My budget campus shredder

As mentioned in previous posts, you can see how the bike looked initially. After my old bike broke down and was far too big for me, and after discovering xbiking, my goal became building an ultra-budget campus commuter in my size. I used parts either original to the bike or from a trash pile at my student housing. The grips are from AliExpress, and the rear rack was found in the trash pile at my local bike coop.

How much money did I spend:
• Frame: Free
• Brake levers: Original
• Handlebar: Trash pile
• Handlebar accessories: Trash pile
• Grips: AliExpress, 4€
• Stem: Original
• Pedals: Trash pile
• Seat: Trash pile
• Rear rack: Trash pile
• Tubes: Original (I’ll probably need to change them soon, but I’m using them until they fail)
• Tires: 15€ on Kleinanzeigen/Marketplace for the pair. Secondhand but unused
• Miscellaneous small parts (chain pins, cable, etc.): Around 15€

The parts I didn’t mention are from the original frame.

I converted the bike to single speed, calculating the best ratio with ChatGPT’s help.

Future plans:
I want to clean the bike properly, grease everything, remove the chain guard holders, maybe get colorful cable housing and grips, and add a front rack made from an old rear rack. I’m still waiting for the delivery of fake AliExpress Nitto clip bands. Since I need the bike now, I focused on making it usable, and I’ll do the cosmetic work in summer when I can work outside.

Feel free to share your honest opinion and any inspiration for future changes!