NOS Schwinn Cruiser frame BMX build

[2wheels4kip]

Over the last few weeks I watched classic BMX races online from the late '60's to mid-'70's and admired those early riders and what appears to be Sting-Ray modified bikes. The picture is for reference.

Last weekend, I stumbled onto a NOS 1985 26" Schwinn Cruiser frame that a decades old bike shop had hanging and then shelved for many years thereafter. It has a few a few light scuffs, but I was informed that's from moving it around from shelf to shelf over the last few decades.

This inspired me to purchase it and build an adult sized tribute to those vintage BMX bikes. I should mention that I've never built a bike and haven't mechanically touched a bike since I was a kid. I'm requesting your knowledge and guidance. I'm searching online for correct part terms, but please let me know if I incorrectly state something.

I'd like to begin with purchasing the forks and I read that the SE Landing Gear 1" threaded 26" fork fits without modifications and saw some pictures of vintage cruisers with them. Is this the case?

I appreciate your help, since I'll have more questions as I continue the build.

 

[2wheels4kip]

Regarding the seatpost, should be 1" (25.4mm) or 22.2mm?

 

[byke!punk]

Hey there, welcome to the Cabe.

You'll want to check out this thread for inspiration: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/post-your-pics-of-26-bmx-cruisers.153214/

It's quite easy to trim a fork steer tube down and without messing up the threads so don't let that scare you away from choosing a fork you really like.

 

[2wheels4kip]

Hey there, welcome to the Cabe.

You'll want to check out this thread for inspiration: https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/post-your-pics-of-26-bmx-cruisers.153214/

It's quite easy to trim a fork steer tube down and without messing up the threads so don't let that scare you away from choosing a fork you really like.

Hey, that's a great thread and thank you!

I definitely want a chromoly fork, but the Landing Gear appears to be the best option.

 

[Nelgroe]

I've built dozens of these types of Schwinns...the easiest way to add a nice cromoly, quality, fork is the repro Tange forks available from Porkchop BMX, three different models to choose from. The 180mm steer tube length is about 7 inches and they thread right in with about half an inch or so extra length, I just use a spacer but have indeed cut them down after measuring twice with the headset you end up using...i say they are a bit more quality than the Landing Gear but i've used those many times too, the Tange tubes are skinnier, personally I think the skinnier tubes look better on skinny Schwinn tubes...

 

[2wheels4kip]

I've built dozens of these types of Schwinns...the easiest way to add a nice cromoly, quality, fork is the repro Tange forks available from Porkchop BMX, three different models to choose from. The 180mm steer tube length is about 7 inches and they thread right in with about half an inch or so extra length, I just use a spacer but have indeed cut them down after measuring twice with the headset you end up using...i say they are a bit more quality than the Landing Gear but i've used those many times too, the Tange tubes are skinnier, personally I think the skinnier tubes look better on skinny Schwinn tubes...

Great information. Thank you.

 

[Nelgroe]

Regarding the seatpost, should be 1" (25.4mm) or 22.2mm?

I can't vouch for that blue 85 frame, but all the earlier Chicago Schwinn frames had a 13/16" seat post...

 

[2wheels4kip]

I can't vouch for that blue 85 frame, but all the earlier Chicago Schwinn frames had a 13/16" seat post...

From what I'm reading, it appears the Taiwan frames, which is mine, are 22.2mm.

 

[2wheels4kip]

I've built dozens of these types of Schwinns...the easiest way to add a nice cromoly, quality, fork is the repro Tange forks available from Porkchop BMX, three different models to choose from. The 180mm steer tube length is about 7 inches and they thread right in with about half an inch or so extra length, I just use a spacer but have indeed cut them down after measuring twice with the headset you end up using...i say they are a bit more quality than the Landing Gear but i've used those many times too, the Tange tubes are skinnier, personally I think the skinnier tubes look better on skinny Schwinn tubes...

I'll probably run with the Landing Gear fork, because I can get it for $125 shipped. I'm considering the Black Ops 4-bolt alloy BMX stem. What headset would you recommend?

 

[Nelgroe]

From what I'm reading, it appears the Taiwan frames, which is mine, are 22.2mm.

That's actually better for a bmx build, Porkchop has many to choose from...or old used ones in that size are easily available too...slim pickens in 13/16.