How to build a Klunker Bike

Check out this cool bike project 70 years in the making. I took a 1940’s Western Flyer cruiser and converted it into a modern mountain bike. . It’s my 2020 version of a Klunker. Thanks to Joe Breeze, Tom Ritchey, and Gary Fischer for the inspiration. If you have not seen the film “Klunkerz” you need to check it out! • Klunkerz: a film about...
Amazon Affiliate links for speciality tools and parts used for the build:
Headset Press: amzn.to/3zebEwa
Park Took Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3wXhTD0
Reamer/ Flex Hone: amzn.to/3izH09O
Park Tool 3 way wrench: amzn.to/2UwdgCS
Park Tool Hammer: amzn.to/3Bs7ans
Park Tool Pedal wrench: amzn.to/2W3ToYd
Park Tool Bottom bracket tool: amzn.to/2UYcEpp
Chain Tool: amzn.to/3kGnnQi
Frame Saver Rust inhibitor: northwestbicyc...
Music licensed from Soundstripe.com
My greatest Happiness: bright seed¬¬
Sway: Brent Wood
Get lost in the Ran: Brent Wood
Mojave: Brent Wood
Carefree Thoughts: Brent Wood
The Mountains are Alive: Sounds like Sanders
#klunker #retrobike #klunkerbike

[@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. 🙂

[@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

[@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.

[@canadalife3983]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@kmazero3977]

Klunker was the white people vercion of lowrider Just a old frame with new parts

[@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.

[@tomerttb]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Very kind of you thank you

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@b.s.adventures9421]

My current clunker is a 1938ish western flyer. It still has the stock wheels and the skip tooth chain. Future upgrade is a better fork. 3 piece bmx cranks to keep the skip tooth. Build some new wheels. I also have a 60s Schwinn I’m building more similar to your build here, but single speed. I’ve built a TON of klunkers over the years. I think I might have a video of my last bike on my channel. Unfortunately that bike was destroyed in a fire. 😢

[@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!

[@b.s.adventures9421]

There ms a guy in LA that sells 1 1/8” threadless head sets that are machined to fit the old American 1” head tube (32.5mm). Atomic cycles. He has all kinds of cool shit for old cruisers.

[@dgrombach1]

Klunkerz , great film

[@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!

[@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!

[@ratoneJR]

You shaved the inside of the seatpost tube with the ball reamer. What size of seatpost did you use, after cleaning? 22.2 or 25.4 ? I have a similar issue on my bike. 25.4 is way to big, 22.2 is still big and 13/16"...way small. My bike is a 1974 Huffy "Easy Going" cruiser. Thinking of trying the ball reamer to get the 7/8" to fit. Or, getting a 7/8 solid 6061 aluminum rod and turning it down a few thou. Been asking advice everywhere, have gotten no real help.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Hi ratoneJR, yes I reamed it down from about 21.3mm inside diameter (seat tube) to 22.2mm. The top was a bit ovalized, so hard to say for sure what the original opening was. I used a standard old school BMX 22.2 seat post. I wish I knew American sizes better of the top of my head but I'm sure it was an American size at the beginning. I barely got the old seat post out there and then tossed it before measuring it accurately. Doh! I think turning down a seat post would be a good idea in your situation.

[@ratoneJR]

@@CoolBikeProjects turning it down seems best. it would leave the inside painted, slowing galvanic corsion between aluminum and steel. thanks for your thoughts. take care.

[@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!

[@MrStingraybernard]

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

[@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 .

[@adekatim3315]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Ade!

[@CandidZulu]

Lee Alox bullet lube is a good alternative to any other Frame Saver, in case that's all you can find. Most towns has a gun shop.

[@BigWaveyDavey]

Nice job, Rusty! (Now if we're just a class 1 eBike...)

[@miltonbeasley6575]

Ride on Dave ..RIDE ON my friend RIDE ON 🚲

[@TallinnCav]

How am I just finding your channel? Immediate sub. Please keep going

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Tallin! We have a really cool video coming out tomorrow on Schwinn stingray’s!!

