MarkKBike
Finally riding a big boys bike
Yesterday I picked up this Cruiser with a 19" frame for just 12$ in non working condition, I mainly just wanted the coaster break equipped wheel set and tires for another project, and thought the price was pretty good even if all I ever used were just the wheels or tires, which look to be brand new.
The frame is steel, and actually very light, I was certain it was aluminum until I tested it with a magnet. Its unmarked, and I'm sure it isn't any thing special and is most likely a cheaper department store frame.
After I got home, I noticed the frame has a rear dropout for a derailleur, and also cable guides. It got me thinking that I could build it back up as a light duty mountain / trail bike. When purchased it was equipped with just a coaster break and a single speed drive-train,
I pulled of the original fork, and replaced it with a suspension fork, swapped the stem and handle bars, tossed on some derailleurs just for mock up purposes, put on a new seatpost, a modern MTN saddle, added some shimano thumb type shifters and some break levers. Most the parts are just on there for mock up purposes to see how it might all come together and will not stay.
I was able to get the original fenders to work with the suspension fork.
Sometime this winter I will get a bottom bracket converter, so I can add a multi-speed 3 piece crank, and next spring I'll repaint the frame a satin black, and equip it with a older shimano lx drive-train I have laying around somewhere.
It will never be anything special, but when its done I think it will look pretty cool, and should be able to handle some of the smother dirt single track, and crushed gravel trails in the area.
The frame is steel, and actually very light, I was certain it was aluminum until I tested it with a magnet. Its unmarked, and I'm sure it isn't any thing special and is most likely a cheaper department store frame.
After I got home, I noticed the frame has a rear dropout for a derailleur, and also cable guides. It got me thinking that I could build it back up as a light duty mountain / trail bike. When purchased it was equipped with just a coaster break and a single speed drive-train,
I pulled of the original fork, and replaced it with a suspension fork, swapped the stem and handle bars, tossed on some derailleurs just for mock up purposes, put on a new seatpost, a modern MTN saddle, added some shimano thumb type shifters and some break levers. Most the parts are just on there for mock up purposes to see how it might all come together and will not stay.
I was able to get the original fenders to work with the suspension fork.
Sometime this winter I will get a bottom bracket converter, so I can add a multi-speed 3 piece crank, and next spring I'll repaint the frame a satin black, and equip it with a older shimano lx drive-train I have laying around somewhere.
It will never be anything special, but when its done I think it will look pretty cool, and should be able to handle some of the smother dirt single track, and crushed gravel trails in the area.
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