Rat Coon Klunk WAS Suck Level 5

[Flying Merlino Brother]

Well my fellow Ratters, I suppose the biggest lesson to date with this 2024 initiative is the course entitled "Schwinn Rim History - The journey from the drafting table to heck". The take away, there are two tires available for 26" S5 and S6 rims. So, while I was ok with this build not turning into a klunker, I am in full embrace of the S5 tubular rims. I do have a back up plan and a few FB ads saved for other rim options. The blood blister on my thumb from the uneducated and unititated attempt of the wrong size tire fitting just might even spend 100.00 on cheapo internet rims.

Working on trueing these S5's and replacing spokes is a good primer for replacing the hub on the step thru Spaceliner which is on pause for possible entry in the next build off. These rims will be used on this build or one on the wall I am calling Top Hat and way down the line as I need some brazing or welding skills for that one. (Basically a 20" frame with 26" rims- I am hopeful Function will follow Form on that one.

My go to LBS did not have a die for the fork so I ordered one, I'll be cutting the forks after extending the threads.

My favorite part so far is the color and finish shown on the chain guard. This will be the same on the forks and handle bars.

Other than the tires, trying to take apart the freewheel (I got it off the wheel just fine with a 21 spline FR-4) proved futile. So, soaked in penetrating oil drained and blown out the best I could then filled with Finish Line Wet Synthetic over and over will have to suffice for internal lube there.

Cranks removed cleaned and polished, bearings and grease.

Oh! Got to go a racoon just walked in the garage and it's moaning something firece!

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

This guy won the staring contest, looks like a case of mange, poor guy.

Can posts be edited, I would love to correct a couple spelling errors. (Nevermind, found it)!

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

Racoon walked away, the groaning and stare down freaked me out. Glad Keeper Red Dog was in the house!

From the How To files, images of the pre threading and cutting of the Trk 700 Hybrid Fork and the, what I am calling infamous, tubular rims.

Growing up 1980s BMX, (1982 MX III) I thought tubular was an innuendo for something cool. Now it means put the rims in a large tub of ice and the tires on a hot driveway and maybe you'll get the tires on the rims. So, while Tubular is being redefined, swapping tires, like painting, is based on atmospheric conditions, temperature and the will of the earth.

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

Spokes arrived. Not a true rebuild but still a learning curve, working my way up to the hub swap for the Step Thru build off. A lot of broken and bent spokes on the Suck Factor 5 Rims? So I'll tackle front and back.

Killing time and getting rid of a mix of stains for the garage stairs along with leftover textured spray paint worked out well.

The Sears mid box was a 20.00 FB find and absolutely perfect for the spot it's in

What rims did the founding fathers of mountain biking use? I know the Schwinn diamond frame was a popular choice and likely led to improved frames specifically for downhill but I can't imagine theses rims on anything other than a rail trail or boardwalk.

I soaked the chain in marvel mystery oil, cleaned it with a brass brush, is this something that should simply be a new chain replacement?

PS: Still working on cleaning up and resizing the holes on the chaingard.

 

[MattiThundrrr]

What rims did the founding fathers of mountain biking use?

The answer is here. Alan Bonds website documents the builds of the "founding fathers". He lived with Gary and Charlie, he knows how it went down
http://clunkers.net/index.html

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

Outstanding, thank you, happy to see alloy rims were available. Certainly for other venues and not mountain sides...

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

For the image of the ire cut to remove it from the rim, had I found this sooner, it would have saved that waste:

Updated:
https://www.biketiresdirect.com/common-tire-sizes-article

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/tire-size-chart-article

I might add that I have a remaining 26" x 1 3/8 tire and tube (Not for use on an S5 or S6 Rim) free to whoever pays UPS shipping.

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

What a differance the right tires made! Went on will little to no extra effort given the period and what was likely normal when these S5's were new. So plan A.1 will work for a worst case scenario but I am forging ahead with plan B which would be based on new rims and new multi surface Michelin's due in next week.

The die for the handle bars arrived as did the right size handle so that will be a Saturday thing I think.

Being forewarned by other Ratter's Plan A.1 will have at least a rear brake. Plan B will have front and back from a The Trek 700 Parts box (a 15 dollar steel with 700c rims for stock). There will need to be some tinkering there but should work with the rims coming. Worst case, absolute worst case, plan C it to install the Green Coligiate forks and put this one to bed as a very mild build However, this Ratcoon is for the Columbia Trail and needs betterlooking and multi surface tires. That's not to say this thing isn't a looker to some extent, it is what it is and I don't mind the subtlety if it has to be. Just the fork alone and it's angle (from the 700) adds to the aesthetic if only on the kickstand lean. Photos coming in an edit, I don't want to lose all this text.

 

[Flying Merlino Brother]

Pics. And The Columbia Trail Link.
https://www.morrisparks.net/parks_trails/columbia-trail/