How to build a Klunker Bike

[@oldshovel]

Dude, that was awesome. So well done and something exactly like I want to do. You did everything I was thinking of doing also with an old Schwinn I picked up this last summer. I am curious about the strength of the milled down headset, I have read about people doing just that but I have had friends that have broken external cup headsets because of heavy stress on the joint between the cup and the sleeve. As to your video editing and production it is awesome, entertaining and educational. Thanks for sharing. Awesome!

[@MyMegaJOKER2]

Just saw your insta post, went to KZbin and came across this. Seems you are gonna do exactly this in your new build haha. Looking forward to it!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you oldshovel! You are definitely an inspiration behind this channel. We were lucky in that we only had to mill down the cups about a millimeter total. The machinists did a good job of keeping the taper in the cups so they have a good bite. Time will tell how well she holds up. Take Care

[@rj.shelby]

You guys should collab!

[@jojielynmahinay447]

Fan from Philippines old shovel🤟

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

I would love to do this with aluminum beach cruiser frame. 🙂

[@dgrombach1]

Klunkerz , great film

[@javanthomas4122]

I like it you made something old new again

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Javan!

[@javanthomas4122]

@@CoolBikeProjects sure. I would have painted it a matlic blue myself

[@403patriot3]

Damn I thought I was the only person that obsessed with retrofitting old bicycles. You’re not the only guy that draws a deep peace in building bicycles, a late night car or motorcycle ride doesn’t touch the peaceful summertime bike around in the cool evening

[@CoolBikeProjects]

I agree, I love the feel of cool summer night ride.

[@tomerttb]

The best thing about this video is your voice.. you should do voice over :) so soothing.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Very kind of you thank you

[@robertcardwell6019]

I am mainly a collector of original balloon tire bikes. What you did was like taking a 70 year old man and putting a 10 year old heart in him. Not only did I find this very interesting I was amazed at the work that you did to make this a klunker. I'm not really sure you can even call it that. Great job and enjoy the video.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Robert. I really appreciate it!

[@nicodanger13]

it's a klunker-ish... but years agi i did a poor version of this (a rat-klunker with '90 mtb parts) and i loved it. This one is beautiful

[@tinycmo]

Wow. Never seen a klunker restored. And looks like it came from the green acres set and ended up being the new release from surly. And the ride through a Kansas trail. Just amazing.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks man!

[@Johann-4354]

Very nice. Very real nice. Gorgeous, too. These old machines deserve this kind of care. Thanks for sharing, partner.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you!

[@awareness556]

I built my first Klunker in 1978 after reading an article about them in Bicycling magazine. It started as a 1956 Schwinn Jaguar. I gave it a 5-speed cog/derailleur, Atom Drum brakes, Magura motorcycle brake levers, and BMX handlebars. I was one of the first in NH to build one. Those were incredibly exciting times watching the sport evolve in those early years.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Sounds awesome! Do you still have the bike?

[@l.slayer551]

As soon as you took the bike outside I thought that like Kansas! Nice build!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Awesome! Yes Kansas has some decent MTB trails and lots of rolling hills :)

[@pisto_run_cycling]

I bought a cruiser one day to ride around with my kids.. then I found klunkers and strandies.. I made a bmx out of it but wanted to make a klunker so bad.. sold that bike.. but this build of yours is so bad ass that I want to build a klunker now..

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks man! I'm in search for another one too. Best wishes on your next bike adventure.

[@MrPhotodoc]

Total cost of all that outside work must be close to the price of a new bike. But it's still cool to see the work done and the finished product. Thanks.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks man!

[@mikefrank2959]

Wow realy well done. very professional video

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Mike!

[@flpirate4565]

Totally enjoyed the bike make over. 👍 In the early 80's when I did road cycling with my friends we were going to have a shride together. I showed up with a new Mountain bike 🚵‍♂️ they thought that I was crazy. Two months later they each got one for themselves. I do miss those days. Thanks for your video

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you very much for sharing, bikes really do bring a lot of joy 😎

[@vermonthillsumc]

That locking rear axle detailer fix was genius.

[@diydarkmatter]

between lowrider community and the motorized biking community these old bikes are gold . its a good thing schwinn did a repop . the original bikes are still the best and hard to find some of them . always good to see someone bring them back to life . they were indeed the mountain bikes road bikes bmx bikes and what ever other bike you can think of of my day . we had schwinn and if you had one of those krate bikes you was the sheet . or a phantom . if you were really lucky you had a grey ghost . huffy bikes were the cheap bikes back then the ones that you dint care about tearing up . lol . wish i had a few of them now . western flyers and road kings . royce union . western flyers were kinda in the same category as schwinn . only a little harder to find . i think they were a older company but im not sure . they were easy to work on any kid with a little know how and a few tools could build repair or upgrade there bikes with just a few old part bikes and a little time on the weekend . now days your lucky to see kids riding bikes it takes to much time away from there phones and video games . good thing the biking fade still lives in a few of us still . the new bikes need special tools that most people dont have . building bikes was the best part of my young life . sad they kinda took that away from kids . maybe thats why there all on there phones they cant fix there bikes . lol . any way sorry for the long comment just took me back a little bit . kinda got to rambling about better days . have a good one buddy . enjoy that bike alot of memories in it even if you dont know them .

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks so much for your comment. I think there are a lot of folks still enamored with the simplicity of bikes. I think if more kids rode a dirt trail or had a chance to put things back together (fixing bikes) it would pull them away from their phones :) Any way here's hoping.

[@diydarkmatter]

@@CoolBikeProjects agreed ride safe buddy .

[@b.s.adventures9421]

I put green locktight on those bb adapter cups when I instal them. Helps lock them in, stops creaking.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Excellent idea!

[@littlad]

Why would any of these 35 people downvote this? Two thumbs up! Been wanting to build myself a nice cruiser/mtb for a while now. Something to call my N+1. Really enjoyed this video, especially how calmly you explain the process and a bit about your own history. Thanks for that, take care, and all the best in future projects!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Sean, Thant's very kind of you. I have a lot more video and some more restorations coming soon.

[@cliveturner4980]

built my first klunker in 69 out of any old parts that were lying around,put a knobly tire front and back 26" wheels and an old brooks saddle,every one thought i was nuts,in the uk we called them tracking bikes now everyone rides mountain bikes funny how times change ,still have a schwinn cruiser that i ride 3or 4 times a week maybe i will rebuild it this summer !!!!!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Go for it Clive! I’d love to see it when your finished.

[@dennisberry2699]

cool bike

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Dennis!

[@DannyFlores-pk9hs]

Wow you know what you’re doing. A junker to a beautiful mountain bike. Nice custom bike Sweet . What a video👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎💨

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Danny! I appreciate it.

[@alanlo-557]

I would enjoy riding that bike very much. Very well-crafted! As I've aged, I've realized that a bike should have a beauty to it, as well as be in good mechanical condition. I think that you achieved both exceedingly well

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Alan!

[@ennatsirk]

I've been ignoring to watch this video since it was in my recommended, never been so wrong. Now I'm subscribed, great work man!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Wow, thanks Ian! I appreciate it!

[@retrobikechannel2599]

Great Job... imagine if Mr.Fisher and Mr. Breeze had access to that kind of "tech" back in the day 😎

[@christopherharris-coons5207]

I'm planning on restoring my grandpas old bike and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your insights, tips, and tricks. I haven't been able to find anything this detailed. Thank you so much.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

That is awesome! So glad you found this useful.

[@joevangordon3451]

So excited to finally find a bike guy in my area riding my kinda terrain

[@MrStingraybernard]

Very cool , I used to have that fork and the adjustment was its best feature

[@robertferguson3223]

I thought I went bit deep with some 1980s Dahon folders. No I didn’t even scratch the surface compared to this build. I really really appreciate the work that went into your labor of love and the beautiful end result

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Robert! I really appreciate it. I wish I was as passionate about home repair projects, but bikes are a lot more fun!

[@OutlawToys]

I like seeing the reclaiming of something destined for junk, even if it was just the frame.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks man!

[@ahick]

I watch so many bike videos it may be an illness. This is an excellent build my friend. Your delivery, patience and skill is excellent. Thank you for your knowledge and time. And @oldshovel commented. You are my new hero. Awesome!!!!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you!

[@JorgeRodriguez-ei2gi]

Outstanding built, please keep sharing, more bikes videos. Thanks, joe.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks, will do!

[@SamuelWattOnline]

Highly enjoyable watch. The history lessons were fascinating! Looks incredible and like a solid build. Nice transformation.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching Samuel! I appreciate it.

[@canadalife3983]

this bike build is awesome. so many little interesting facts to learn from !

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@alfredoesparza1893]

NICE LABOR , BUEN TRABAJO , THIS HERMOSO BEATIFULL CONGRATULACIONES , SALUTEZ , FROM DESDE AGUASCALIENTES CITY, MEX. 9,11,2021

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Gracias mi amigo!

[@robbygaume600]

This was very well done, and cool to watch. Great narration too.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Robby!

[@ekhospin]

Well... thats an enduro hardtail, I had no idea about the Klunker bikes, awesome.

[@sphinxrising1129]

My first bike was a klunker that was not pretty, but it got me where I wanted to go.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Awesome!

[@JoeLopez]

What a captivating video! I’d love to find one of these.

[@romancasso5356]

You make it look soo easy!!! MAGNIFICO!!!!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Roman- lots of tinkering and checking with friends to make this work

[@lukepaterno]

Stumbled across your video. Really fantastic production quality-lighting, camerawork, editing, sound. Everything was perfect for watching this kind of build and trying to learn how or why you made the choices you did. Awesome work!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Luke, I really appreciate it!

[@claytonkirby878]

Love the use of quality component's... I learned a lot especially bottom bracket and crank tutorial

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Clayton!

[@cjdesmidt2113]

Wow, thank you for making such a quality, in depth build video! I’ve been searching for some time to find a full klunker build explanation and this is the real deal! Very nicely done my friend! That bike is killer

[@KrishnaDraws]

Fantastic build! Absolutely enjoyed it!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Krishna, I just checked out your channel. Wow! I will be coming back. Very cool photoshop tutorials.

[@KrishnaDraws]

@@CoolBikeProjects awesome! Thanks so much for the sub! :) I look forward to your upcoming builds. My Trek 4300 is currently in the shop and I’m waiting to get it back again so I can ride. I’m getting the crankset replaced due to severe wear. The chain is shot and it wore the crank’s teeth to sharp points. The rear cassette is also getting replaced. Your videos help me understand the various steps needed to overhaul a bike. I’m curious to know what average prices run for basic bike maintenance.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

@@KrishnaDraws It really depends on the size of the town you get service in, but average tuneups run between $65-85 plus parts. An overhaul can be $125-$150 plus parts. Parts are getting more expensive and when you wear out a drive train if can take a bit of funds to replace everything, but still relatively cheap compared to auto repair work in my estimation.

[@biggtimm]

I'm not a bike fan and haven't ridden one in about 20 years, but I watched your whole video. I didn't understand some of the terminology but this was awesome!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you! I really appreciate it.

[@stevepratt9535]

I have a 1941 Elgin and this is exactly what I was looking for!! Thanks. Great build sir.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

How awesome! Thanks for checking out the channel.

[@simonm1447]

A really nice project, such an old bike mixed with modern components has its own charme. Technically it's well explained and was a pleasure to watch. I currently restored a 1980s trekking bike, and converted it to a flat bar road bike, the original bike was given away for free. 2:27 It's fine with a steel frame, but just for general information for others, it shouldn't be done with modern aluminum frames, they don't like cold forging. Even 1990s frames often have less than 135 mm.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Simon, and sound advice about cold forging modern frames.

[@dentonramsey8726]

I want this bike so bad! Amazing build

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Denton!

[@javanthomas4122]

You got me hooked on this klunker thing

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@XYTO25]

This is the kind of klunker vid i am looking for. It has lots of information that can help people like me seeking a solution about convertion. Keep up! and wish to see more vids!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Mady!

[@brettneuberger6466]

Nice job. Cool bike and great video. That bad boy’s ready to rip the steeps of Kansas!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Brett!

[@kevinshea1763]

Now that my friends was one amazing video beautiful bike great job

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Kevin!

[@MrStingraybernard]

Beautiful job !

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Ron!

[@leroygt1]

Beautiful job! I would love to have a bike like that! Though technically not a Klunker though, just a Klunker frame with modern components.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Gary!

[@chrisgenovese8188]

man, you answered all the questions i wasnt sure there were answers for! i bought a beach cruiser for cheap on craigslist, that i want to put mountain bike components on, along with an 80cc motor. i had no idea what i was gonna do about the bottom bracket and derailleur, and figured i would be fabricating something myself. good to know there are adapters ready made! all my bike experience is modern mountain bikes, so the very different diameters of the bb and headtube has been a headscratcher. i still have to do a bunch of welding, but you saved me a ton of bother! thumb'd and subbed!

[@merlin6646]

Very cool project & result. I enjoyed watching it. Thank you.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@lrg863]

Awe 👍🏼Some build and mod. One of the best I've seen 🎉

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks man!

[@frankiemartinez9366]

Cool man...you got it. I remember does bikes from my granddad and my uncle's.

[@craftyukraine]

What a sweet looking bike!😊💙💛 Awesome project! Thank you for sharing!😎👍🏻

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonjoubert4734]

Bravo!

[@adekatim3315]

Love Klunkerz Happy Klunking Nice Brother ... #Bandung Klunkerz Indonesia

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Ade!

[@tonocovarrubias6189]

wow that was so satisfying to watch,you did a great job , great bike!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you!

[@tyborg970]

Great video! I love the history and storytelling with your video! Having worked in a shop years ago I appreciate the work you did on the headset, the care taken with the chain line and the reuse of components. Again great job.

[@MichaelAnderson-df2hj]

Just stumbled upon your channel. I guess that's what you call it anyway. Thanks for the brief history lesson. I'm taking a single speed adult tricycle and I'm going to convert it to look like a 70s trike chopper. Hopefully I'll have it done by end of summer. Or it'll have to wait for spring.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Awesome! Best wishes on the project.

[@MichaelAnderson-df2hj]

@@CoolBikeProjects thanks this, "older than dirt", old fart is going to need all the luck I can find. I even have an idea to play through my Rockville speakers the muscle sound of a Harley!

[@arrosconpollo1]

This was a great post!! This content is super cool. I have a Schwinn Heavy Duty that I want to change the handle bars on. Channels like yours, old shovel and others are really educational. Thank you!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulchristiansen7014]

nice build there love the old school frames from yesterday with new school of late 80 to now, just found a old GIANT Rock 4000 series mountain bike for trasher bike, thanks to you and oldshovel for some great ideas...cheers

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Paul!

[@mikecarter6758]

I've been enjoying your channel for 6 months but this is my favorite build. Looking to do something similar this winter and may have a few questions for you.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

You bet! Feel free to email directly. You can find it under the about section of the channel.

[@MrPhotodoc]

Looks like his college bike shop days were very useful in this build.

[@meltedcubetv9379]

Supercool build.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@siscoismyhomey]

Really nice job on this one!

[@thecrusherbugs2331]

I am aware that this is an older video, however, I still loved it. I just picked up a '63 schwinn beach cruiser that I'm going to turn it into a kluncker. It black in color with the original dealer stickers. Going to clean up the frame and keep as is and upgrade all of the components, wish me luck...👍

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Awesome! best wishes on your build

[@troyregacho1714]

Flat out amazing. Just amazing

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks man!

[@bjharvey3021]

subbed, commented, liked. I can just listen to the commentary and music all day. good content, Sir.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you very much!

