morton
I live for the CABE
I started out working on Huffy's, JC Penney bikes and whatever I found on the curb set out for trash. I didn't know much but learned a lot working on them and made a lot of mistakes but fortunately didn't ruin any good bikes. The first "good" bike I found was a World Sport but I put it aside cause I didn't want to screw it up and I didn't have a crank puller. Later, I got the puller and gained some knowledge and I tore it apart down to the frame, cleaned and repacked all the bearings and it became my favorite ride for many happy miles. It now rests on my wall in the man cave and every time I look at it I remember the joy it gave to me.
My working knowledge came from books, the net, the CABE, friends, and asking questions of locals who knew more than I did.
As for tools, I gathered all I needed in steps. Yard sales, flea markets, Craig's list, bike shows and bike shops were my best sources. At one point I purchased a set of Park cone wrenchs for $2 each and from CL a Park stand (one of the better models) dirty and with paint all over it but in perfect working condition for $25. And the crank puller I got for $3 looked like it was never used. This past weekend I got a Park head nut wrench for $2 so the bargains are still out there. I don't think I have invested $150 for all my tools and can work on almost any older bike and that includes my compressor for which I paid a whopping $25, an early morning yard sale find.
Finally, I throw virtually nothing away except frames, rusty chains, bent beyond repair items, and old tires/tubes. I usually despoke wheels and keep the hub, spokes, and nipples. I don't have much left for older bikes however, cause I sold off much of my collection a number of years ago but I still find things lurking in corners like these axel sets.
It's been a hoot over the past few decades. I figure over the years I've about broken even while pursuing a hobby that was fun and paid great health dividends. I've done over 10,000 miles since hip replacement and while suffering from a hernia, kidney stones, Parkinson's and spinal stenosis.
My point to all this bable is there are few hobbies, if any, that cost less and provide more enjoyment. Good luck on your efforts.
My working knowledge came from books, the net, the CABE, friends, and asking questions of locals who knew more than I did.
As for tools, I gathered all I needed in steps. Yard sales, flea markets, Craig's list, bike shows and bike shops were my best sources. At one point I purchased a set of Park cone wrenchs for $2 each and from CL a Park stand (one of the better models) dirty and with paint all over it but in perfect working condition for $25. And the crank puller I got for $3 looked like it was never used. This past weekend I got a Park head nut wrench for $2 so the bargains are still out there. I don't think I have invested $150 for all my tools and can work on almost any older bike and that includes my compressor for which I paid a whopping $25, an early morning yard sale find.
Finally, I throw virtually nothing away except frames, rusty chains, bent beyond repair items, and old tires/tubes. I usually despoke wheels and keep the hub, spokes, and nipples. I don't have much left for older bikes however, cause I sold off much of my collection a number of years ago but I still find things lurking in corners like these axel sets.
It's been a hoot over the past few decades. I figure over the years I've about broken even while pursuing a hobby that was fun and paid great health dividends. I've done over 10,000 miles since hip replacement and while suffering from a hernia, kidney stones, Parkinson's and spinal stenosis.
My point to all this bable is there are few hobbies, if any, that cost less and provide more enjoyment. Good luck on your efforts.
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