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What's Similar to a Newsboy?

4555 Views 9 Replies 9 Participants Last post by RetroBikesMarsden, Oct 11, 2020

RockyGuy

Discussion Starter · Apr 4, 2005

After perusing some of the threads in this forum, I've come to lust a Merlin Newsboy. I would absolutely love to have one, although common sense is starting to kick in and I'm slowly realizing that may be one of those dreams that doesn't come true any time soon. With that said, I have a few questions that I'm hoping you can help with. Here goes ...

What bikes are out there that are similar in looks to a Newsboy? It looks like Retrotec has a frame / bike that would be nice. That one also seems a little more affordable and available.

I've seen references to a KHS model, but don't recall the name and haven't seen a picture. There have to be others out there, right? What else would would you recommend?

I'd love to find a frame of this type and build it up as a SS to ride for fun. My girlfriend isn't a big rider, but loves to go down to the boardwalk, along the path by the beach, etc. I think it would be fun to get out and ride with her ... I see this as my excuse to build up a fun new ride.

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions.

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Rumpfy

· #2 · Apr 5, 2005

RockyGuy said:
After perusing some of the threads in this forum, I've come to lust a Merlin Newsboy. I would absolutely love to have one, although common sense is starting to kick in and I'm slowly realizing that may be one of those dreams that doesn't come true any time soon. With that said, I have a few questions that I'm hoping you can help with. Here goes ...

What bikes are out there that are similar in looks to a Newsboy? It looks like Retrotec has a frame / bike that would be nice. That one also seems a little more affordable and available. I've seen references to a KHS model, but don't recall the name and haven't seen a picture. There have to be others out there, right? What else would would you recommend?

I'd love to find a frame of this type and build it up as a SS to ride for fun. My girlfriend isn't a big rider, but loves to go down to the boardwalk, along the path by the beach, etc. I think it would be fun to get out and ride with her ... I see this as my excuse to build up a fun new ride.

Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions.

For the discerning mountain bike owner (i.e. you're a mtb snob), I think the Retrotec's are a good choice.

There's a chance you could land a Newsboy...they're out there as several members here can attest to that. Just have a spare $10k large handy when it pops up!

I thought Kona put something out not too long ago as well. Check eBay to see what's out there.

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ssmike

· #3 · Apr 5, 2005

If the fact that it's a Merlin and titanium that scratches your fancy, you could try for one of their newboy wannabes http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=78716&highlight=merlin+newsboy

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NuMexJoe

· #4 · Apr 5, 2005

The KHS models you should be searching for are, I believe, the Fleetwood or the Brentwood.
- Joe

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RockyGuy

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 5, 2005

Thanks

Thanks for the responses. Like I said, I'd love a real Newsboy, but I have this funny feeling that the chances of that happening are slim. I saw the new Merlin Roots, but the price and lack of availability make it pretty unrealistic.

I think for the time being I will look into the Retrotec and Cook Brothers. Those both look pretty good and can be had in this lifetime. I looked at the Kona, but something about it didn't agree with me ... and I'm not just talking about the crazy name.

Also, thanks for the KHS model names. I'll have to look into them a little more.

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Eli-Ti

· #6 · Apr 5, 2005

newsboy clone...

You can get a titanium newsboy clone with custom geometry and custum set-up, singlespeed, disc, EBB, 29er wheels, hydraulic lines etc...
from:
www.spicercycles.com

This frame is a newsboy clone made in china by these guys...
www.xacd.com.cn

Being a clone it lacks the finish and the precision welds of a Merlin. It is also not a retro/classic. But, for $900 you can't beat the customization and cool look factor. I've been riding an XACD titanium fork for a while with no problems. However, I've heard of some bad stories when people order from XACD direct, so I recommend ordering from spicercycles if you go that route, he backs his stuff up and is a nice guy to boot. The appealing thing about the spicer/xacd titanium cruisers to me is the fact that you can order them with canti/v-brake mounts. Correct me if I'm wrong but the Newsboys all came with U-brakes/Roller cams or Disks.

Hope this helps,
Eli

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> than you

· #7 · Apr 6, 2005

NuMexJoe said:
The KHS models you should be searching for are, I believe, the Fleetwood or the Brentwood.
- Joe

The Wedgewood and Fleetwood models had the aluminum frame. Brentwood had a steel frame but I'm not sure if it was chromoly or high-tensile steel, I think it was a hi-ten frame though.

Fleetwood w/ Nexus-7

Not too many of the cantilever framed cruiser bikes got the downtube curve and overall look down. Merlin, Retrotec and KHS definitely did in my opinion.

https://www.epinions.com/bike-Bicycles-All-84685-KHS_Fleetwood__1999/display_~full_specs

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frankenbike

· #8 · Apr 6, 2005

I have a Brentwood frame. It is chromoly and not hi-ten. The Brentwood and Wedgewood models had rear brake bosses.

Mine is in my attic waiting for one day when I will:
- Turn it into a off road fixed gear bike
- Powdercoat it orange metallic or an antique eggshell white
- Have a Boones Ti fixed cog made to fit a disc rotor hub
- Run it front disc only

These frames/bikes are getting hard to track down nowadays.

Search for post by Aquaholic. He converted his Fleetwood into a disc hardtail with a Fox Float fork and the works. Nice looking actually.

I believe that post was called something like "Cruiser in Noble Canyon" or something like that.

- Taller rigid fork like

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