[@kingpey666]

Wow! Amazing build! Thanks for sharing!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching Alonzo

[@WristwatchAddiction]

My next project! Thank you for this upload! 🙏

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@emmanuelsongalia7380]

Hi, just my observation, i think the external bottom bracket cups are threaded the other way around, i hope you noticed? Awesome build tho, planning to build one once i find an old frame same as yours. Cheers!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Hi Emmanuel, I think in my edit it showed me rotating the cups backwards to catch the first thread, and that’s why it looks like it’s being threaded in backwards. Great observation though! Best wishes on your build!

[@tigersteamer]

Great build and cool bike. What crank spindle length did you use? I love that set up.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks man! I believe it was 113mm. Kind hard to gage from bike to bike as you never know how much spacing you will need until the back wheel is on and the crank arms are on there.

[@JorgeRodriguez-ei2gi]

Say hello mr cool bike, great build, well explained, please, keep sharing more of bikes, thankcs, joe, from panama.

[@benspeedschannel888]

That looks like a load of fun, nice work!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you! It was a lot of fun to work on.

[@M3LTUP]

Great job. I think powder coat is the way to go as well if you want the finish to last.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching Zeek!

[@RavelloBikes]

I don't know if it makes much difference, but you put the bottom bracket in backwards. The drive side is supposed to be reverse threaded not the left side.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Hmm I hadn't noticed this until now. You are absolutely right. Hopefully since the adapter cups are bolted together there will be no movement but yeah it should be checked. Thanks for spotting that!

[@twotired]

Yes, there is a reason the drive side is left hand thread and the non drive side is right hand thread. So they don't loosen with the rotation of the cranks. However, French bikes have used a right hand thread on both the drive side and nondrive side for years and haven't seemed to have a problem with it.

[@boneal4942]

Awesome build Awesome edit 👍

[@bobby3704]

great video .. i restore and refurbish only you muscle them fully . . . outstandin !

[@thesausage351]

I’m going to incorporate a lot of this into my build. I have a vintage springer front end that I’ll use, and I’d really like to add disc brakes and go to a 10 or 12 speed, with a nice set of old risers on it. Lots of other builds and lots of parts I need to find before I start but I’m really excited to build it.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Sounds awesome! Best wishes

[@javanthomas4122]

For the cords you could use a pull tie to hold it to the frame

[@andrestevens2200]

a great making of !!! absolute enjoyable :)

[@Levenstone132]

Great build. A pleasure to watch.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Andrew!

[@troyregacho1714]

Absolutely amazing. Such a beautiful bike. Wow.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@arnulfob3454]

Well done , thanks for the step by step instructions .

[@MyMegaJOKER2]

The name of your channel says it all. Very cool! Keep it up. I subscribed. Love your voice throughout the video. Look forward to your other projects!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks man! I really appreciate it.

[@sitflyer2661]

Well done! That was a very cool build, enjoy riding that wonderful bike.

[@jeaselmong4197]

New subscriber here! I wish I could turn my Japanese bike into this kind of awesome work 👍❤️❤️ I'm finding people who can do it for me but I guess they can't treat my bike as careful as you shown in the video😅

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Jessel!

[@TheRickurb]

Seriously cool! Well done

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Rick!

[@patrickberkery8854]

Such a great build!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Patrick! It was a lot of fun to do.

[@azv503]

awesome bike, i can only dream of with my skills set. thank you for sharing

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you. This was a fun project to work on.

[@stefanmoisa190]

Good Work! Good story! Good vibe! Cheers from Romania!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you very much Stefan!

[@BikeItUK]

Amazing work thanks for sharing your skills and time in production very inspiring to many im sure. Cant believe Ive only just found the channel. All the best Andy

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Andy. I love your passion for the older road bikes!

[@terryleebo]

Have you taken a break? I have enjoyed a lot of your videos.

[@ozenfant_ozn]

this is a beautiful bike! love the black! also, great movie.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you 😊

[@joevergnetti767]

Really liked the way you explained everything. Great build, I like!

[@Garlor]

Beautiful ride….. done perfectly and jealous, lol !!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you, I don’t know about perfect but it was a fun build.

[@Panman-fishing-Venture]

Great episode very informative and entertaining great job on the bike

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Charles!