[@bobby3704]

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

[@lowlowsandclothes9923]

They still sell 21 mm seat posts they used them for Schwinn bikes

[@vermonthillsumc]

That locking rear axle detailer fix was genius.

[@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.

[@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.

[@cristiangarcia1422]

Can you do that thing you did so you can put that rear mountain bike hub fit does that also make room for more fatter tires ?

[@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!

[@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.

[@ekhospin]

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

[@alfredoesparza1893]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Gracias mi amigo!

[@Chief_5]

Cool, What was the total cost to build including labor? Just an estimate would be good. 👍👍

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Great question. I spent $125 milling the headset cups $45 for welding $110 for the powdercoat $300 in new parts and 8 hours in labor. The rest of parts were used and donated. The bike was purchased at a garage sale for $45!

[@Chief_5]

@@CoolBikeProjects nice!

[@SanFranciscoKayakAdventures]

Super beautiful build!! Growing up in Mill Valley, and also being a teenager in the 80’s, gave me a lifetime love of Mt Biking and a reverence for the early Klunker History. I still see Gary Fisher, Joe Breeze, and some of the original Larkspur Canyon Gang Crew from time to time around town and on the trails. I’ve always wanted to do a build like this but was also aware there were a good number of unique engineering and fabrication challenges that were frankly beyond my knowledge, skill set, and patience level. If I had found this video documentation of the build-process prior to today, I might have had some additional motivation and the needed guidance to take it on (but gratefully I think I have another solution in the works)! This is an outstanding video and build documentary!! Do you still own this bike??? What became of it? Many thanks and continued happy buildings!!! ~Calilama

[@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!

[@m.aquino8181]

Love the build. Does the quick release in the rear provide enough clamping force for you? I have an older frame with forward facing drop outs like your frame and would like to use a QR set up in the rear due to a wider selection of wheel choices but keep being told a QR setup just doesn’t provide enough clamping force on a frame that was designed for a bolt on hub.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

You should be fine, when in doubt test it out on a short ride on the grass and pedal hard to make sure the axle is not trying to slip forward.

[@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!

[@albertshepard996]

I've been doing this for years....peace

[@krtt750]

What is point of hydraulic disc's? Overkill man. Classic or nothing. Cheaper and easier. And works just as well!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Hi Dan, At the time I was building this bike I wanted to take a classic and make into more of a modern mtn bike. I used what I had been given and the front fork was dic brake only so I figured why not give it a go.

[@jamessher6956]

Fantastic work on a gorgeous build. I would prefer fully rigid and singlespeed simplicity but that’s just an opinion from the peanut gallery.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks James, I totally get it. I’m hoping to build another one with drum brakes that is Rigid.

[@kmazero3977]

I wanna make one but my Be a 1950 schwinn phantom 👻frame Lowrider all golden parts its gonna look beautiful

[@CoolBikeProjects]

I'd love to see it! Phantoms are getting really hard to find.

[@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.

[@bearinmindfarm]

Hey man I am in need of some advice on what bikes I should be looking for to build a klunker. I just moved to southern California and have access to many used frames/ bikes I need help understanding what frame specs to keep an eye out for, since I don't want to spend a bunch of money on something newer if I can build something fun. Thanks man.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for reaching out, I would recommend joining the Facebook Klunkers group. The group is really supportive and can give you a lot more examples than I can. I will say though that the gold standard has been the 1960's Schwinn DX due to geometry and spacing. Otherwise any frame from the 1940-1960's that has the middle support bar could be used. Best wishes on you project!

[@boneal4942]

Awesome build Awesome edit 👍

[@rainbowhiker]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you!

[@kevinshea1763]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Kevin!

[@mikesautoservice80]

Good afternoon, love the video!! Wanting to know...Is that a bike frame jig? Where did you get it?

[@CoolBikeProjects]

No jig was used, if your talking about the bike repair stand it is from a company called Feedback Sports. Thanks!

[@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 😎

[@merlin6646]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching!

[@goblindeeznutzz]

Okay but can you take a modern mountain bike and turn it into a dragster or cruiser?

[@jusride7]

Aloha, Braddah! Great Build! Mahalo, jusride7.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you!

