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Thread: Franken-bike Hard Tail
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03-14-2019, 08:52 PM #1
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
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03-15-2019, 09:26 AM #2
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.
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03-15-2019, 06:50 PM #3
like it for the price.... and if it gets you out with your kids it's priceless!
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03-15-2019, 06:58 PM #4
Love seeing builds like this...looks like a fun setup for $130!
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03-15-2019, 07:54 PM #5
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03-18-2019, 05:55 AM #6
I’ll give it a shot! I’ll shoot you a PM.
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03-19-2019, 05:23 AM #7
Thats solid work
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03-19-2019, 05:28 PM #8
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.
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03-19-2019, 11:30 PM #9
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!
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03-20-2019, 08:28 AM #10
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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03-20-2019, 08:51 AM #11
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.
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03-20-2019, 06:20 PM #12
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03-20-2019, 08:09 PM #13
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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03-22-2019, 12:36 AM #14
That fork has a ton of character.
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03-23-2019, 07:41 PM #15
Took the stock Schwinn bits and built a neighborhood cruiser!
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03-25-2019, 01:30 PM #16Registered User
- 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.
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04-19-2020, 05:58 PM #17
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.
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