View Full Version : Canal Bike


Chris in Mass
09-16-2008, 04:57 PM
Here are some pics. Sorry, no assistant :devil2: I don't know how that other cruiser got built with a helper like that bouncing around :shocked: Had the bike for about 22 years. Many times it almost hit the old curb sale. New tires, tubes, kickstand (gotta do the golf ball thing), lights, a couple of baskets and a new purpose. I agree with what someone else said - you don't see many pics floating around. Would love to see more - I don't care how fugly.

JohnnyD
09-17-2008, 08:05 AM
Very nice! Seems like a lot of people are moving towards those angled back rod holders.

Mike P
09-17-2008, 02:18 PM
Very nice! Seems like a lot of people are moving towards those angled back rod holders.

Almost a necessity if you want a man's style bike. Straight-up holders make the leg swing over the back difficult to near-impossible.

Big guys like myself have a real hard time finding step-thru (aka "girls' style) bike that have frames big enough for comfortable pedaling. It's either a man's frame, or your knees in your chest when pedaling.

The Iceman 6
09-17-2008, 02:27 PM
Chris -

Looks like a great rig. Best of luck with it.

JohnnyD
09-17-2008, 03:21 PM
Almost a necessity if you want a man's style bike. Straight-up holders make the leg swing over the back difficult to near-impossible.

Big guys like myself have a real hard time finding step-thru (aka "girls' style) bike that have frames big enough for comfortable pedaling. It's either a man's frame, or your knees in your chest when pedaling.

Makes perfect sense. Thanks Mike.

Chris in Mass
09-17-2008, 06:50 PM
Thanks guys. I got a little extreme with tilting the tubes. Mike's right. I'm 6'3" and I had to watch getting on and off. Plus I wanted to reduce the height as much as possible with a 10' pole. During a dry run, I hit some light branches unexpectedly and they seemed to roll off the pole easier then if the tubes would have been straighter.

ProfessorM
09-18-2008, 10:01 AM
Where's the assistant:huh:

Chris in Mass
09-18-2008, 08:22 PM
Think I'd be putt'n grocery baskets on bicycles if I had that kind of game? It's over Johnny - married 21 years :drool:

Chris in Mass
05-02-2010, 07:58 PM
Traded up and used this bike last year. Very pleased. Worked on a better kick stand over the winter. In the end, wasn't happy with my design. Then I was inspired by BigFish's kick stand (PVC and wooden handle). I ended up modifying a collapsible walking stick in a half an hour and was done. The on-the-fly adjustable aspect is great. Also learned, after doing some research on heavy duty kickstands, that the the cross country riders lock their front break to counteract the pivot action. Fully loaded this is rock solid. Now I'm ordering a heavy duty adjustable replacement kick stand for quick dismounts. The big test will be during the full season. Thanks BigFish!

stripermaineiac
05-02-2010, 08:01 PM
love the coffee cup holder. That adds just the right touch.

Chris in Mass
05-02-2010, 08:06 PM
love the coffee cup holder. That adds just the right touch.

:tooth: Picked that up today at Target for $6. Works mint.

stripermaineiac
05-02-2010, 08:45 PM
Thanks, as much as i hate the place gonna have to get one of those LOL.

bloocrab
05-02-2010, 09:33 PM
Nice job with the bike Chris, right on time too!

stiff tip
05-03-2010, 05:17 AM
chris... straighten up your rod tubes. if u leave then like u have , when u turn around your rod radius turn becomes about 15 ft. ive seen guys wipe out other guys rods and bikes in a group, but some people are to stupid to get it... trust me stand them up right ..but keep in mind that i only have 25yrs experence with a bike there on the canal..if u can find a june 1999 otw still in b/w . theres a artical on " the canal cruiser " its a good read w/ some old pics...dave

cableguy
05-03-2010, 05:40 AM
thats a sweet ride....I also love that cup holder....nice work

Swimmer
05-03-2010, 08:27 AM
Cup holder @ Target, next purchase.

Chris in Mass
05-03-2010, 01:43 PM
chris... straighten up your rod tubes. if u leave then like u have , when u turn around your rod radius turn becomes about 15 ft. ive seen guys wipe out other guys rods and bikes in a group, but some people are to stupid to get it... trust me stand them up right ..but keep in mind that i only have 25yrs experence with a bike there on the canal..if u can find a june 1999 otw still in b/w . theres a artical on " the canal cruiser " its a good read w/ some old pics...dave

Wow. Great Point Dave. I have the tube butts kicked out to reduce the splay. Never thought of the turn issue out the back. I'll have to adjust and work on a new dis-mount.

I'm gonna try to get a hold of that article. Sounds Great.

Thanks to others for the kind words :gu: