubts about it's durability with my weight.



I've read some good stuff about the DK General Lee 24" and am also considering it. It also has the low stepover like a 20". It's a bit smaller, with a 21" TT, but the 48 spoke wheels and the chromoly frame seem like it could take more abuse.

I went by a LBS to check out their cruiser offerings and they kinda discouraged the 24", saying that most people who grew up on 20's don't like the 24's, and I have to admit that I never did like cruisers BITD. My main motivation in checking them out was something that would fit me better. They said that they recommend a big 20". I didn't like the 20" TT bike they had on the floor, but I rode the salesmans own Profile 21" TT bike and it felt pretty good. They had a MacNeil Deuce Deuce (22" TT) and suggested getting a midlevel bike (Eastern, Volume, etc.) and transfering the components to the 22" bike, and then ebay the other frame. Probably go with some FBM ape hanger bars in the mix. Probably looking at about $600 to go that way, and maybe recoupe $100 on the frame that is being abandoned. They said that doing it that way would be cheaper than building from components, and my experience in the past makes me believe them on that.

In doing some shopping around on the bigger 20" idea, I found the Hoffman Rhythm IL1 to be a decent complete bike that may not need the frame swap.



It's a 21" TT, and it looks to have better components than those that were on the midlevels I was looking at. It is apparently the 1 step down bike in that line. It goes for around $400 from danscomp, though I'm sure the LBS could get it. My thought is that I could get this and put some miles on it as is. If I still think that the 22 would be better in a couple of months, then swap frames.

So, after that novela, I'm hoping some folks who have been down this path before me may have some useful input. I do think I'd be happier on a 20", but I don't really know for sure. I want something that fits me so that riding is more fun, and something that is fairly durable since I was hard on bikes even before I added the gut. The 21"TT Profile did feel nice. Unfortunately there are really no good places around to test drive an assortment, so I'm picking based on looks, specs, and opinions. If you have an opinion on bikes I haven't mentioned, feel free to throw that in as well. Thanks for any help!
jerry a hutcher
May 21 2006, 09:57 PM
there are quite a few choices..im a old schooler,and went with a 05 premium 21 tt absolutely awesome practicly indestructable,but i was still curious so i got a 04 haro nyquest pro killer bike!! so i got a 05 nyquest pro r24 another killer bike...my most recent was the 06 24 invisable man by shadow conspiracy wow it is awsome...
so my advice is get a 20 and a 24..there are things you can do on a 20 that you cant do on a 24 and visa -versa...
ColoredTuffs.com
May 21 2006, 11:01 PM
Cruisers are way cool. The FMF is great for a larger rider due to the top tube length. Ditch the cranks and upgrade them before you ride around the block for the first time, though. The cranks will not hold up for long if you are jumping and thrashing around. You can pick up a decent set of 3-piece cr-mo cranks with a Euro BB for about $99 bucks. FSA "Nasty Boy" cranks are cool, and so are the new Maderia "protocol" cranks. The Maderias are made by Profile, and are exactly the same as regular Profiles, but without the name stamped on the crank arm, and only with a 1-year warranty.
The MCS "Magnum" cruser will be hitting shops in about 3 weeks. Costs about $350 for that, and comes with good 3-piece cranks..... I used to work for MCS, and I can tell ya it's a good bike! (I now work for FMF...)
-Ed Ferri
oldschool phil
May 22 2006, 01:17 AM
Yeah that's great getting back into riding. No better way to get in shape than to do something that you love. As for the bike queation I'd say look for a 21tt with tall bars as it is really hard to raise the height of the bars these days. Most any bike designed for street like the Hoffman,Haro's, Redline etc. is going to be built tough as nails. Cruisers seem to be designed lighter and no question are weaker in the wheels etc. I get guys asking about their weight often and I say any mid level and up full chromoly street bike is the strongest bicycle man has ever built.!!(except of coarse a custom heat treated bike for $1000 or more.)
good luck!!
DILYSI Dave
May 22 2006, 09:02 AM
quote:
so my advice is get a 20 and a 24..there are things you can do on a 20 that you cant do on a 24 and visa -versa...
Yeah, but my wife already thinks I'm insane - getting 2 "kid" bikes at the same time couldn't improve that situation...
Craig Stang
May 22 2006, 01:34 PM
I rode 20" from '83 -'04. Now I am on a cruiser and it feels soooo right. The cruisers are more stable and I suspect you will appreciate that since not tiding and putting on a couple pounds. I am 6'1" and weigh 250lbs. There is a great thread on this board about cruisers with a bunch of great pics.
-Stang
ettsn
May 23 2006, 06:57 AM
Dave, call me bro. I've got ideas.

-Paul
DILYSI Dave
May 26 2006, 02:52 PM
Well, I pulled the trigger today on a Black DK General Lee. I'm replacing the bars with Haro Nyquists and am adding Pegs and a 990 Front Brake.

All that's left now is the strange looks from coworkers when I explain the bruises and strawberries...
DILYSI Dave
Jun 1 2006, 09:42 PM
Here's my new ride. It came in on Tuesday, I put it together Tuesday night, and I broke it in today.







I was really torn on whether to get a 20" or a 24", but I'm not regretting this 24" It rides nothing like the cruisers did back in the day. It's got very 20" type geometry. Especially with the bars I swapped. It had standard low rise cruiser bars and I swapped them for Haro Nyquist bars that have an 8" rise.

I still have the reflectors on, which was hard for me. Step one when you got a new bike BITD was to remove the chain guard. Step 2 is remove the reflectors. I can't stand chain guards, so it's gone, but since I forsee most of my riding being at night the pragmatic part of me says to leave the reflectors on. Still don't like em though.

In addition to the bar swap, I also added the pegs and front brake. I may de-sticker it for a more sinister looks, although it being called the General Lee is pretty damn cool.

I did manage to ride it today and even bust a couple of old tricks without busting my ***. I was able to ride out of a 180 endo after a couple of shots, and I even bunnyhopped the thing pretty high - I'd guess 10-12". High enough to make all of the neighborhood kids jealous anyway. Bunnyhopping was my strong suit when I was growing up (not the crazy 30"+ stuff, but easily clearing trashcans which was enough to make me king of the bunnyhop in my group), and I attribute that trick to my now freakishly large forearms.

I still can see getting a 20" at some point, but I'm very pleased with the 24" for the time being. Thanks for all the advice.
TreyS
Jun 12 2006, 07:06 PM
Looks sweet Dave! Just promise us you won't wear the Daisy Dukes on the General Lee.

[ June 12, 2006, 09:09 PM: Message edited by: TreyS ]
DILYSI Dave
Jun 12 2006, 09:22 PM
Deal. The General is undergoing it's first repair already - I tacoed the rear wheel last week. The replacement rim should be in tomorrow or Wednesday though, so I'll be back at it soon. I'm still thinking about getting a new school 20" as well.
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