Clunker Challenge #5
#51
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Liked 526 Times
in
369 Posts
My current go to bike is my UO10.
If I were to put it on craigslist, I'd be surprised if someone gave me a hundred bucks for it.
I also have a Grand Touring frame, that's missing it's drive train because I stole the components
for my Grand Julbilee. I could put it back together with parts off my work bench I'd have a bike that I paid
less than a hundred total, for parts.
But if I used either. it would feel like cheating, because if anyone called them clunkers,
I might hit them.
If I were to put it on craigslist, I'd be surprised if someone gave me a hundred bucks for it.
I also have a Grand Touring frame, that's missing it's drive train because I stole the components
for my Grand Julbilee. I could put it back together with parts off my work bench I'd have a bike that I paid
less than a hundred total, for parts.
But if I used either. it would feel like cheating, because if anyone called them clunkers,
I might hit them.
#52
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Liked 526 Times
in
369 Posts
[MENTION=133054]AdventureManCO[/MENTION] I hope the Fuji stem issue is resolved to your satisfaction I have always liked a good camel-back top tube.
#53
Greetings,
I just figured out that I actually have a perfect candidate for this particular challenge. I bought this thing last autumn for the equivalent of about $80. If anything, it might be a bit too clean and neat for a clunker, but then again, it's not exactly top-of-the-line either. This, combined with LBS's special price, only for you my friend Continental Ride Tours, should be the ticket for doing a hundred by hundred.
I actually took a decent drive-side pic of it, but looks like the forum does not allow me to post a picture or an URL until I've posted ten messages.
I just figured out that I actually have a perfect candidate for this particular challenge. I bought this thing last autumn for the equivalent of about $80. If anything, it might be a bit too clean and neat for a clunker, but then again, it's not exactly top-of-the-line either. This, combined with LBS's special price, only for you my friend Continental Ride Tours, should be the ticket for doing a hundred by hundred.
I actually took a decent drive-side pic of it, but looks like the forum does not allow me to post a picture or an URL until I've posted ten messages.
#54
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Greenwood SC USA
Posts: 2,428
Bikes: 2002 Mercian Vincitore, 1982 Mercian Colorado, 1976 Puch Royal X, 1973 Raleigh Competition, 1971 Gitane Tour de France and others
Liked 2,353 Times
in
838 Posts
[MENTION=423776]eeuuugh[/MENTION], I came very very close to buying that exact model Azuki as my first bike-store-purchased 10-speed in 1975, but I wound up instead going with a Dutch Batavus Tour de l'Europe instead.
[MENTION=231285]ryansu[/MENTION], that is a stunning Trek 520 and I am deeply jealous! That is a lovely bike!
[MENTION=486602]deux jambes[/MENTION], what size seatpost does that take? It looks a lot to me like a Jeunet 620 except for the integral derailleur ear, sort of like a Liberia or a Stella, too ...
No pix this time, but I have successfully cleaned and repacked the BB and the headset and am grateful for bearings in retainers. A shocking amount of crud came off this bike, but it is interesting to see how little it appears to have actually been ridden. Finally, I will need to find the proper removal tool for the Caimi (later Everest) freewheel, as none of mine fit.
[MENTION=231285]ryansu[/MENTION], that is a stunning Trek 520 and I am deeply jealous! That is a lovely bike!
[MENTION=486602]deux jambes[/MENTION], what size seatpost does that take? It looks a lot to me like a Jeunet 620 except for the integral derailleur ear, sort of like a Liberia or a Stella, too ...
No pix this time, but I have successfully cleaned and repacked the BB and the headset and am grateful for bearings in retainers. A shocking amount of crud came off this bike, but it is interesting to see how little it appears to have actually been ridden. Finally, I will need to find the proper removal tool for the Caimi (later Everest) freewheel, as none of mine fit.