[@Bob_Adkins]

@RatherBWelding does that all the time.

[@javanthomas4122]

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

[@busagactv]

awesome Built with a 9 speed setup🤙💪I got my schwinn DX single speed 16x40 gear ratio🙂👌

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Heck yeah!

[@busagactv]

@@CoolBikeProjects #keepklunkin bro!

[@brettneuberger6466]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Brett!

[@kennyhill2678]

Mud guards I think would be cool

[@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.

[@jettsouza]

She needs an old scrambler handlebars...

[@retrobikechannel2599]

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

[@bikermonster8354]

What a nice Bike rebuild. Respect. Stay well, best regards from germany ✌😁👍

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you!

[@thesausage351]

Wow, that’s a work of art! How’s it all holding up 2 years later? I’m just about to build one myself, but it’s not as easy in Australia, that style of frame is pretty rare, as we typically had the English, more traditional style of frame. I really like the look of the bike you used in a pic with the flat red oxide paint colour, so I’ll probably opt for that, with some flat colours on it somewhere. I’m definitely planning on spring forks, but I’d like one without a brace on them, and definitely plan on disc brakes. I’m going to run a large size front sprocket, and probably between a 5-9 rear sprocket and the fattest chunkiest tyres I can fit onto it, just whatever I find cheap haha, that’s pretty much my motto. It’s not going to be a serious rider, but I’ve found that I get bored with standard type bikes very easily, I have a brilliant 21 speed Giant hardtail and a very nice Klein road bike, but when I want to ride I will almost always bring out my 70yo steel frame 3 speed Sturmey archer road bike because I just love the bike, or my heavily actual patina 28” wheel single speed because again, I built it, and it’s everything I absolutely love in a bike, so a Klunker makes a lot of sense for me to build haha. I really enjoy the planning out, searching for parts and the building also, so even if I only ride it once a month, I’ve had a solid 6 months of enjoyment before it’s even rolled the streets. I have another one here also I’ll build up like a board tracker motorcycle and that will be the bright and shiny one.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Awesome brother, I love the plans for that! Happy trails!

[@thesausage351]

@@CoolBikeProjects Thanks for the reply! Yes, I’m super excited to start the build, and to finish off another couple haha.

[@markvincentcocjin]

I hope someday you could afford a sandblaster and a powder coating booth.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

That would be awesome!

[@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.

[@armandogonzales9304]

An air compressor is a mandatory piece of shop equipment. Parts stay cleaner.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for watching Armando

[@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!

[@Garlor]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

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

[@andrewrife6253]

I kindve want to do this.....

[@StaggerLee68]

Beautiful build! I've got a 69' Schwinn Tornado all ready to put together. The only thing is the headset... can't find a machinist to simply take it down to the 32.7mm needed, all in my area are months and months out to do it, most just don't want to do it at all. Patience, eh?

[@CoolBikeProjects]

You could also ask your local bike shop to see if they have a head tube Reamer. Most won’t be comfortable taking out the Metal on the inside of the headtube there are tools to do it. Best of luck on your project!

[@StaggerLee68]

@@CoolBikeProjects Yes, I could actually do that myself, but it's the very last option as I'm uncomfortable with that as well. All in good time , worth it, methinks. Cheers.

[@jerrydavis5934]

Very nice build. How would this work on a 3 by 7 or a 3 by 8 drive ? I have a Belknap Blue Grass ( 1960's ? ) that I would like to do this to.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Hi Jerry, unfortunately there’s no solid answer. You would just have to try a 3x tCrankset with different spindle lengths to see if it would work. The 7, 8 or nine speed in the back is not an issue just getting the right spacing upfront. The other issue he might have a problem with his coming up with a cable stop for the front derailer. You could run a solid cable and housing up to a certain point but then you’d have to add a cable stop.

[@jerrydavis5934]

@@CoolBikeProjects The more I think about this the more I like your 1 by 9 setup. When I ride my mountain bike I rarely change the front gear. I am an old man anyway so there will be no hard riding anyway.

[@lrg863]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks man!

[@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.

