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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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: