ORBO Belle: Round 2!

Rat Rod Bikes Bicycle Forum

Help Support Rat Rod Bikes Bicycle Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Joined
Nov 24, 2019
Messages
2,787
Reaction score
5,545
Location
Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I built this 1950 Schwinn Klunker last year for the 2024 Off Road Build Off, using just parts I had laying around. At the time, I built it as a single-speed coaster bike, thinking that would be enough for the gravel trail close to home. It wasn't. Even though I already understood why, I still learned the hard way why the earliest klunker bikes were only raced downhill. So, just like the guys who figured this out all the way back in the '70s, I'm going to throw some more gears on my bike so I can have an easier time riding uphill.
BftD_step-thru_klunker_FINISHED_1.jpg


Fortunately, I already have most of the parts I need to convert Belle to a 10 to 14-speed bike. I've got plenty of mountain bike wheels, brake parts, shifters and derailleurs, and I even have a set of these blue cable housings that are a close match to the bike's paint! I even have a decent Schwinn 2-speed chainring that spins nice and straight that I was able to get off a parts-donor bike of mine.
BftD_belle_cables.jpg
BftD_belle_chainring_donor.jpg


The one thing that I don't have is an easy way to mount a set of rear brakes. Sure, I could have a friend weld on a bracket or something from one of my other donor bikes, but I've got a better idea. While I was at the 2024 BMX Grand Nationals in Tulsa, I saw this awesome Schwinn klunker hanging around the M.O.T.O.S. vintage BMX show. On this Schwinn were these V-brake mounts that I couldn't recall seeing before.
BftD_bmx_grand_nationals_36.jpg
BftD_bmx_grand_nationals_37.jpg
BftD_bmx_grand_nationals_38.jpg


I was able to find a version of these online, though not the exact same version as the ones pictured above. They're a bit pricey at $60 for a pair, but if I can attach the V-brake parts off my department-store donor bikes to them, then I think we're in business! Either way, I'm looking forward to upgrading my step-thru Schwinn into a more capable klunker!
 
Last edited:
Great plan, that's going to make a nice versatile hybrid klunker. Very cool!

Also, you're going to have to build this double bar someday, it's too cool.
View attachment 285587
Thank you!

Funny thing, I had originally thought about building that Firestone Pilot as a klunker, until I took a closer look at some of the repairs done to it in the past.
BftD_Firestone_Pilot_Rat_6.jpg
BftD_Firestone_Pilot_Rat_7.jpg


It's probably not that bad, but it doesn't inspire confidence for off-road use. It would be a nice frame to build, if it wasn't as rough as it is.
 
Thank you!

Funny thing, I had originally thought about building that Firestone Pilot as a klunker, until I took a closer look at some of the repairs done to it in the past.
View attachment 285588View attachment 285589

It's probably not that bad, but it doesn't inspire confidence for off-road use. It would be a nice frame to build, if it wasn't as rough as it is.
I'd probably build it and ride it. And break it. But I'm an idiot. I bet you could make some simple gussets between the seat stays and the seat tube. You could weld them in yourself now that you've got that skill set, just keep the new welds away from the brazing. That should be plenty strong.
 
I'd probably build it and ride it. And break it. But I'm an idiot. I bet you could make some simple gussets between the seat stays and the seat tube. You could weld them in yourself now that you've got that skill set, just keep the new welds away from the brazing. That should be plenty strong.
Yeah, I once had a bike break on me that didn't even look like it would, and that was enough for me. Though in that case, it was because of a faulty repair on the fork.
BftD_Schwinn_Dixie_RRBBO_glory_and_defeat_5.jpg


I have seen folks weld gussets into their klunker frames to rigidize them before. On a frame like this, I don't think I'd have any issue doing that. That said, if I don't sell the frame, I'll probably cut it up for the tubing bends for a custom build. I can worry about that later though.
I've broken frames before, off road builds seem to be the test to see if it's going to break. Last frame that I broke, ended up being turned into a stretched doublebar...
The only time I broke a bike it tried to break me. I'm a bit more risk-averse after briefly turning into a meat-crayon. I'd rather cut that frame up and use the tubing bends to make something cooler (and stronger) now than wait for it to fail and take me with it.
 
Thank you!

Funny thing, I had originally thought about building that Firestone Pilot as a klunker, until I took a closer look at some of the repairs done to it in the past.
View attachment 285588View attachment 285589

It's probably not that bad, but it doesn't inspire confidence for off-road use. It would be a nice frame to build, if it wasn't as rough as it is.
It looks like a 40's Snyder made bike. I'll bet there's a serial number on the BB that shows the year.
The tubing was thick, so those welds are probably good.
 
I’m big on gussets for off road builds with old frames but I’ve also snapped new bmx frames. You 100% want to be comfortable with what your starting with so I can see an old weld being a nope
 

Latest posts

Back
Top