Anybody know what this bike is?

[MikeFairbanks]

I found this on CL and the guy wants 110 bucks. He called it a Giant Beach Cruiser, but I haven't been able to find it on bikepedia. There are a gazillion giant beach cruisers, and none of them have this shaped frame.

So I emailed him and asked if it was a true single-speed or a conversion, and he said single-speed.

I think it looks like a great candidate for a speedy around-town ebike (front hub motor), so I might drive over and get it.

But I sure would like to know what it is before I go.

Any suggestions? The ad gives no indication other than it says Giant Beach Cruiser and has a picture.

 

[Drunkskunk]

Its old. Giant Cruisers have had a curved tube frame for the last 10 years maybe? Something like that.
Not cheap bike new, but it's an old coaster brake single speed. $100 seems kind of steep.

If it was me, I'd want something better than coaster brakes for an Ebike.

 

[StudEbiker]

Gotta agree with DS. I've picked up better E-bike candidates on the side of the road for free.

 

[dogman dan]

You can get a pretty nice new beach cruiser for nearly that kind of money, at kmart or walmart. I recomend the upgraded type, that has a 5 speed rear wheel, and nowdays, v brakes. The one I have is a bit older, and has shoddy caliper brakes. You kind of have to remember when your ride it, nearly no brakes at all!

They make a great cruiser ebike, with a front hub like you have.

Looking a bit closer at the wm website, I guess with rear gears and good brakes you pay closer to 150-250. But a coaster brake huffy is only $80. So offer the dude $80.

 

[MadRhino]

I see no brakes mounts at all on the fork of this bike, meaning you'd have to replace the fork from the start. A shifting hub with coaster brake is possible for the rear, but expansive and has poor braking power.

For a "speedy around town Ebike" , chose a frame that let you have brakes, and eventually upgrade them.

 

[MikeFairbanks]

Thanks, guys. That's all great advice. I'll let it rest. I definitely need handbrakes and have no desire to put in a ton of time or money. Besides, I found a Giant with a similar frame, but with front and read brakes, gears, etc, and it's in good condition and only 75 bucks. I'll do that (perhaps, unless i find something better).

 

[dogman dan]

Used MTB's can be quite cheap, if you look long enough. I've bought some real nice ones as low as 20 bucks, just because tires didn't hold air and paint was sun faded.