Finds outside of LA

[LACABikeGuy.55]

When you are willing to drive a few hours, the chance of finding something amazing increases by a lot. Leaving Los Angeles or any area with large numbers of bike enthusiasts is the only way to get a great deal. I don’t do it often enough.
Yesterday, I went for 6 hour round trip. When I arrived, it was a really cool small town surrounded by mountains. I had 30 minutes to waste, so I ended up going to a Bakery. It was obvious that this was a local hot spot with a huge selection of fresh Baked goods. I left with a few mini pies, 9 incredible cookies and coffee. The bike I went for is a 70’s Stingray Scrambler with a Chrome Ashtabula fork. I ended up buying a Klunker and the Scrambler for a very good price. During our conversation, he talked about owning a few serious Cruisers. He’s got a few more Klunkers and a DG frame that we will talk about on my next trip. I haven’t had a chance to see them yet but I can only imagine. He has a mystery friend with 40 bikes hanging in his garage. Not good for sale! He’s an old schooler that raced, sells parts but none of his bikes. You can’t meet these guys in LA! I had a great time. Solo! Let me know what you think…

 

[Oak Tree]

Have I seen a fork like that before???mmmmmm I dont think so. It’s so pretty.

Nice finds. And the 6 hr trip…well ya only get one trip on this planet and sometimes ya just need to clear your mind with a good bit a windshield time. Nothing else like it. Good decisions, good decisions.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Nice finds I've seen Ashtabula forks like that but not in chrome.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Both forks are killer. Nice stuff there

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Thank you. Do you think the Dia-Compe brakes were stock on the Deluxe Varsity?

 

[MattiThundrrr]

Do you think the Dia-Compe brakes were stock on the Deluxe Varsity?

I'm going to get heat for saying this, but, no, those are way too cool to be original Schwinn brakes. They look like they belonged to a BMX or something. I'd definitely keep them on there though, the "performance" look fits the theme as long as the color works for you

 

[twojs.bike]

Is that a front freewheel system?

 

[ifitsfreeitsforme]

those are nice scores.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

Is that a front freewheel system?

Yes it’s the first one I’ve seen. It’s kinda cool.

 

[LACABikeGuy.55]

I'm going to get heat for saying this, but, no, those are way too cool to be original Schwinn brakes. They look like they belonged to a BMX or something. I'd definitely keep them on there though, the "performance" look fits the theme as long as the color works for you

The guy said he was attempting to do a King Sting replica. I might try to finish it. The brakes are beautiful but the bars don’t make the cut. I need King Sting bars or something similar. I’m on the lookout.

 

[Wildcat]

The 80's deluxe Varsitys had that free wheel crankset. The serial number looks like a CU, March 1984. Looks like a 4 on the badge also. It should be great as a King Sting.

 

[twojs.bike]

It looks just like the sidewinder I recently finished! Which looks like a king sting. And the sidewinder frame was indistinguishable from a varsity frame. Seemed like maybe the sidewinder bottom bracket was slightly elevated compared to varsity??? But I didn’t take any measurements.

I have the decals for your fork. Bought them from velocals before they went out of business. Possibly their last order. Anyways they sent me an extra set. Will give you a deal if you want them. Or interesting trade.

 

[twojs.bike]

Actually these might not be the same as the king sting. Would still look amazing.

 

[JA331]

Yes it’s the first one I’ve seen. It’s kinda cool. View attachment 227406

Great scored. My 70’s Suburban had the same freewheeling crank. It now sits proudly in a crate somewhere in the garage. You won’t believe how heavy is it is until you pull it out.

 

[Chuy]

Nice! I had seen the ad on craigslist a couple weeks ago and went back daily to consider making the drive myself!
Cool scores. Glad to see someone on here pick it up.

 

[Chuy]

If you’re willing to part with those mag wheels let me know! I’m in LA area (North Hollywood).

 

[JA331]

Thank you. Do you think the Dia-Compe brakes were stock on the Deluxe Varsity? View attachment 227344 View attachment 227351 View attachment 227350

I think it would have had Weinmann calipers similar in design. They work well with some grey or salmon kool stops. That bike is way cool. Not often you seen one modified.

 

[JA331]

That Ashtabula fork would be worth a small fortune. It has the reinforcement at the top. I’m sure I have only ever seen one before with the charcoal coating.

 

[Jude Ephesus]

Yes it’s the first one I’ve seen. It’s kinda cool. View attachment 227406

I bought one on accident last fall….. I had no idea they existed until I really started to check the bike out when I got it home!

I can’t wait to incorporate into a build! I like weird / unique stuff…. This thing checks all the boxes.

 

[Jude Ephesus]

When you are willing to drive a few hours, the chance of finding something amazing increases by a lot. Leaving Los Angeles or any area with large numbers of bike enthusiasts is the only way to get a great deal. I don’t do it often enough.
Yesterday, I went for 6 hour round trip. When I arrived, it was a really cool small town surrounded by mountains. I had 30 minutes to waste, so I ended up going to a Bakery. It was obvious that this was a local hot spot with a huge selection of fresh Baked goods. I left with a few mini pies, 9 incredible cookies and coffee. The bike I went for is a 70’s Stingray Scrambler with a Chrome Ashtabula fork. I ended up buying a Klunker and the Scrambler for a very good price. During our conversation, he talked about owning a few serious Cruisers. He’s got a few more Klunkers and a DG frame that we will talk about on my next trip. I haven’t had a chance to see them yet but I can only imagine. He has a mystery friend with 40 bikes hanging in his garage. Not good for sale! He’s an old schooler that raced, sells parts but none of his bikes. You can’t meet these guys in LA! I had a great time. Solo! Let me know what you think…View attachment 227225 View attachment 227226 View attachment 227228 View attachment 227229 View attachment 227230 View attachment 227231 View attachment 227227

Awesome day. nothing like a road trip that has old bikes, motorcycles, tractors, antiques…. About anything rusty or old in my book! With a great snack stop! Good for you!

a little more windshield time than I prefer, but good for you in finding a great spot And having a great day!

Super cool finds. I have seen an ashtabula fork like that on eBay. I cant remember what the seller wanted, but it wasnt cheap.

all in all, great scores! I dig the FFS !