Results 1 to 17 of 17
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    97

    Franken-bike Hard Tail

    I’m probably going to get roasted for this, but here goes nothing. I’ve been wanting to get back into riding here in Alabama. My kids have expressed interest so I needed a bike. With 2 kids now and one on the way I’m on a budget. Fast forward to recently...A buddy gives me an 08ish Hardrock with decent components. The frame was way too big, like unrideable big. I had to drop into the local Walmart for some office supplies and see this proper sized framed Schwinn on clearance for $30. I picked it up and have been switching pieces parts and here’s what I’ve got so far. (Keep in mind this is just an XC bike to get back into riding some.)

    Ditchwitch rims
    Truvativ Crank (need to swap)
    740mm bars
    Coda Saddle
    Deore Ft and RR derailleur (May go 1x9)
    Continental Mountain Kings
    Pedals haven’t been swapped yet
    Marzocchi Comp from the Hardrock
    Avid Mechanical disc
    New FSA headset

    Total investment $130.00




  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    slc
    Posts
    17,889
    For $130 all-in, fuck yeah. If you go 1x, if it will work with your cranks I have a 32t/104 BCD AbsoluteBlack N/W oval chainring you can have for shipping.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Can/USA
    Posts
    1,686
    like it for the price.... and if it gets you out with your kids it's priceless!

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    781
    Love seeing builds like this...looks like a fun setup for $130!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    In a parallel universe
    Posts
    4,755
    Quote Originally Posted by Dantheman View Post
    For $130 all-in, fuck yeah.
    This...
    Well done.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    97
    I’ll give it a shot! I’ll shoot you a PM.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    The Trees
    Posts
    808
    Thats solid work


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    That Don't Make No Sense

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    97
    Thanks guys. I actually thought I’d catch more grief for the Schwinn frame...at this point that’s the only thing left on the Schwinn. I have spent a few more bucks but it will be under $200 once it’s all said and done. I am planning on the first trail ride this weekend.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    732
    That's awesome! I love franken-builds and making the best of what you got! For sub $200 it looks like a great ride!

    I def recommend going 1x! You might want a different cassette for steeper climbs, but depending on what your riding you could be OK.

    This thread inspired me to go down to the basement and take a photo of my free-99 find. Found this old trek next to a dumpster behind an apartment complex. It looked like my size so I threw it in the van. Added some spare parts I had lying around, saddle, handle bars, and some old lights, saddle bag and pedals. I'm about $80 in since I splurged on some retail priced tires and tubes from my LBS... coulda gone the Amazon route and I'd be ~$40 in haha.

    I plan to cheaply convert mine to 1x soon. My plan for this bike is to be used as a round town/bar/loaner bike. It's funny, I have a $4000+ Ibis and right now I'm more stoked on this free bike! I actually really needed a beater/spare bike - Down the road if you get more into mountain biking you still have a nice spare ride to get your other buddies into it!

    Click image for larger version. 

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  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    97
    I’m hoping this build will get me off of my ass and then bite the bullet on a nice full squish trail bike


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  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    MA
    Posts
    4,495

    Franken-bike Hard Tail

    Not sure you could have done better for that ^ purpose. A few rides on a 2001 Xc bike got me hooked again.
    Last edited by Self Jupiter; 03-20-2019 at 06:51 PM.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2013
    Posts
    732
    Thanks again k2josh for inspiring me. Today I went to the used bike store and got the parts needed to do the 1x conversion on my beater...

    Next up is a cheap rigid fork to replace whatever the hell is on there now...

    Click image for larger version. 

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    Happy riding!

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    97
    Bad ass!! Guys, forgive my username...my first pair of skis were K2 and I thought it was the most original name ever!


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  14. #14
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Greg_o
    Posts
    2,641
    That fork has a ton of character.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    97
    Took the stock Schwinn bits and built a neighborhood cruiser!


    Click image for larger version. 

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  16. #16
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
    Location
    Tahoe City
    Posts
    722
    sweet! gotta love riding bikes
    Like I told my last wife, I never drive faster than I can see, besides it's all in the reflexes.

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    97
    Little update...went 1x. Need an air fork and hydraulic brakes then maybe go 27.5 wheel set. I’m at around $200 total investment.Click image for larger version. 

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