A few years back I built up an early postwar DX with a 7 speed rear, and sold it like a dummy. Not too long ago I started itching for that bike again so I made a post here in hopes of finding the “right” frame to build.
Pantmaker reached out and offered up a blue ‘53 Panther frame and fork set that had seen better days. Tons of scratches, scrapes, surface rust, and chrome that was beyond making shiny again. It was the right color, had the right level of crappiness to the paint, and was a blank canvas to build from. It was perfect. And he was a real pleasure to do business with which made me like the forlorn old Schwinn even more.
Over the last couple of weekends it’s taken shape. 7 speed hub and Fat Franks. Brooks Cambium saddle (use them on all my bikes). Two piece Schwinn adjustable stem. I found the clamp on rim brakes on the Cabe as well, they were so corroded that I ended up stripping them and zinc coating the pieces and replacing the hardware. Stainless wound cable housings, just because I like the look. And a Phantom sprocket for those high speed runs.
So anyway, that’s about it. Just a stripped down, dirt simple rider. I got into early Schwinn lightweights a few years ago and completely forgot how nice the springer balloon tire bikes are to ride. All of my bikes are my favorite but this one is a little more favorite than the others right now.
Pantmaker reached out and offered up a blue ‘53 Panther frame and fork set that had seen better days. Tons of scratches, scrapes, surface rust, and chrome that was beyond making shiny again. It was the right color, had the right level of crappiness to the paint, and was a blank canvas to build from. It was perfect. And he was a real pleasure to do business with which made me like the forlorn old Schwinn even more.
Over the last couple of weekends it’s taken shape. 7 speed hub and Fat Franks. Brooks Cambium saddle (use them on all my bikes). Two piece Schwinn adjustable stem. I found the clamp on rim brakes on the Cabe as well, they were so corroded that I ended up stripping them and zinc coating the pieces and replacing the hardware. Stainless wound cable housings, just because I like the look. And a Phantom sprocket for those high speed runs.
So anyway, that’s about it. Just a stripped down, dirt simple rider. I got into early Schwinn lightweights a few years ago and completely forgot how nice the springer balloon tire bikes are to ride. All of my bikes are my favorite but this one is a little more favorite than the others right now.
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