JayBay
WTB Bratalias
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2007
- Messages
- 411
I've been into bicycles virtually my whole life. I worked as a mechanic in a Schwinn shop (back when there was such a thing) in the 80's. I raced BMX, then got into riding ramps and flatland freestyle. Later I got into road bikes, and moutain bikes. Basically, if it has two wheels, I dig it.
Over the last few years, I've gotten into restoring oldies but goodies...mostly 80's stuff from my hey day. My current project is this 1989 Nishiki Ariel mountain bike. I found it in a Salvation Army store...paid 5 bucks for it! It was in need of some serious TLC, though. I tore it down to it's all chromoly frame and forks, cleaned, polished, and regreased everything. I slapped new pedals, tires, grips and seat on it. A new chain should arrive on my doorstep anyday now - and I'll be able to finish it up. Oh - I gotta put the brakes back on, too. That would be good.
Here's a few others I've done recently. The first isn't vintage at all. It's a 2003 Mosh BMX 24" cruiser. It had a raw finish, and I had it powdercoated. I also put new pedals, cranks, seat and grips on it. I think it's initial cost was 10 bucks at a police auction.
This one's a 1993 Robinson 20" BMX bike. I bought this in need of TLC off ebay...I think under 50 bucks originally. I rebuilt it with some old-school 80's flair.
Next is a Raleigh Gran Sport road bike I found leaning on the dumpster on trash day. I completely tore it down and rebuilt it, also. I think it's from the late 70's. I gave it a little updating to suit my tastes.
Last one here was my pride and joy. I had to sell it for in a cash flow crunch a few years ago. It's a 1985 Haro Sport. I got the frame from California, and the forks from Florida. I had them powdercoated, and got repro decals from a guy in Jersey. The wheels came from Georgia, and the seat came from England. I can't honestly remember where I gathered up the rest of it. Sure was fun to ride, and just looking at it brought back a lot of fond memories of a more worry-free time in my life.
Over the last few years, I've gotten into restoring oldies but goodies...mostly 80's stuff from my hey day. My current project is this 1989 Nishiki Ariel mountain bike. I found it in a Salvation Army store...paid 5 bucks for it! It was in need of some serious TLC, though. I tore it down to it's all chromoly frame and forks, cleaned, polished, and regreased everything. I slapped new pedals, tires, grips and seat on it. A new chain should arrive on my doorstep anyday now - and I'll be able to finish it up. Oh - I gotta put the brakes back on, too. That would be good.
Here's a few others I've done recently. The first isn't vintage at all. It's a 2003 Mosh BMX 24" cruiser. It had a raw finish, and I had it powdercoated. I also put new pedals, cranks, seat and grips on it. I think it's initial cost was 10 bucks at a police auction.
This one's a 1993 Robinson 20" BMX bike. I bought this in need of TLC off ebay...I think under 50 bucks originally. I rebuilt it with some old-school 80's flair.
Next is a Raleigh Gran Sport road bike I found leaning on the dumpster on trash day. I completely tore it down and rebuilt it, also. I think it's from the late 70's. I gave it a little updating to suit my tastes.
Last one here was my pride and joy. I had to sell it for in a cash flow crunch a few years ago. It's a 1985 Haro Sport. I got the frame from California, and the forks from Florida. I had them powdercoated, and got repro decals from a guy in Jersey. The wheels came from Georgia, and the seat came from England. I can't honestly remember where I gathered up the rest of it. Sure was fun to ride, and just looking at it brought back a lot of fond memories of a more worry-free time in my life.
