mechanicmatt

I have an idea. It's a quarantine theme because I'm a little stressed from all the news as of late.

Thought is bike built only out of what you have, no trading, no dollars spent. 50 miles of riding in one go on mixed terrain road, gravel, and MTB/motocross trail from out your front door. Also, I thought maybe a secondary toilet paper run should be in order.

I was thinking about this because I have several "waiting for the perfect _____" bikes that prevent them from being ridden and enjoyed, and it may be fun to create a multi purpose thing.

Anyway, any interest? I'd create an official thread if you all would like too. Very much open to other ideas as well or any added themes.

Narhay

That would mean having to work on one of the projects in the queue rather than buying something new and then putting it in the pile of projects. I'm not sure how the serial buyers and procrastinators here would cope.

masi61

Uh, you just described me .

i would love to take the challenge, & unblock the queue. Right now there are like 6 unfinished road bikes. I’ll mount one or two parts then set it aside for whatever reason. My buddies say I should just have my LBS finish building my bikes.

USAZorro

Well, for the most part, everything was paid for... the variables are when, and how much? If you can come up with rules, and I have something that would qualify, I'll be in.

mechanicmatt

I was thinking bike built in 3-4 weeks a (quarantine time) then 3-4 weeks for the ride 50 miles mix ride. Then as this goes on, I thought we could come up with other rides. My dumb thought was a toilet paper run, with bonus points for the greater number of rolls carried or distance to get paper.

USAZorro

The idea is topical and humorous. It would effectively disqualify me though, as I live a bit out in the sticks, and the only road into town is a death wish ride for cyclists. Not to mention that there are only two of us here, and tp is something we won't need to buy for a while. Maybe if this portion adds a bonus, rather than being a requirement?

Also, would be looking for guidance on the bicycle. I have several unfinished projects, but they aren't created equal. For example, I have an RRA that I'm close to getting back on the road. I purchased it last fall, and have built it new wheels, gotten an rhm saddle for it, etc. All told I have over $400 into it, so clearly, that wouldn't be on an even playing field with (to pick another project), a 1970-ish 5-speed Sports that I bought for about $30.00 over two years ago and haven't put a dime into since. I see details about the acquisition of the entrant to at least be offered as guidelines.

Sound like a fun idea, and I'm eager to join in, even though I'm not exactly concerned about "winning", since any bike that gets built and ridden is satisfaction in itself.

jetboy 

I think I might have a candidate: its a Fuji s12 LTD that I keep eyeing but not getting to. it is too small.. that is part of it.. but it deserves to be fixed and even at too small it would make a good errand bike: The LTD actually means something in this case, seems a few steps above a s-12 ...

mercator

That fits right into my plans - I've got an '70s era Miyata 110 that I'm planning to build into a parts bin gravel bike.
My only problem is that it's -20 in the garage this week so I may have to set up a workshop in the basement.

nlerner

I like the idea of building from what you already have though it favors the hoarders among us (e.g., me). Maybe allow a two-week (14 day!) window to acquire additional items?

I have several candidate frames hanging in the basement:

—70s Jeunet, which I had built up with 650b x 38mm wheels
—‘85 Raleigh Gran Course, fits 28mm tires
—Carver Ti frame, fits 35mm tires

mechanicmatt

I like the idea of no money spent and using what you have right at the moment (hence the quarantine), however maybe allowing trades to occur. Either between members or neighbors/friends would be allowed.

I don't know if the secondary challenge is a good idea, but I was just thinking of other fun/stupid challenges that could be done as well.

nlerner

How about build your bike and show it carrying a case of Corona beer?

jackbombay

I'm actually working on such a bike right now!

randyjawa 

Found at the dump for free and never spent a cent getting it road worthy and safe to ride. I use used everything, even cables and brake pads. And, believe it or not, this old entry level Legnano proved to be one of the nicest riding bikes to come my way...

CO_Hoya 

I've got a candidate - only issue for parts may be spokes for the wheels. It's the bike I'd ride at Cino this year if I actually go.

The snag for me is that, while self-quarantined at home with the family, I'm actually still working a regular schedule.

non-fixie 

I really like the idea of using the extra time - I'm working from home now, so the commute is rather short - to build a bike, but I tend to keep my parts bin topped up, and building bikes with what I have is my SOP, so not much of a challenge there.

I've been thinking how I could add that extra something, and so far the only thing I've been able to come up with is an idea I've had for a long time, but never got around to: build an Itachari bike.

EDIT: found an inspirational pic on Danny Choo's fb page: ​​​​​​​

grayEZrider

I figure 90% of us will be exposed by tax day. So while retired and pushing 70 I think some loner time is inevitable and I will spend it in my (bike) workshop/man cave. Got the pictured '80s Trek 614 five years ago. Stripped it for parts along with 1/2 dozen other machines so I have enough salvage stuff to put it back on the road. Maybe. The real brain work will be in trying to cobble together gearing that I can live with in these hills for 50 miles.

bwilli88 

Gonna try and finish this, with a Shimano Coaster brake rear hub. Shimano cb-e100. Rebuilt the rear with some 13g 302mm spokes I had laying around, and some left over 13 g brass nipple that are 12g size left over from my Gazelle Primeur drum brake build. The front wheel was rebuilt a while back and one side is backwards, pictures later. I have bottom bracket and Headset laying around along with I think the rest of the parts I need.
It has been brush primered and will sand it down and rattle can it. with fluorescent spray.
Looking to be a 29r BMX with coaster brake and maybe a centerpull front, not sure.

mechanicmatt

I thought interest had died so I didn't revisit, but if you all want to, I can go ahead and do a proper write-up. I figured it'd be a good time with our time.

jeirvine 

I like it.
Can I use the bike I just built last weekend?

CO_Hoya 

You'd have to take it apart and put it back together again.

mechanicmatt

I miss this the first time and love the idea.

MrK.

I'm in but only halfway. Like USAZorro getting any significant miles directly out my front door is tempting fate. I will have to rely on multiple 10 milers or so. The bike I cobble together will be interesting.

mechanicmatt

Challenge posted here:

https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...challenge.html

Good luck.