Cruiser with disc brakes?

[jeffcrilly]

I’m looking for a cruiser bike to do a conversion. Under $400.
Would like to find something with disc brakes and (ideally) 3” tires.
I’m thinking BBSHD, and if needed would use a concentric adapter.

Something like a Fito Modena GT-2 (which is kinda hard to find) would be great.

An alternative i came across is
https://www.sixthreezero.com/collections/mens-bikes/products/in-the-barrel-mens-single-speed-beach-cruiser-bike?variant=30158012673
But this would require a bunch of additional parts - gear hub, brakes, and unclear if 3” tires would work.

Or, how about a “cruiser like” 4-inch fat bike which I could install smooth tires? Does it exist?

Suggestions?

Thx

 

[Raisedeyebrows]

Looks like the Fito is readily available, appears to be something in your price range that would work if you could put an adapter in the BB.

https://www.amazon.com/Anti-Rust-Aluminum-Fito-Shimano-7-speed/dp/B00EA8QAKW/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_468_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=FPJAEJDJJDM5QKWV288Y

 

[stu-urns]

Hey there, just came across your thread.

I'm converting a Dyno Glide, and have fabricated rear disc brake adapters. I think the Dynos are by far the coolest cruisers. Some models have 1 1/8" threadless stems, so you can put any forks with front disc brake mounts on.

Check em out: http://www.borderline.co.nz/2018/04/disc-brake-conversion.html?m=1

 

[aroundqube]

Nice project. I like the Dyno cruisers of that era too. I am curious to see if you come up with a battery pack that fits inside the tank.

 

[stu-urns]

The tank isn't really big enough for a decent battery pack I don't think. That will be reserved for the controller. There's lots of room behind the seat post though!

 

[toro1978]

You could have a look at the cruisers in the electric section on the ratrodbikes forum. It will give You some ideas.
By the way there are adapters from Luna Cycles for the BB30 to BSA, if You are thinking midmotor. They are eccentric too so clearance is no longer a problem. I have that conversion behind me already.
https://endless-sphere.com/forums/download/file.php?id=227110&mode=view

Mine has 24x3" tire in the rear and 26x2,125 in the font, I think 50mm rims.
Also when You buy a cruiser make sure it has a 1 1/8 steer tube in case You want to have a suspension frok in the future, 1" suspension forks are hard to find and nothing to write home about anyway.

 

[stu-urns]

Sick build! What make/model frame is that?

 

[toro1978]

I am very delighted that You like it. You wil find it here with more details. https://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=92365
The make is FELT, it is a Cafe 750 model.
https://webimg.secondhandapp.com/FELT-BEACHCRUISER-750-Cafe-Fahrrad.jpg
It is a really beautiful bike even before any upgrades. Other Felt models come equiped with other forks, some with other tank shape... just google for Felt Cruiser pics.
It also has an integrated tank in case one would like to mount an Otto engine on it, because that's what they are also frequently used for. It looks very agressive with a Girvin fork on it, in case You want that. The Cafe 750 has an aluminium frame, but I think other models have steel, which is useful in case You want to have disk brake mounts welded to the rear triangle. There are bolt on adapters from China too. That said I have disk brake only in the front on both my bikes, 160mm, nothing fancy and it is overkill really. I weigh 210 pounds and the brakes are more than efficient and adequate, I don't use much the rear brakes. Actually when I bought the one bike it had V brakes and on the ride home I was surprised how well they held. You only really need disks if You are going fast, over 15 m/h I guess. For a normal cruising (pardon the pun) speed of 25 km/h (around 17 m/h?) that an experienced cyclist has no problem achieving on its own - V-brakes and a coaster are enough. It is true most midmotors have feewheel so they wouldn't work with a coaster, but there are number of midmototrs that do have that option.
I have the Bafang 8Fun BBS01 installed. The battery is 10000 mAh if I remember correctly. I've been very happy with the build, it has a very smooth ride, thanks to the tires (You could go bigger, there are frames that accomodate 26x4 wheels), the telescopic fork and the spring saddle. I have ridden with the throttle only, it had enough juice to carry me on a 20 miles roundtrip with set max engine speed 20 mp/h. Pedal assist only it lasts maybe 70 miles. So I think the battery is also more than adequate to meet average Joe's needs. It was easy to install too. It has a great pdf programm manual I have on my phone, but just don't really need



The Porucho frame is also a popular choice among cruiser crowd.
http://store.ruff-cycles.com/ruff-cycles-frame-porucho.html
The framekit for the Felt costs 299 $, actually not that expensive when You consider You get the rest of the parts for less than 100 $, You have 400 $ total bike price.
https://www.feltbicycles.com/USA/2016/Bikes/cruiser/frame-kit/frameset-canvas-cruiser.aspx
It would be much cheaper just to get a used cruiser, they are sturdy built bikes anyway. Don't take anything with 1" steer tube though.

 

[markz]

http://forums.mtbr.com/attachments/specialized/697287d1337266500-specialized-shark-fin-disk-brake-adapter-img_1786.jpg