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Liked 526 Times
in
369 Posts
[MENTION=423776]eeuuugh[/MENTION], I came very very close to buying that exact model Azuki as my first bike-store-purchased 10-speed in 1975, but I wound up instead going with a Dutch Batavus Tour de l'Europe instead.
[MENTION=231285]ryansu[/MENTION], that is a stunning Trek 520 and I am deeply jealous! That is a lovely bike!
[MENTION=486602]deux jambes[/MENTION], what size seatpost does that take? It looks a lot to me like a Jeunet 620 except for the integral derailleur ear, sort of like a Liberia or a Stella, too ...
No pix this time, but I have successfully cleaned and repacked the BB and the headset and am grateful for bearings in retainers. A shocking amount of crud came off this bike, but it is interesting to see how little it appears to have actually been ridden. Finally, I will need to find the proper removal tool for the Caimi (later Everest) freewheel, as none of mine fit.
[MENTION=231285]ryansu[/MENTION], that is a stunning Trek 520 and I am deeply jealous! That is a lovely bike!
[MENTION=486602]deux jambes[/MENTION], what size seatpost does that take? It looks a lot to me like a Jeunet 620 except for the integral derailleur ear, sort of like a Liberia or a Stella, too ...
No pix this time, but I have successfully cleaned and repacked the BB and the headset and am grateful for bearings in retainers. A shocking amount of crud came off this bike, but it is interesting to see how little it appears to have actually been ridden. Finally, I will need to find the proper removal tool for the Caimi (later Everest) freewheel, as none of mine fit.
#57
Senior Member
Merci beaucoup! I’m going to need it. Looks like in order to keep costs at a minimum, this will have to be an all out build up from the ground up. So far it’s calling for my first ever efforts to build a wheelset. And that’ll be calling for my first ever effort to overhaul hubs! Bit of an undertaking in light of a deadline.
Hard to tell exactly. Caliper readings are all over the place, but it seems to be either 26.4 or 26.6 mm. And I don’t currently have a stash of posted in hand to test it with. I’ll have a better idea once I prep it a bit.
I posted it in hopes of identifying it when I bought it, but no certain familiarities rang any definite bells. Like your mention of Jeunet, and other makers this time, you offered some interesting observations then too...
https://www.bikeforums.net/20642142-post5.html
I posted it in hopes of identifying it when I bought it, but no certain familiarities rang any definite bells. Like your mention of Jeunet, and other makers this time, you offered some interesting observations then too...
https://www.bikeforums.net/20642142-post5.html
#58
Señor Member
Greetings,
I just figured out that I actually have a perfect candidate for this particular challenge. I bought this thing last autumn for the equivalent of about $80. If anything, it might be a bit too clean and neat for a clunker, but then again, it's not exactly top-of-the-line either. This, combined with LBS's special price, only for you my friend Continental Ride Tours, should be the ticket for doing a hundred by hundred.
I actually took a decent drive-side pic of it, but looks like the forum does not allow me to post a picture or an URL until I've posted ten messages.
I just figured out that I actually have a perfect candidate for this particular challenge. I bought this thing last autumn for the equivalent of about $80. If anything, it might be a bit too clean and neat for a clunker, but then again, it's not exactly top-of-the-line either. This, combined with LBS's special price, only for you my friend Continental Ride Tours, should be the ticket for doing a hundred by hundred.
I actually took a decent drive-side pic of it, but looks like the forum does not allow me to post a picture or an URL until I've posted ten messages.
#59
The Huffmeister
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: The Le Grande HQ
Posts: 3,132
Bikes: Gängl, Trek 938, Raleigh Professional, Paramount, Allez, Guerciotti, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 750, Miyata 1000 < Huffy
Liked 4,008 Times
in
1,618 Posts
Cambridge VI update: Got the headset nut loose. Turns out, hammers really work.
The top bearing race nut was the hardest thing to get off. Frozen on with rust. Had to use vise grips and, well, a hammer! Hammer saves the day.
