{     ELECTRA "Rat Fink" Bike     }    

I'm always a bit skeptical of merchandise that pays tribute to legends who've shuffled off the mortal coil. Invariably, these items smell like a blatant attempt to cash in on the death of an icon, but Electra had escaped my scorn. This really is a fitting way to remember Ed Roth, and I have no problems imagining him being into a project like this when he was still kickin'.
Just be warned- as we've all seen with the proliferation of the "Von Dutch" logo and associated images, there are plenty of fuckers out there willing to charge you 40 bucks for a shitty trucker hat emblazoned with the appropriated work of one of pinstriping's true originators and legends on the shaky premise that it's haute couture. Von Dutch was the antithesis of "commercial", everything he touched became an individual work of art, and he held fast to this conviction. Now Hillary Duff is wearing his name on her sixteen year-old ass and she doesn't even know who he is, nor do 95% of the hipster fashion victims that are sporting the logo. I imagine that Von Dutch is vomiting in his grave.
Let's make sure Ed Roth never suffers the same injustice.

I'm gonna ride my Roth right up that's bitches arse. Viva la Von! Barf!

I just picked up my very own Rat Fink today ($599 plus tax), and I just can't say enough about this ride. With just a single 5-minute spin around my block, I received no fewer than 6 compliments - and over half of these were from complete strangers. This bike actually has the power to make people smile. Why? Because the bike screams of style with its perfect balance of bad-assness and kitchy cool (Thanks Mr. Roth, wherever you are). But moreover, it touches upon some of your fondest memories of childhood from the 60's and early 70's. The glossy metal flake green with white flame finish and steel chopper-style handle bars will take you back the minute you lay eyes on this bad boy. With its 26" front wheel and an extra- fat 24" rear whitewall, the bike feels solid and sturdy thoughout. The 3-speed operated smoothly, and the brakes were responsive as expected (old-school pedal reverse - no hand brakes here). The wide "R.F." embossed bucket seat made for one of the most comfortable rides I've ever had on a bicycle. The details are plentiful: custom-stitched leather handle grips and seat, an etched metal Rat Fink graphic on the sprocket, a completely bitchen-ass rear fender. Right down to the twin 8-Ball stem caps, the designers at Electra really did a tasteful job with this one. As it sits inside of my garage while I type this, I can truly say that I am obsessed with this bike and the positive vibe that I felt while riding it. Did I say "bike"? That word is pale when used to describe the Rat Fink. It's a work of art, and I'm gonna ride it until I bleed.

i bought one and ride that thing to work everyday,,,,love it...
i run a bike shop on a island and love the damn thing

rip indian larry...

i luv this bike i cant get enough of it its the bet thing ive rode 4 a long time

I've had my Rat Fink Bike for about 8 months now. I really can't add anything more than what has been writen above. Only that I paid $570.00 out the door !!! The first time I sat on this bike it brought me back to Christmas my Kindergarden year. I'm 5'9" 180 lbs and the bike feels like it was built for me, just like that little boy who sat on his (customized by Dad)candy red and white with custom sissy bar and extened fork Royce Union 20" that Christmas am in 1970. I get stopped everywhere I ride...who made that, how much was it, cool bike. If you are lucky enough to sit on one of these get ready to hand over your hard earned cash...you will want it!!!
I'm trying to talk my wife into one which I'll take apart and customize for her. Probably paint it candy pink, and recover the seat with leopard print.

My Rat Fink is on its way, should be here by Monday. Well, I was about to drop that $570 this coming month when in December I noticed one on ebay listed incorrectly. I quickly asked the guy if he wanted to sell it off ebay and said yes, asked him how much and responded $200. Not sure why so low, said no problems with bike, paint is mint, will let everyone know come Monday and from the post here, I expect I will have much fun with this bike.

Miguel
www.schwinndreams.com

I just dropped the nearly $600.00 with tax on my Rat Fink. The 05 model is just as incredible. The orange rims and flame job make this bike look sick. I should have mine in 3 days. Can't wait to ride that sukka!

I got on the tail end of the Rat, I only discovered the `04 model a couple weeks ago at a local shop and was blown away, after a quick spin I couldn't resist the purchase. I have been joy riding for years on several diffent bikes but never found one as fun as this critter. Already tired of the "Hey, nice bike" but what's a mother to do. Ride on my brothers to "Big Daddy's" tribute, what a sweet ride....enjoy, Bill

I've got a similar bike by Electra, the red "Hellbilly". Outstanding bike. Fun to ride. Blows away, in my opinion, the more common design for bikes -- the 21 speeds and moutain bikes. Reading this, I want to try out the "Rat Fink" to see how the ride is changed with the lower seat and higher handle bars.

Have had mine just on 2 months..am guessing you are all talking american dollars!??? no complaintswith my purchase price then!
Have an K5model, with electra ape hangers, forks with standoffs removed, tassels and roll bag on the front. Is my daily rider to and from work in the suburbs on melbourne Austrlaia, Many a comment on my ride and pleased with the overall quality and finish of the bike. Considering the 3 speed and the distance im traveling on it.., not bad, but looking into an 8 speed shimano hub, possibly radial lace one side of the rear.. yet to decide.. really would like some longer forks but at this stage, shes all bananas!
Ride on Peoples!
Beef. Msg me for pics..

Just scored a used Fink for $250 US. What a killer ride, now I need a cupholder and stereo to complete my pimpkit. The coolest bike ever, and I'll bet very collectible some day just like the Orange Krate and other old Schwinns. The Nexus 3 speed is a MUST!

Het guys i have been wanting one for years & just orded mine unfortunatly they are no longer avalable in austraila because of Australian safty rules so i had to get the pink fink thats all they have left in stock so i have some painting to do can't wait though!

I love this bike just as much as the next guy but anyone that paid more then $300 got fucked over big time, anyway if you dont have this bike and whould like to get one shop around a little because some sites out there are trying to sell it for like $600!

can someone post some links to sites selling this bike I haven't had any luck on ebay and would like to buy one. Or e-mail me please. Thanks