Fresh Find: 1980 Cook Brothers Three Bar Cruiser

[sworley]

I got the headset race shimmed last night at the bike shop but the pop can was likely not enough, I still have some wiggle that I cannot adjust out. Maybe need a Sapporo can, lol.

New tires came today and man, not sure I'm feeling them. What a bummer modern mfgs need to put their massive logos on everything. I like the idea of the lightweight, high quality and suppleness of modern tires but am unsure of the look. Good thing I can always run these on my Kona instead.

 

[dasberger]

I'm with you on the tires... I know they're a thing but I think you lose the beauty of those gold rims with the gum walls. Any other color gum walls for sure... They would pop with black tires!

 

[ozzie]

I have the same issue with the massive logos on many of the tires today especially most of the tires by Maxxis. If you want some great black walls, imo the best tire at the moment is the S&M speedball. No printed logos, quality construction, 70 psi rated, fast rolling and smooth ride. Reasonably priced too. I have them on 2 of my bikes including my Cook Bros tribute.

 

[sworley]

Had to put the blackwalls back on. Seems unfortunate to laden this lightweight cruiser with heavier parts but vintage is the answer on this rig. I’ll apply the lighter tires to my 90s Kona, I guess. Next up I need to source a nicer freewheel as the original has some odd oscillation in it. And I need to re-shim that crown race again.

 

[birdzgarage]

Yup.no modern lookin tires.looks way better on black tires

 

[birdzgarage]

If it was mine,id change out the pivot bolt and cable and run the brake in the rear.

 

[sworley]

If it was mine,id change out the pivot bolt and cable and run the brake in the rear.

Yeah, not sure if I’ll run front, rear or both. Also keeping my eye out for another gold Ukai 26 to lace up a coaster. Great to have options!

 

[birdzgarage]

It would be nice having a coaster brake setup too.

 

[New Mexico Brant]

Looks fantastic! The blackwall tires take it over the top!

 

[Lars Cohn]

I had the exact same model headset and it wobbled upon installation on two of my old school bmx bikes. I eventually tried a bear -trap and the cups fit more snuggly on both frames. I'm able to tighten the beartrap without wobble.