Next up, cutting off the ridiculously long stem so that was I can pull the fork out and work on it away from the bike so I don't goof up the frame pulling out the big hammers. The bike is giving it to me rough, so I'm giving it right back. Fun times!
Total cost to date: $0
The top bearing race nut was the hardest thing to get off. Frozen on with rust. Had to use vise grips and, well, a hammer! Hammer saves the day.
Next up, cutting off the ridiculously long stem so that was I can pull the fork out and work on it away from the bike so I don't goof up the frame pulling out the big hammers. The bike is giving it to me rough, so I'm giving it right back. Fun times!
Total cost to date: $0
#60
The Huffmeister
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: The Le Grande HQ
Posts: 3,132
Bikes: Gängl, Trek 938, Raleigh Professional, Paramount, Allez, Guerciotti, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 750, Miyata 1000 < Huffy
Liked 4,008 Times
in
1,618 Posts
Likes For GrainBrain:
#62
Either forged or rather cunningly pressed. I'll take a better look next time I visit the garage. The bike was a bit of a lucky find - the seller told they bought it new, then rode for some years, bought something nicer and put it away in the shed. I found it from the local Craigslist equivalent.
The front hub is a Maillard and came apart today. It was dry, the grease in it had turned into a resinous substance and the cones have seen better days. When putting it back together after cleaning I really couldn't get it to a) not bind in some wheel positions and b) not have slack at the same time. I may give the hub another disassembly and cleaning to see why it binds. It didn't look that bad... but then again, before disassembly it was almost impossible to turn by fingers.
Also the Nokia-branded front tyre was really hard to remove - I had to actually use tire irons to get the bead off the rim. Rear tire is a Michelin, probably original. Both wheels are slightly out of true. I've successfully made a couple of seriously out of true wheels a bit more true before, but dunno really how much I can improve these.
Other specs include Weinmann Vainqueur brakes, Weinmann drillium brake handles and some late-model Positron push-pull cable rear derailleur with a five-speed freewheel.
Pics shall follow...
The front hub is a Maillard and came apart today. It was dry, the grease in it had turned into a resinous substance and the cones have seen better days. When putting it back together after cleaning I really couldn't get it to a) not bind in some wheel positions and b) not have slack at the same time. I may give the hub another disassembly and cleaning to see why it binds. It didn't look that bad... but then again, before disassembly it was almost impossible to turn by fingers.
Also the Nokia-branded front tyre was really hard to remove - I had to actually use tire irons to get the bead off the rim. Rear tire is a Michelin, probably original. Both wheels are slightly out of true. I've successfully made a couple of seriously out of true wheels a bit more true before, but dunno really how much I can improve these.
Other specs include Weinmann Vainqueur brakes, Weinmann drillium brake handles and some late-model Positron push-pull cable rear derailleur with a five-speed freewheel.
Pics shall follow...
Last edited by onre; 04-09-19 at 12:15 PM.
#63
Senior Member
The front hub is a Maillard and came apart today. It was dry, the grease in it had turned into a resinous substance and the cones have seen better days. When putting it back together after cleaning I really couldn't get it to a) not bind in some wheel positions and b) not have slack at same time. I may give the hub another disassembly and cleaning to see why it binds. It didn't look that bad... but then again, before disassembly it was almost impossible to turn by fingers.
Like your Maillard, the front didn’t like spinning at all. Luckily it’s in good service now.
The rear spins fine, but I can feel the drag of old grease so it’s currently apart for the same treatment.
Lacing them up should prove be interesting as I’ve never tried to build a wheel before.
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Rat City, WA
Posts: 462
Bikes: Peugeot Course, Motobecane Super Mirage(RIP), Peugeot PKN10e Motobecane Grand Touring
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
10 Posts
If the Clunker Challenge, forces us to do things,
like rebuilding a wheel, that we've never done before, because the fees from the LBS will push our cost up to high.
Well, that's kind of cool.
like rebuilding a wheel, that we've never done before, because the fees from the LBS will push our cost up to high.
