Just want some opinions Suspension or sacriledge?

[outskirtscustoms]

Just wanting some opinions before I commit an unspeakable act against all the Schwinn purists out there. What I am thinking of doing involves my "Krunk Junk" build I did for the BONINE build off:



And what I want to do is transplant the modern rear end from my Genesis V2100 parts bike to the vintage frame, giving me rear brakes, gears, suspension, adjustable ride height, and a cool look.



Anyone care to do some photoshop work it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[patman73]

i say cut it up & make it cooler !

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Is the Schwinn steel? If so, how are you planning to graft the pivot?

 

[Rob Hollett]

your bike your rules

 

[deorman]

I wouldn't, but it's not like it's pristine or rare.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Is the Schwinn steel? If so, how are you planning to graft the pivot?

It is steel, I would have to chop the Genesis frame and then replicate the mounts in steel and weld them in. I am taking a welding class soon and figure maybe I can bring it in for practice.

 

[The Renaissance Man]

Might be easier to find a steel donor for the suspension parts. Just a suggestion.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Might be easier to find a steel donor for the suspension parts. Just a suggestion.

Probably but I already have this and the mounting points don't look hard to make. Also I like the look of the pivot and back end, brake style, and the way the shock mounts.

 

[Ichoptop]

Anyone can restore a bike, not everyone can chop one up and make it better

 

[Bicycle808]

While they're becoming more scarce everyday, Schwinn canti frames are still plentiful and affordable, so there's no "sacrilege" to worry about. Even if it were a more elusive frame, as Rob Hollet said above: "your bike, your rules." I honestly do agree with that sentiment.

OTOH, since you are seeking opinions, i think the project will do nothing to improve the bike, and will cost you a lot of time and a fair amount in materials... for a result that probably won't seem worthwhile.... So yeah, your bike.... do what you want,,, but personally, i wouldn't consider trying to make a full-suspension cantilever bike.

 

[mikeeebikey]

Cutt it! Chop it! Slam it!

Only draw back to suspension is bobbing, as you pedal.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

Cutt it! Chop it! Slam it!

Only draw back to suspension is bobbing, as you pedal.

I'll probably make different set height solid rods to make it a hardtail and only use the spring for riding trails.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

While they're becoming more scarce everyday, Schwinn canti frames are still plentiful and affordable, so there's no "sacrilege" to worry about. Even if it were a more elusive frame, as Rob Hollet said above: "your bike, your rules." I honestly do agree with that sentiment.

OTOH, since you are seeking opinions, i think the project will do nothing to improve the bike, and will cost you a lot of time and a fair amount in materials... for a result that probably won't seem worthwhile.... So yeah, your bike.... do what you want,,, but personally, i wouldn't consider trying to make a full-suspension cantilever bike.

Just to clarify it would not be full suspension only the rear and only when I had the spring in. Otherwise it would be just to lower the back end for chopper stance.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

If you try and succeed, maybe Steve will copy your creation for his "cool yet comfortable" build.

That would be an honor in itself.

 

[Bicycle808]

At one time, not too long ago, this was called Rat Rodding and was the premise of this site.

At the risk of defining "rat rod", many would argue that ratrodding is s'posed to be frugal.... And, the bike world is the only place where rat rodding seems to be designed to make the project slower than stock. The moto and auto guys try to make their 'rods go faster....

 

[Bicycle808]

Just to clarify it would not be full suspension only the rear and only when I had the spring in. Otherwise it would be just to lower the back end for chopper stance.

Sounds interesting... it'd be interesting to see some sketches/plans for what you have in mind.... especially at the seatstays.

 

[Bicycle808]

I think you're trying to put words into my mouth that you know i've never said, and have never typed on this site, much less anywhere else...

Outskirts, I'm guessing that you know my asking about sketches has nothing to do with approval. I'm just interested as to how you'd plan to integrate the seatstays from the Genesis into the seatcluster/laterals on the Schwinn... I think that's be harder to do than making mounts for the swingarm, link, and shock.

 

[user 135]

My advice to you (and challenge to others) is to build it, share it, enjoy it and learn from the process and your own mistakes so you can step it up with every build you make in the future. If you fail, cut it apart and start over. Ask for advice and guidance in technique, but never in personal vision or taste.

This is a great way to look at most of life.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

As you said...at the risk of discussing the forbidden term...rat rodding to most who actually have put their blood sweat and tears into one (or many) is just as much about personalization, creativity, uniqueness and a representation of out of the box thinking to achieve "just plain cool" as it is about speed or performance. Speed and performance are a by product usually in the car world due to blatant excessiveness that usually accompanies the aforementioned, but there are very few true rat rod cars that most would feel did much more than burn outs, do-nuts, or throw flames from a true performance standpoint. Pushed to their limits and the majority of rats will come apart at the seems in comparison to a "true" performance car. They do gather crowds of admirers and tend to put smiles on the faces of most and leave others trying to figure out "What the .....", even if they may break down leaving the parking lot.
Having said that, the basis of the old skool way of thinking regarding Rat Rod bikes was (unfortunately lately I feel the need to use a past tense term) to take a cool bike--usually older and rough--and make it cooler in the eyes of the beholder by chopping, hacking, cutting, burning, welding or just old fashioned ingenuity to create a one of a kind, never seen it before, no reason better than it just happened that way creations. The trend of trying to "make sense" of people's approach to "cool" will never be understood by those who have never opened themselves up to "why" when there is no answer better than "because".
If you insist on taking the approach that a Rat Rod must meet your perceived requirements and standards of a quality mountain bike or road bike, then perhaps Rat Rod Bikes should just become "www.Dressed-Up Road and Mountain Bike or Box Store Cruiser but Let's All Vote on the Color First.com".
Outskirts, I applaud you for coming up with a unique vision that does have some merit and possibilities. My advice to you (and challenge to others) is to build it, share it, enjoy it and learn from the process and your own mistakes so you can step it up with every build you make in the future. If you fail, cut it apart and start over. Ask for advice and guidance in technique, but never in personal vision or taste. Don't ask for permission or acceptance of your plan and certainly don't create drawings or sketches for the approval of others....just build it like it used to be done.
Amen.

Well said.

 

[outskirtscustoms]

I think you're trying to put words into my mouth that you know i've never said, and have never typed on this site, much less anywhere else...

Outskirts, I'm guessing that you know my asking about sketches has nothing to do with approval. I'm just interested as to how you'd plan to integrate the seatstays from the Genesis into the seatcluster/laterals on the Schwinn... I think that's be harder to do than making mounts for the swingarm, link, and shock.

I actually have been thinking a lot about that, I'm split between 4 ideas.

1. Bend them upward forming a kind of "devil's tail sissy bar / back rest" even if it is strictly ornamental.

2. Chop them off and add a BMX style grab handle

3. Chop them off and plug the ends with red LED lights for taillights

4. Extend them straight into a rear rack