Got this bike for around 20$ the other day. It’s from 1978. Got one gear, and hub brakes. What are some upgrades that would be nice to do?
by MediocreMoment3931
Got this bike for around 20$ the other day. It’s from 1978. Got one gear, and hub brakes. What are some upgrades that would be nice to do?
by MediocreMoment3931
7 Comments
Man that company put all their money into the wheel set and that was it, lol!
Still, I’d trade the mid-rise bars for some mustache bars, and replace the plastic saddle with a a leather one.
Maybe a set of saddlebags for the rear?
I really like the drum brake/coaster brake setup, though. That’s unusual for an American bike. The whole setup, as-is, if you can keep the rust at bay, should be super reliable, and relatively comfortable.
I love doing bike projects and have done a few that most wouldn’t think were a very wise use of the money.
There’s really nothing that makes sense to upgrade on that bike.
No matter how much money you’d throw into the project, it’s not even going to become a lightweight road bike, nor could it become a real mountain bike.
Most of the things that could be done would actually detract from this bike’s usefulness as a comfy casual cruiser.
If you just have money burning a hole in your pocket, you could go with a lighter weight alloy crankset. Then, you would have convert the bottom bracket assembly and buy new pedals. You could save a couple of pounds.
The first upgrade I make on any bike is a pair of Shimano M324 pedals. I prefer to be locked-in on any bike I’m riding, but I also like to have the option to just wear some regular sneakers or whatever, and these let me do just that.
Once I’m able to actually ride the way I like to ride (and assuming all the necessary mechanical components are in good working order), it’s pretty rare that I find anything about a bike that I’d change. I prefer to let each bike have its own personality and just enjoy it for what it is. A comfy upright cruiser doesn’t have to be anything other than that.
You could add a 7 speed nexus hub or something to make it a bit more useable for hills and stuff. That type of saddle is either awesome or horrible, if it busts your perineum, change it out.
Maybe a basket on top of that rear rack so you can just throw your stuff in and go! Otherwise, nothing. It needs nothing.
Seat has to go.
Keep it vintage!