The Beach Bum

Frame Prep

With The Beach Bum I wanted a custom bad-ass electric mega-length cruiser, and so it began…

I needed to make a frame ready to take an electric kit and able to handle the weight and speed, so more stopping power was needed. I welded on some lugs for a massive 223mm rear disc brake and a battery mounting plate.

Powder And Wheels

Now the frame had been prepped it was time for powder coating. Once done, I could start the fun part of wheel building. A front 26″x30mm and a rear 26″x90mm rims, all finished in a candy purple, made a great platform for the 3.0″ tyres.

Time For Building

All the components had been assembled and the rest had all arrived. Time to put it all together. I started with classic swinger suspension and shorty winged fenders. Working my way to the rear next was the electric kit.

Fettling Time

I had all the pieces put together(ish) enough to test ride . It was an exciting time, only to be met with the sound and feel of utter disappointment…

The front suspension made the rake of the steerer angle far to slack and handle like a pig, the saddle was a mite too far away even for a stretch bike, the chain was catching on the frame, the rear mudguard was slapping on the rear wheel and the brake squeal from the front v-brake was enough to frighten even teenagers.

So I ordered a set of triple clamps, a new front hub, an extra-deep dish sprocket, and started making a new saddle and some support stays for the fender.

With the forks on and seat re-covered and fitted,

it was time for a final test ride.

The Beach Bum