How did you like your cruiser bike?

[baconqurlyq]

I have a cruiser with regular hand brakes and 7 gears that I used on the Playa this year. I didn't care about the gears, I wanted the hand brakes because that's what I'm used to and wasn't sure how I'd handle coaster brakes in whatever condition I'd be in on the Playa.

I'm glad I had the gears. Being able to switch down to lower gear during dust storms or when parts of the playa got churned into soft dust was really useful. The super-wide tires performed beautifully on soft hilly parts. I just had to ride a bit faster through them. I think riding on the playa made me a bit of a stronger rider. My balance and maneuverability is better.

The bike was in sorry shape when I brought it back, and stupid me left it for two weeks without cleaning. The chain and derailleur got terribly corroded. However, I hosed it down with water. Then I hit all moving parts with WD-40. I then let it dry overnight. I used a soy-based lube on the chain and derailleur, let that soak in a couple of days. I took it for short rides.

At first the chain sounded clunky and chunky. It shifted, although it did so crankily. The brakes were LOUD. But after a few days of short rides, it's loosening up and being less cranky. It rides fine.

I still should still take it in for a thorough cleaning but so far it's serviceable. I'll be able to take it with me next year, and I'm glad for that because it's a wonderful cruiser.