Well, that's kind of cool.
#65
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Rat City, WA
Posts: 462
Bikes: Peugeot Course, Motobecane Super Mirage(RIP), Peugeot PKN10e Motobecane Grand Touring
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
10 Posts
The rules say that soap, WD40 and grease don't count for cost.
But what if I need to buy a few tools?
So I could do some work myself.
Edit to add.
Never mind. Drunk posting.
"time, tools, cleaning supplies, gas/transit to go get it and grease are free."
But what if I need to buy a few tools?
So I could do some work myself.
Edit to add.
Never mind. Drunk posting.
"time, tools, cleaning supplies, gas/transit to go get it and grease are free."
Last edited by Rocky Gravol; 04-09-19 at 05:24 PM.
#66
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Liked 526 Times
in
369 Posts
Sounds like you’ve got a real clunker! Good luck getting the Maillard in good function. I also rebuilt a hub for my project. I had a set of early Shimano which came from the Box O’Crap.
Like your Maillard, the front didn’t like spinning at all. Luckily it’s in good service now.
The rear spins fine, but I can feel the drag of old grease so it’s currently apart for the same treatment.
Lacing them up should prove be interesting as I’ve never tried to build a wheel before.
#67
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Greenwood SC USA
Posts: 2,428
Bikes: 2002 Mercian Vincitore, 1982 Mercian Colorado, 1976 Puch Royal X, 1973 Raleigh Competition, 1971 Gitane Tour de France and others
Liked 2,353 Times
in
838 Posts
It's really not so bad - but what's fun is to do it Clunker Style (wait - shouldn't there be some cheesy dance to go with that?). My contender for that, which I no longer own, was a used 32h high-flange Formula fixed/free hub scored on eBay for $20 that I laced to a scavenged 32h Campagnolo tubular rim with spokes rescued from a 36h Specialized hub/Mavic MA40 wheelset I was given because the flanges had failed and multiple spokes were flopping around free.
#68
Virgo
I'm excited to see this. Last year was my first challenge, and it was a little too easy. I haven't decided yet for sure if I'm going to do one this year. I'm in the market for a 2nd bike at the moment, and that may dovetail nicely into the challenge.
IF I DO the 2019 challenge, here's a couple contenders I've found so far, may get to go check them out this weekend. $45 asking price for the Conti, $35 for the Mizutani (which has been for sale since at least last fall).
Edit: home budget officer has approved $50 toward clunker acquisition.
IF I DO the 2019 challenge, here's a couple contenders I've found so far, may get to go check them out this weekend. $45 asking price for the Conti, $35 for the Mizutani (which has been for sale since at least last fall).
Edit: home budget officer has approved $50 toward clunker acquisition.
This Voyageur popped up on the radar this morning, seller asking $45. I'm not a religious man, but please send all prayers and karma bubbles and whatever that (a) the post is real and (b) I can get there before someone else does! This would make one heck of a clunker.
#69
There's a certain cultural difference thing going on here. The average sub-$50 bicycle in Finland would never have a lugged frame, instead it would be a heavy domestic Dutch-style thing from the bygone days - or a '70s five-speed with a Fauber bottom bracket.
I'd say a large part of the fun in this challenge comes from having to do stuff one hasn't done before. Looks like I get to actually adjust and use a Positron system instead of just replacing it with something normal.
I'd say a large part of the fun in this challenge comes from having to do stuff one hasn't done before. Looks like I get to actually adjust and use a Positron system instead of just replacing it with something normal.
#70
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Seattle WA
Posts: 2,841
Bikes: 2009 Handsome Devil, 1987 Trek 520 Cirrus, 1978 Motobecane Grand Touring, 1987 Nishiki Cresta GT, 1989 Specialized Allez Former bikes; 1986 Miyata Trail Runner, 1979 Miyata 912, 2011 VO Rando, 1999 Cannondale R800, 1986 Schwinn Passage
Liked 526 Times
in
369 Posts
Somewhat sadly, both these bikes sold quickly. I was surprised the Mizutani sold, seller had it posted since last fall.
