2015 Columbia Convertible Commuter
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Columbia Convertible Commuter
- Thread starter The Renaissance Man
- Start date
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1962 Columbia Firebolt
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The bike.
The original frame is a girl's 1962 Columbia Firebolt.
Coincidentally, the bike and I share the same birth year.
The convertible tank.
The tank was originally produced for converting early 1960's
girl's Spaceliner bicycles into unique boy's bicycles.
It turned out that the tank fit's several different frames
from different manufacturers of the same era.
This Columbia is the latest discovery.
The concept.
The concept for this build was to create a sleek modern adaptation
of the vintage bike and conversion tank. The finished bike
would be very utilitarian and comfortable enough to ride anywhere.
In addition, all of the components used and all of the tools
needed to complete the build would be accessible
for any backyard builder and no physical alterations
would be required.
The parts.
1962 Columbia Firebolt frame and fork
'TRM' Convertible Tank
Huffy middle weight fenders
Origin8 1" alloy quill adapter
Porkchop BMX Potts Mod stem bolt
Origin8 URBAN PRO alloy stem handlebar combo
SRAM MRX Comp 3x8 Gripshift shifters and grips
Tektro alloy brake levers w/integrated bell
Alloy bottom bracket conversion
Shimano 73x107mm square tapered bottom bracket
SRAM DuelDrive Cyclone 175mm 33T crankset
XLC alloy pedals
SRAM DuelDrive 1:1 8 speed derailleur
Sunrace derailleur hanger adapter
SRAM PG-820 11-30 8 speed cassette
OCTO 8 speed chain
SRAM DuelDrive rear hub
(Unknown) alloy sealed cartridge front hub
Stainless spokes & nipples
Sun Rims CR18 700c alloy rims (matched)
Bontrager H5 700x35 tires (matched)
Campagnolo lateral pull U-brake (rear adapted for front)
Tektro R559 long reach rear caliper brake
Shimano brake & shift cables
FLEXROUTE cable guides
Custom alloy/steel seatpost
Alloy quick release seatpost skewer
TREK System 3 Italian saddle
SEM and Duplicolor rattle can paints
.................................................
Thank you to everyone on this forum who have made this years build off competition a joy to be a part of. This is a very unique community of people who constantly amaze me with both creativity and comradery. Let's keep the bar raised!
Jim (AKA The Renaissance Man)
.................................................
Click HERE for the build journal.
Ride Video.
The original frame is a girl's 1962 Columbia Firebolt.
Coincidentally, the bike and I share the same birth year.
The convertible tank.
The tank was originally produced for converting early 1960's
girl's Spaceliner bicycles into unique boy's bicycles.
It turned out that the tank fit's several different frames
from different manufacturers of the same era.
This Columbia is the latest discovery.
The concept.
The concept for this build was to create a sleek modern adaptation
of the vintage bike and conversion tank. The finished bike
would be very utilitarian and comfortable enough to ride anywhere.
In addition, all of the components used and all of the tools
needed to complete the build would be accessible
for any backyard builder and no physical alterations
would be required.
The parts.
1962 Columbia Firebolt frame and fork
'TRM' Convertible Tank
Huffy middle weight fenders
Origin8 1" alloy quill adapter
Porkchop BMX Potts Mod stem bolt
Origin8 URBAN PRO alloy stem handlebar combo
SRAM MRX Comp 3x8 Gripshift shifters and grips
Tektro alloy brake levers w/integrated bell
Alloy bottom bracket conversion
Shimano 73x107mm square tapered bottom bracket
SRAM DuelDrive Cyclone 175mm 33T crankset
XLC alloy pedals
SRAM DuelDrive 1:1 8 speed derailleur
Sunrace derailleur hanger adapter
SRAM PG-820 11-30 8 speed cassette
OCTO 8 speed chain
SRAM DuelDrive rear hub
(Unknown) alloy sealed cartridge front hub
Stainless spokes & nipples
Sun Rims CR18 700c alloy rims (matched)
Bontrager H5 700x35 tires (matched)
Campagnolo lateral pull U-brake (rear adapted for front)
Tektro R559 long reach rear caliper brake
Shimano brake & shift cables
FLEXROUTE cable guides
Custom alloy/steel seatpost
Alloy quick release seatpost skewer
TREK System 3 Italian saddle
SEM and Duplicolor rattle can paints
.................................................
Thank you to everyone on this forum who have made this years build off competition a joy to be a part of. This is a very unique community of people who constantly amaze me with both creativity and comradery. Let's keep the bar raised!
Jim (AKA The Renaissance Man)
.................................................
Click HERE for the build journal.
Ride Video.
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Cool another beautiful bike,I think 2dawgs has said it all.
Stunning!
Interesting how your tanks change the shape of the bike,gives them a dynamic look.
Stunning!
Interesting how your tanks change the shape of the bike,gives them a dynamic look.
Wow that came out great , love that tank and the way it changed the look of that style frame , 
beautiful!! 
Wow this looks amazing. If kit from night rider(before my time did I get his name right lol) was a bike this would be him. You got one of my votes I love this bike. Amazing job!!!!!!
Wow Jim! Another stunning bike, it's the perfect blend of form and function.
I TOTALLY dig it!
Cheers,
Rob
I TOTALLY dig it!
Cheers,
Rob
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2013
- Messages
- 211
- Reaction score
- 427
One of my favorite bikes. Beautiful! Outstanding job
Yeah, man she's a beauty!
Dude, seriously. This could be a cutting edge NEW design commuter bike from one of the big manufacturers! And they would sell like hot cakes.
Fantastic job...... again, my friend!
Fantastic job...... again, my friend!
Wow Jim , Over the top and the video / studio set up ??? amazing !
This is the Stan Getz of all bike builds....smooth, flows well, creative, a standard with a improvisational twist.... and a one-of-a-kind. Excellent work!
2015 Columbia Convertible Commuter
...original soundtrack? Cool....
Thank's everyone. I'm glad I decided to join in. Everyone has really made this fun to do and to watch.
Congrats to everyone!
Congrats to everyone!
