fietsbob

What? Im 62, 20 years ago is not that long ago..

Kevin666

When are we going to see some real clunkers on this thread? I think it would be inspiring for limited income or new commuters to see what's possible with a low-end bike.

BigSung

I think this qualify as a clunker...late 80's Motiv RockPoint II (bought from Costco). It's been upgraded with components that I had lying around.

daijoubu2k8

Here's my 20yo commuter. Picked up off of Craigslist for $85 in need of tires, a seat and some new tape. It's a Velosport Appalache 15.

Sixty Fiver

The problem is that after you get the clunker and start using it, you cannot help but improve on things and then the clunker does not look like a clunker anymore.

This is my beater... 1988 Kuwahara Shasta fg conversion... that might get turned into a 3 speed.

iManda

Your wish is my command. Although this bike is only Sweet Sixteen, I think it qualifies as a clunker! Recent ugrades (new grips, etc.) have increased its lifetime price tag but it remains a low-end, much beloved bike purchased in 1994 by a social worker (sadly, still...) on the low end of the pay scale.

Marin after Makeo&.jpg

Ksyrium

Fender1,

Beautiful Bike. I have an old Univega that I'd like to set up simalarly. Could you tell me the Fender, Tire size, Brake combination that you used.

Thanks, Rich

mangosalsa

Some nice old rides in here, I've never checked this thread before. Nothing for me to share though,
since giving the "clunker" away this Summer. There's always another one on it's way though.

Doohickie

True.

I rode my 1973 Schwinn Varsity to work Friday; the first time I rode it on my 17 mile one-way commute. (I rode it occasionally when my commute was only 7 miles.) After work I rode downtown and took part in the Critical Mass ride; full details on my blog.

iManda

What a great bike, and I love your setup with the upright handlebars, rack and baskets. Are you the original owner of this beauty?

Doohickie

I pulled it out of the city dump a year and a half ago. It had a racing seat and drop bars. All it needed to be roadworthy was tubes and tires. I converted it over to the townie-style setup.

BestSportEver

1980's Royce Union Mountain Bike.... I ride it to work when the temp drops below 40 degrees F.

iManda

Looks like you added open toe clips which are perfect for that style of bike. I have such C & V envy seeing a beautiful ride like this! My bike is merely an adolescent.

Doohickie

Toe clips are standard equipment on my bikes, except for my Raleigh DL-1 tourist which has the original rubber platform pedals.

3speedslow

Okay,

You want a real klunker offering... no pics but a genuine 1977 Sears Free Spirit Brittany. Snot green with gold flecks. On the road as my commuter choice for just about a year. Sold ride and a real sweet shifter. All original 'cept tires( 27x1 1/4 )

original back rack for commuter,lunch and bike tools. Plethra of reflecters and modern triled light, cat eye blinky in the back

3speedslow

totoroben

When I started riding, I scoffed at older bicycles. I wanted the latest and greatest. From my parents experience with cars, I assumed if I purchased an older bicycle I would end up with a lemon. This simply isn't true. There are many great used bikes in the USA because people buy them with the intention of getting in shape and put a couple hundred miles on it and then put it in the garage for 10yrs. The original chain isn't even stretched for crying out loud! Another great thing about bikes: if you neglect their maintainance they wont fall apart, they just wont work as well.

Sixty Fiver

My winter / bad weather beater... now with 3 speeds and new fenders.


1988 Kuwahara Shasta 3 speed conversion

And yet... the only new parts are the handlebars and the fenders as everything else was salvaged / reclaimed.

Hangtownmatt

After over a decade hanging from a hook in the garage while I commuted on my rigid mtn. bike, I recently started riding this 1986 Nishiki Sport. I'm loving it! But I have to admit many of the stock parts have been swapped out( i.e. handlebars, pedals, brakes, seat, wheels, etc). Right now I have started a thread in the "Mechanics" forum asking for help replacing the drive train. If you think you can help please check it out.

Matt

Hangtownmatt

I need to correct myself. It's actually a 1983; not 1986.

Andy_K 

It's amazing enough that you spent over a decade hanging from a hook in the garage, but that you did it while you commuted on a bike is just incredible.

Buglady

I realized yesterday that my new boyfriend is the same age as my vintage bicycle (1985). He thought this was absolutely hilarious but I'm not really sure how I feel about this!

(Yes, I'm dating someone 12 years younger than I am. None of the over-35 men I know can keep up with me on a bike!)

gerv 

Ditch your boyfriend and get an older,heavier bike. Then the over-35 guys should have no trouble keeping up

Sixty Fiver

BG !!!

You are dating someone 12 years younger than you... you should feel great.

We really have to get together for a ride sometime so you can add me to the list of guys over 35 who can't keep up with you.

Have an awesome holiday season.

Brink

This is my Free Spirit that was made in the early 70s. It's in awesome condition. I just had it tuned up at the LBS, and it rides amazing. I'll get a rack and a bag for it, and start riding it to work in the spring.

javal

Not low-end or clunker in any way, but frequently used for summer commuting. Swedish Mustang 1985.