Pedal powered transformation :)

[valvesprung]

I started with a boat-anchor '70's lime green Schwinn Varsity and gave it a little inspiration

The "before" (not actually mine, but same baike, mine was a lot more grimey, it was a $29 goodwill "score")

and NOW:

Here's the build thread if you'd like to see the fab pics and such
http://www.ratrodbikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=56994

I still need to install the chaine (first one was too short), swap the grips for black, and I've decided I'm definitely going to paint the main fork legs and lower stem gold to match. At some point I'll upgrade to a Monark style linkage springer too:

My other bikes just for the hell of it

Sold this one:

And I just sold this modified WalMart special to fund the Schwinn build:

Hope you all enjoy!

 

[YogiBear]

Came out amazing, I like the frame mods you did

 

[VonYinzer]

Very cool man. Makes me want to dig that old 50s Schwinn (I think...) I also found at Goodwill out of the back of the garage and do something cool with it.

 

[valvesprung]

Thanks mike! You should give it a go, bikes are just as fun to build and a lot easier

 

[valvesprung]

Go do yourself a favor and venture over to rattodbikes.com

 

[VonYinzer]

Go do yourself a favor and venture over to rattodbikes.com

I shall sir. Thanks for the heads up! Im definitly going to give that old Schwinn a makeover...

 

[valvesprung]

Welp...I got the chain on last night and tore up the neighborhood White skid marks all over the place... ;D

This thing is a freaking blast to ride, like some fckd up hybrid of a cruiser, a BMX, and a road bike...friggin love it.

 

[valvesprung]

Got out for a nice 6-7 miles through downtown to show it off at the bike shops there's a rad brand new shop selling new Kona bikes that also has a stockpile of pre-50's fat tire cruisers. Pretty stoked to have found these guys, they were awesome to chat with as there aren't many vintage bicycle guys ridig anything but shitty fixie conversions

 

[AzHonda]

Love how you made it a single speed. I used to mountain bike on single speed 29'rs. You did a great job on that bike.

 

[valvesprung]

Thanks mate

 

[valvesprung]

Got some good riding time in today, really loving this bike. Found we have a new bike shop downtown that sells new Kona bikes, but the owner also had a decent stash of vintage bikes too! Even has an original Monark fork...tempted. The guys were very cool and loved the bike...probably gonna be in there a lot this summer
They also have a cruiser club that meets during the local downtown Tuesday night farmers market so I'll definitely roll out to that.

I also dropped by the local Saturday night cruise in, a few of the hot rod guys are Ito old cruisers too...this thing got all kinds of antention pretty stoked on all the love it's getting, and damn proud to have something that's very unique, especially arond here.

 

[Fox]

Cool little ride there my man. Nice to have our projects well recieved, makes all those late, sweaty night a little easier to think about.

 

[valvesprung]

Thanks, and you're exactly right, makes the whole process worth while

 

[adriannarnold]

Great looking bike man. Love what you did to the frame. Colors are awesome too. Thanks for sharing

 

[Tim]

Cool looking bike. My dad just picked up an old Raleigh Sports - 1951. Looks like it's all more or less original right down to the bag under the saddle. Got it from the original owner after 15 years of waiting to buy it (dad's an antique dealer). Will see it next month when I head out that way to visit, and might have to figure a way to bring it home on the flight (brother in law can get me a bike box).

 

[Tim]

BTW - didn't know my dad could ride a bike at all This is probably the first time in 35 years or more.

Sorry for the hijack!

 

[Fox]

Grandpa Tim!!!

 

[adriannarnold]

Thats awesome Tim. Your dad looks great on that bike. Totally styling

 

[valvesprung]

ZOMG...I ride a Raleigh for my distance/roadie bike and and have had another too, love em. Man I want that bike...shame it looks too big though