utility cycling

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🚴🚲 Welcome to the Utility Cycling Community! 🚲🚴

Are you a passionate cyclist who believes that bicycles can transform the way we move around our cities and towns? Are you interested in exploring the world of utility biking, where bicycles are a tool for practicality, sustainability, and adventure? If so, you've come to the right place!

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I got this guy second hand and have some big plans for it. (sopuli.xyz)

submitted 8 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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cross-posted from: https://sopuli.xyz/post/9204474

I had been looking for a bike to get around my local city and managed to snag a Huffy cruiser for $50. It is in decent shape with only some superficial rust on the pedals. This will be a big learning experience for me as I haven't ridden a bike for nine years. I'll both learn how to use a bike to run errands and how to do some of my own maintenance. Maybe even customize it a bit by adding a frame lock and a 3 speed gear hub. I guess we shall see how far I get in this learning and fitness quest.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago

Cool bike. Hope you'll post progress pics.

Likewise, I got a cruiser bike several years ago and started riding again after a long hiatus. The one speed was tough with the hills here (and my weight and noodle legs lol). So I converted it to 3 speed. I had to replace the bottom bracket as the coaster brakes were toast and it was making a clunking sound-- I think it has a lot of miles on it. But it's a lot of fun and much more comfy to ride than the MTB I had way back when.

Best of luck with your project and new fitness regimen!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago

Beautiful bike!

I've just been re-watching the Trevor Jacobs stuff and all I can say is that if you're planning to fly this bike somewhere remote and the jump off with a parachute, please upload footage!

( When he bought the plane he crashed for a YouTube stunt, he told them he had "big plans" for the plane )

[–] [email protected] 2 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Pro-tip: These bikes usually come with little to no grease in the bottom bracket, headset, and front hub. I would recommend overhauling them sooner rather than later if you want the bearings to last.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Overhaul as in replace or just add grease?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 8 months ago

Overhaul as in pull the bearings out, clean them with degreaser, then inspect them. If the bearings are not pitted and the retainer isn't bent out of shape, you can reuse them. If they are messed up, they are very cheap to replace, many bike shops will have replacements on hand. Once you have cleaned or gotten new bearings, pack the cups they sit in full of grease, and reassemble. Typically bearing retainers will have a side that is more rounded and a side that is more flat, you usually want to put them into the cup rounded side facing in.

Once you have it back together, you want to adjust it. The goal is to have the bearings be as loose as possible while not having any play in them. You also want to make sure the locknut is tight against the cone.

This page has info that will be useful for the bottom bracket.