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- May 10, 2016
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So, these days I’m fortunate enough to spend a lot of saddle time with a co pilot.
My current ‘dad bike’ is functional, but lacking just a few things I’d like. Namely, more gears, and hand brakes.
(After starting this, I realized I don’t have a good picture of my current set up. I’ll edit that in soon) - picture a few replies below.
My starting point for this build is a ‘81 Schwinn cruiser 5. In very beautifully crusty condition.
I was gifted this bike some time ago by a good friend who’d owned it since new. Stoked that I can finally breathe some life back into it.
I aim to buy nothing for this build, and use parts on hand. I also (true to form) aim to keep it somewhat era correct for ‘81-‘83.
A quick search through some junk piles, and few turns of some wrenches later-
Some Araya 7x, front sealed suntour hub, rear sealed Suzue hub, wald long horns, a 180mm crank, and the smaller chainwheel from a sidewinder (39 tooth). Not pictured is the fork, but I’ve got options.
The above took place during ‘nap time’ monday.
Tuesday (today) after work I started on the wheels. Repacked the rear hub it was loose and dry. Got the freewheel off so I can do the math on gear ratios with others I have. Mounted some tires I had. White walls weren’t my first choice, but they’re nice rollin, and puncture resistant.
The paint is pretty bad in a few spots, so I think I’m going to do a little touch up just for bare metal protections sake.
Oh, and I plan to have this wrapped up and riding by this weekend.
My current ‘dad bike’ is functional, but lacking just a few things I’d like. Namely, more gears, and hand brakes.
(After starting this, I realized I don’t have a good picture of my current set up. I’ll edit that in soon) - picture a few replies below.
My starting point for this build is a ‘81 Schwinn cruiser 5. In very beautifully crusty condition.
![53C49783-CDF0-414E-8AA9-819A6CEE9AEB.jpeg 53C49783-CDF0-414E-8AA9-819A6CEE9AEB.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/ratrodbikes/data/attach/234/234895-53C49783-CDF0-414E-8AA9-819A6CEE9AEB.jpeg)
![2AD7A7F2-43E7-4887-81A2-434BB7DBEE9A.jpeg 2AD7A7F2-43E7-4887-81A2-434BB7DBEE9A.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/ratrodbikes/data/attach/234/234894-2AD7A7F2-43E7-4887-81A2-434BB7DBEE9A.jpeg)
I was gifted this bike some time ago by a good friend who’d owned it since new. Stoked that I can finally breathe some life back into it.
I aim to buy nothing for this build, and use parts on hand. I also (true to form) aim to keep it somewhat era correct for ‘81-‘83.
A quick search through some junk piles, and few turns of some wrenches later-
![DD0349B6-5D7D-40B3-8D70-D42102ACFD31.jpeg DD0349B6-5D7D-40B3-8D70-D42102ACFD31.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/ratrodbikes/data/attach/234/234896-DD0349B6-5D7D-40B3-8D70-D42102ACFD31.jpeg)
Some Araya 7x, front sealed suntour hub, rear sealed Suzue hub, wald long horns, a 180mm crank, and the smaller chainwheel from a sidewinder (39 tooth). Not pictured is the fork, but I’ve got options.
The above took place during ‘nap time’ monday.
Tuesday (today) after work I started on the wheels. Repacked the rear hub it was loose and dry. Got the freewheel off so I can do the math on gear ratios with others I have. Mounted some tires I had. White walls weren’t my first choice, but they’re nice rollin, and puncture resistant.
![2FD7DF62-4379-4BE7-9905-709C3F962FE4.jpeg 2FD7DF62-4379-4BE7-9905-709C3F962FE4.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/ratrodbikes/data/attach/234/234897-2FD7DF62-4379-4BE7-9905-709C3F962FE4.jpeg)
The paint is pretty bad in a few spots, so I think I’m going to do a little touch up just for bare metal protections sake.
![F30011BD-C2D4-4474-803E-B8226A1EB203.jpeg F30011BD-C2D4-4474-803E-B8226A1EB203.jpeg](https://cdn.imagearchive.com/ratrodbikes/data/attach/234/234898-F30011BD-C2D4-4474-803E-B8226A1EB203.jpeg)
Oh, and I plan to have this wrapped up and riding by this weekend.
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