This Voyageur popped up on the radar this morning, seller asking $45. I'm not a religious man, but please send all prayers and karma bubbles and whatever that (a) the post is real and (b) I can get there before someone else does! This would make one heck of a clunker.
This Voyageur popped up on the radar this morning, seller asking $45. I'm not a religious man, but please send all prayers and karma bubbles and whatever that (a) the post is real and (b) I can get there before someone else does! This would make one heck of a clunker.
#71
Full Member
I am still looking for a bike for the challenge. I looked a 3 that will work nothing high end and they are rough the owner was not home so I couldn't make a deal. They were a Fuji Absolute, Motobecane Mixte and Specialized Hard rock.
#72
Virgo
Schwinn Voyageur - Day 0 - $45 - 0k (0 miles)
My official entry in the clunker challenge: 1983 Schwinn Voyageur. $45 delivered to my house and the guy wouldn’t take any gas money.
Said it was hanging in his neighbor’s garage for years and the neighbor was going to trash it so seller took it off his hands but is not in physical condition to ride a drop bar bike.
I’m not sure what my game plan is yet, I was not expecting to get this bike. Been lusting after one of these for several years.
I’m gonna start a separate thread on this one I think.
Said it was hanging in his neighbor’s garage for years and the neighbor was going to trash it so seller took it off his hands but is not in physical condition to ride a drop bar bike.
I’m not sure what my game plan is yet, I was not expecting to get this bike. Been lusting after one of these for several years.
I’m gonna start a separate thread on this one I think.
Last edited by Phamilton; 04-11-19 at 09:24 AM. Reason: Added title
#73
The Huffmeister
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: The Le Grande HQ
Posts: 3,132
Bikes: Gängl, Trek 938, Raleigh Professional, Paramount, Allez, Guerciotti, Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek 750, Miyata 1000 < Huffy
Liked 4,008 Times
in
1,618 Posts
My official entry in the clunker challenge: 1983 Schwinn Voyageur. $45 delivered to my house and the guy wouldn’t take any gas money.
Said it was hanging in his neighbor’s garage for years and the neighbor was going to trash it so seller took it off his hands but is not in physical condition to ride a drop bar bike.
I’m not sure what my game plan is yet, I was not expecting to get this bike. Been lusting after one of these for several years.
I’m gonna start a separate thread on this one I think.
Said it was hanging in his neighbor’s garage for years and the neighbor was going to trash it so seller took it off his hands but is not in physical condition to ride a drop bar bike.
I’m not sure what my game plan is yet, I was not expecting to get this bike. Been lusting after one of these for several years.
I’m gonna start a separate thread on this one I think.
We need some different categories of winners...paging [MENTION=319010]Narhay[/MENTION]
1. Best deal found
2. Klunkiest bike
3. Cheapest cheapskate (without just getting a bike for free)
4. Thrifiest (reusing old crap)
5. Burliest (heaviest bike award?)
6. Survivor (riding bike as found?)
And I've got another category suggestion...
#74
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PDX
Posts: 13,520
Bikes: Merz x 5 + Specialized Merz Allez x 2, Strawberry/Newlands/DiNucci/Ti x3, Gordon, Fuso/Moulton x2, Bornstein, Paisley,1958-74 Paramounts x3, 3rensho, 74 Moto TC, 73-78 Raleigh Pro's x5, Marinoni x2, 1960 Cinelli SC, 1980 Bianchi SC, PX-10 X 2
Liked 6,834 Times
in
3,900 Posts
Is it just me or is this the coolest Tange sticker ever, MOTOCROSS?
#75
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 41,057
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Liked 3,054 Times
in
1,726 Posts
[MENTION=133054]AdventureManCO[/MENTION], I flipped a Cambridge like that. It was a pleasant and handsome bike, but the brakes were horrible, for some reason.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.