Update to my first unassisted build. I bought this bike for $5 in junkyard condition at a yard sale a few years back. I live near old railroad beds that have been converted to gravel trails so a beater gravel bike made sense.
Since my last post I noticed the rear wheel and chain line were crooked. To remedy this I cold set the rear and front to better fit the new modern hubs. I also added a Suntour wheel spacer to the rear to resolve the chain line issue.
Next, I was really feeling every large rock or bump in the trail with the previous 37c tires and the original Schwinn approved saddle. I struck gold on FBM with a huge lot of 80s/90s handlebars and 2 Brooks saddles for $50 and I finally broke down and bought new 43c gravel king tires.
Final update, I managed to get an old Sears Roebucks Free Spirit Cruiser parts bike where I salvaged the handlebars and stem.
Specs for the gear heads (50% free parts):
Shimano Altus C brake lever.
Sears Roebucks cruiser handlebars.
Panaracer Gravel King SK 700x43c tires.
Weinmann DP18 front wheel.
Rear rack off an old Schwinn Corvette.
Alex Rims rear wheel with an Origin 8 flip flop hub.
Tektro 559 long reach brake Caliper.
Generic Schwinn Chain.
Sears grips.
Brooks B67 saddle.
RockBros bell.
Original cranks, pedals, and bottom bracket.
Future Plans:
1990s Specialized Sequoia.
by Perfctionist
2 Comments
I love the build, but can’t help but think I’d crush the thing as soon as I sit on it as a 200+ pound mountain biker, lmao.
Did you carry it over the dirt for the photo? the tires are like immaculate. go get it dirty please