A hint of Cruiserbike

Update time again.

As I alluded to in my last post, I was not entirely happy with the handlebar.

After some deliberation I decided to take a stylistic gamble. Why not add some U.S. retro bike touches to this Scandinavian classic? It is a departure from the traditional aesthetic that longjohn enthusiasts typically pursue. But as I have lived stateside for a few years I think it fitting that my ride mirror my own transatlantic mindset.

It will be an exercise in restraint to not go overboard and mire the old beast in chrome and easyrider paraphenalia. I would like to add a few carefully selected new world touches without marring the classic feel of the machine.

Here is my first foray in that direction:

Rear shot. The Limfjord is to the left

The Handle bar is a ape hanger style from Electra. This setup is four inches wider than the original handle bar, and changes the position of the wrists to be more akin to riding a mountain bike. The elevation of the grips are very close to the original setup, so it rides much the same as before, only with more comfort. I chose a black handle bar to be more in keeping with the original aesthetic. The grips are extremely comfortable padded leather ones. They give me joy. Also note that i got the mudguards replaced with non-rusty variants from Monark.

Frontal shot by the Marina

The black basket folds flat to a height of less than one inch. This arrangement allows me to carry small items like groceries and still make full use of the cargo tray for bigger stuff once I fold the basket flat.

I am looking to add retro style lights front and rear and am almost set on black bullet style lights. These will either go on the roadside edges of the cargo tray or alternately along the main axis of the bike in the style of classic motorcycles.

I will also need to add stuff to the sign. I think I will just stick to my last name and I will either paint it on in white or make decals from some sort of reflective material (added safety in the dark months ahead).

Stay tuned. and thanks for reading.

Cheers
- Tom

It Lives!

I am very stoked about the progress so far.

I ended up replacing quite a few things at this point, but as I have mostly used original longjohn spare parts from the Monark factory in Sweden, I am still pretty close to the original aesthetic. Here it is after carrying my first cargo home.

Beer and belgian chocolate, Hooray!

Things that got changed:

• Original 24 inch single speed rear wheel got replaced with a 23 inch 3 speed wheel from Monark's current Longjohn series.
• Tubes and tires front and back.
  
• Original sprockets and chain did not fit the sprocket on the new wheel. So I got a brand new Crank, pedal setup, chain and sprockets compatible with modern size standards.
• Old style Bell and 3 speed SRAM gear shifter added to the handle bars
• New springs for the stand again from the Monark factory.
• Ergonomic saddle from Hobson Associates.
• Reflector pads added front rear and sides to meet legal standards.
• After market sign added. It came with wire strips to attach the sign to the frame. Again my local bikeshop came through in a big way and added custom fixtures for the sign at no extra charge.
• Added a Ring style lock.
  

Details of the new stuff:

I know that especially the seat is a departure from the classical Longjohn look. But for me Comfort > Style > speed. My first priority is to ride comfortably with whatever cargo tickles my fancy. If original parts get in the way of that I have no qualms about changing them.

I need to add content on the sign. My current thinking is to get some custom bumper stickers made with magnetic backing so I can change the graphics as I see fit.

I have ridden the bike extensively over the weekend both with and without cargo. The handle bars may need to go, as my wrists are at a slightly uncomfortable angle when sitting upright on the bike.

This brings me into the next topic to ponder. I am seriously considering adding some basic cruiser bike styling to the longjohn. Perhaps a big chopper style handle bar and classic harley style mudgards are in order.

I am still undecided, but am very tempted to go all out on "pimping my ride".

Next post when I feel like it.
Cheers
-Tom

Meet the protagonist

Yesterday I completed my deal. I rented a flatbed trailer and drove down to pick up my prize. The previous owner was the 2nd generation to own the bike, and he was fed up with the thing not being put to use.

The cost of trailer hire and gas for the 1.5 hour drive each way amounted to half of the price I payed for the bike. That leaves plenty cash for my restoration fund.

Got it home last night, and spent the final hour before sunset wiping it down with a dry rag. The bike had been parked in a barn for fifteen years, so it was quite dusty.

Researching the production stamp reveals that this bike was made in Odense by Smith and Co (SCO) in 1963. I got up this morning and took a few pictures of the old guy.

First up, a side shot:

Sadly, the tires and tubes are completely rotten, and need to be replaced. My local bike shop informs me that the 24x2 moped tires needed are no longer in production, and so I need to get a 23 inch replacement wheel instead of the current 24 incher. No matter... I will use this opportunity to get a 3 speed gear hub instead of the current single speed one.

If you cant already tell, the paintjob is generally in a near-pristine condition. There are a couple scratches on the cargo tray and on the rear wheel fork. But very minor stuff.

Paintjob detail. Solid stuff.

There is surface rust on the mudguards. I'll procrastinate and wait until spring to deal with that issue.

The first step is to make the thing ridable and street legal. To that end I will need to have the following issues adressed:

- New tubes and Tires
- Replace rear wheel
- Reflector pads front, rear and sides
- Bell
- Lock.
- new springs for the stand

A shout out goes to my local bike shop who has helped me appraise what needs doing as well as parts and service.

Next update after I get it back and take it for a spin.

Cheers
- Tom

Blog Intro

This corner of the internet is to set up to chronicle my cargobike project.

I have not ridden a bicycle for almost half a decade, and intend to get back on track by souping up an old, heavy, long-john type cargo bike.

Pictured above is the bike in question. The seller lives out in the sticks and I am buying it for a song. I am scheduled to pick up the beast two days from now.

Next update when i bring it home.

Cheers
- Tom