[@WristwatchAddiction]

My next project! Thank you for this upload! 🙏

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@Craigs_bikeshop]

I'm fixing my bike up and I think I want to try to build a bike like this

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Awesome! Best wishes on your build.

[@sphinxrising1129]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Awesome!

[@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 :)

[@ridinglacs]

This video is great

[@Torqxracing]

Dope ass bike. Good Shit.

[@tonocovarrubias6189]

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

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you!

[@allenm00]

Did you install your bottom bracket adapters on the wrong sides? Pretty sure you turned the external bottom bracket backwards to install it.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Yes some one brought that up a few months back you are correct,

[@allenm00]

@@CoolBikeProjects it's OK. I still love the build and your channel.

[@rodster44]

Such a cool build. You should make the frames and sell them...lol

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Rod! There are some amazing companies out there doing just that

[@CAKSAMS]

for bicycle fans, let's gather here

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks for checking out the channel CAK SAMS!

[@CAKSAMS]

Yes 👍

[@ferdinandmelchor4242]

just found out about your channel cool stuff sir, awesome content please keep it going!

[@allenm00]

Have you noticed that tires are so much harder to install than they were in the late 90's?

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Ha ha, yes thats true

[@jamesfiegel9675]

Chromoly tubing serves a purpose.....I would not bomb down a hill on that rusty internally sub steel frame on 150 lbs which I am ...your 250 plus ? Eeeeks !!!!!!

[@WildCaptures]

Awesome project I really enjoyed this build👍

[@sunvalleylaw]

Hi! How did the chainline come out when you did that? I am considering doing a 1x9 using your way, or doing a 3 speed coaster brake (S/A) on a '52 Hornet.

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Hi Steve, the chain line turned out great, i don’t recall the exact bb shell width but it must have been close to 68mm because it fit the Shimano hollow tech crankset fine without any spacers. I suppose if you were off by a full 5 to 10 mm you could switch which side the chain ring was bolted to. Hope that makes sense.

[@sunvalleylaw]

@@CoolBikeProjects Ok, so I am going to cold forge it out as you did, doing the work at the Boise Bike Project as I re-upped my membership and they have all the tools. I am going to go more retro than you on a 1953 Schwinn Hornet frame, and make it be either a 1x5 or 1x6 depending on the freewheel I find, and using old drum brakes like they did, to end up with an around town casual Klunker that can go on easy trails and dirt roads for casual days. Will have the stock type Schwinn crankset up front with a 36t chain ring. Going to skip the front derailleur as this bike will be for Wood River (Hailey) Valley floor and foot hill clunking around. Going to use old Araya rims as they did also. I have both Charlie Kelly's book and the old movie for inspiration. I have a NOS Suntour thumb shifter, and a Suntour Cyclone GT rear derailleur. the folks at BBP say they have the tools for cold forging so should be set there. It was fun to hear you reference old school mechanics in Idaho as well. Let me know if you have any thoughts for me! Thanks for the inspiration and informative video!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

@@sunvalleylaw Hi Steve, sounds like a solid build plan. The cold forging shouldn't be a big deal, just have them help you check for overall frame alignment before and after and you will do fine. BTW I love the folks at BBP- please tell Jimmy I said Hi. He may not remember me. Its been about 12 years since I last stopped in there.

[@fklcomputers]

great bike

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you Forde!

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

The monologue was as good as the build 👍

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thank you!

[@dennisberry2699]

cool bike

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Dennis!

[@Wee-WorldMiniaturesandProps]

Dang, that couldve been a Pee-wee bike. Going mountain bike makes me a little sad. Great work though, as well as the video!

[@CoolBikeProjects]

Thanks Tyler, I hear ya. I have restored a number of classic cruisers before and that is a lot of fun too. This was my first mountain bike/ klunker conversion.

[@jerrydavis5934]

Have you ever worked on a Belknap Blue Grass Bicycle ? It has an original Huffy seat so I would presume it was made by Huffy.

[@danielhickman6503]

Amazing build! I was curious if you had any issues with the chain popping off when hitting bumps/jumps using the sram x9. Thanks!.