My first dirt bike build was in 1968 this is the only pic I have of it. Sorry about that.
I hesitate to call it a Mountain bike but I did build it to ride off road. At this time you could buy a 10 speed racing bike or a standard with maybe a internal 3 speed rear hub. I wanted a hybrid, a sit-up riding position with derailler gears.
This build started with the bicycle speedway tires hanging on the local bike shop wall. I had 26'' rims laced to a 5 speed racing hub. Found the standard frame in a ditch, cleaned it up, spread the rear triangle and repainted a light metallic blue, I remember the color was called Blue Mink.
Other features were the shorty fenders, white cables, Cow horn handle bars, side pull rim brakes, top tube shifter and the off-road tires etc.
Remember I was a 14 year old with a need to ride dirt roads to get to school on time. No, it never accrued to me to get up 30mins early and ride in traffic. Not an potion at 14. This was so much more fun.
Would love to see other peoples childhood bike projects.
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