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1983 Sweetheart Cycles Moto Cruiser

In the early 1980's, Sweetheart Cycles in the Los Angeles area was run by "Bicycle Bob" Wilson, before it was purchased by John Parker and morphed into Yeti Cycles.  As a result, many of the characteristic features of a Yeti FRO trace their origin to the Sweetheart Cycles Moto-Cruiser: the fork design, Simplex dropouts, top actuated front derailleur, and BMX inspired features such as the headtube size, loop stays, and components from GT, Cook Brothers Racing, and Bullseye.

Unlike its more refined contemporaries from Breezer and Ritchey, the Moto-Cruiser had rough and ready influences from BMX, and it cost much less. Instead of masterful brazing with Reynolds 531, it used straight gauge tubes that were TIG welded and not necessarily intended for bicycles.  However, the  bikes proved to be very stable at speed, and this characteristic contributed greatly to the reputation of the Yeti FRO.

This particular Moto Cruiser was purchased in 1983 in the Tucson area and was used extensively for about 20 years.  With guidance from the original owner, the bike was restored to it's original configuration.  The unusual component selection is typical of Moto Cruisers: Campagnolo derailleurs, Simplex shifters, and Pro Neck stem with Moto Cruiser handlebars.  The Cook Brothers Crankset was added by the original owner a couple of years later.

More information can be found on the Moto Cruiser Photo Archive page.

The Build

Year: 1983
S/N: MC3 028
Frame: Moto Cruiser
Fork: Moto Cruiser
Stem: Pro Neck Modified
Headset: Tange MX2 Beartrap
Bottom Bracket: Phil Wood Cartridge Bearing
Handlebar: Moto Cruiser
Shifters: Simplex Thumbshifters
Front Derailleur: Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Rear Derailleur: Campagnolo Rally
Brake Levers: Tommaselli Racer
Front Brake: Mafac Tandem w/ Matthauser Pads
Rear Brake: Mafac Tandem w/ Matthauser Pads
Crankset: Cook Brothers Racing
Chainrings: Sugino 28-38-48
Pedals: KKT Lightning
Hubs: Phil Wood Cartridge Bearing
Rims: Araya 7X
Tires: CyclePro Snake Belly 26 x 2.125
Wheel QR: Specialized
Seatpost: Strong
Saddle: Cinelli Unicanitor
Seatpost QR: Campagnolo
Grips: ODI Mushroom
Cogs: Shimano
Chain: KMC
Portage Strap: JANDD

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