As promised, here is the link to my FrankenVega build thread http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...-Touring-build
As discussed above, it may look like a clunker, but mechanically it most certainly is not.

Exactly what I did bought this bike new in 87 or 88 rode it for a couple years hung it up in the garage moved it from state to state finally dusted it off and started riding it to work a couple times a week this year. Added the fenders, rack, lights and a brooks b-17
Still a good solid bike fun to ride and weighs a ton

I find it amusing that your post follows pics of my Raleigh Marathon. Because truthfully, the Marathon is a bit of a clunker. The paint and decals are fair to poor, I've messed around too much with the drive train and it probably wouldn't shift smoothly for anyone but me, and the brakes are inadequate. It works to get me to work when my hybrid is down, but I really think its days are numbered in my stable.

So many nice old rides! I love old bikes!

I must admit I am really happy I found this thread. I am going to start my rigorous commute to work hopefully tomorrow night if it's not raining. It is all of one mile or so, here are the bikes I have to choose from.

Here they are
fuji gran tourer.
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/m...3/17d87e27.jpg

motobecane mixte
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/m...3/ceba0222.jpg

general tourney
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/m...3/886cc243.jpg

panasonic sport 500
http://i295.photobucket.com/albums/m...3/907fd6ca.jpg

they will probably all be ss at one point or another

The other day while walking home from work I found this old Vagabond (Canadian brand) single speed coaster brake bike sitting next to an apartment building dumpster. The tires were old and cracked, it was missing a handgrip, the wheels are rusty and pitted, the old seat was a write off but other than that it is in very good shape. I walked it home and replaced the front wheel and rim with a better one from another parts bike. I also had a matching black handgrip and better (but period correct) seat.

I then replaced the old back tire, cleaned and tightened the fenders and added a front handbrake for better stopping performance and safety. The rear coaster brake actully still works perfectly though. I also have a rear carrier rack I am going to install soon but for now I am leaving it as is. This bike cost me zero $$$ and I plan on riding it everyday to work and back plus use it to run errands around town. I do plan on spending a little money to get a new rear wheel with coaster brake installed. The existing rear wheel is rusty, a little dented and wobbly but it is servicable.

Anyhow...here is a short video clip of it in it's somewhat restored state (my camera won't shoot still pics anymore).http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...h_PICT1207.jpg

I was able to pick up an old (to me!) Schwinn World tour (late 70's early 80's). The hospital I work at had it in the lost and found for the better part of a decade. I told the sisters I would make a $50 donation for the bike. They agreed on one condition..... I take ALL the other bikes that were in the lost and found too! :D

The other three were store brand clunkers, but serviceable with a little work. I already gave one to my sons friend who was in need of a new ride...... What's better than free?

Now I just need to tear the old schwinn apart and assess what I have.....

Billy

That's a cool bike. I would never have guessed it was a pistol case!

I may have to see if I can figure out how to post any photos. On the other hand, I'm not sure I have any bicycles that are only 20 years old.

I do have a Schwinn LeTour from 1986 or 1987 that I bought in 1993 and use on rare occasion; generally I have more 3 speeds of various models and years, including 1953 and 1974 Sports, a 1971 DL-1, a 1960 Gazelle. After more maintenance, I'll have a 1974 SuperCourse (also a 3 speed, with a Sturmey Archer hubs from the 50's ) and a Schwinn Racer (coaster brake) that I think is from 1965.

I'm currently using a Trek 330.

She's only 22...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...v2010trek1.JPG

My new Raleigh is older than me by more than a decade... and she is no garage queen.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...ighsports5.JPG

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/...e27c22b7_b.jpg
Cross posted in vintage, this is my new commuter. 1986 absolute.

Now this is a winner! I like this bike!

Thanks! I like it too. I wrapped the bars and got some hoods this weekend. Sooo, just a little updating but just for comfort factor. Oh yeah and new seat too.

my 20 yr old bike is no clunker. its a sweet steel ride

How much would be reasonable to pay for one of these on craigslist? I found this one that's been fixed up real nice but $200 seems like more than what I've seen to be expected elsewhere on this forum.

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/bik/1750200375.html

Just built a backup "beater"...

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...010fender2.JPG
1974-76 Peugeot UO8.

I need to see if my old basket will fit *crosses fingers* but it works for me for both road riding and my current commute. I will soon have a 6 mile commute RT at school, but right now, I am literally 5 blocks from work and not sure it counts haha! To be fair, I come home for lunch, too!

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46...twing/bike.jpg

And yeah, it's older than I am (I'm 22). My Mom and Dad agree with the bike shop owner. It is a late 70's model. My mom always wanted one. Now I have one.

Yes, I am a tiny person haha.

I don't know how you get these "beaters" with pristine paint jobs. Luck? Expensive, time-consuming refinishing? Personally, beater implies to me that it's a bit, well, beat-up.

1971 schwinn varsity converted to fixed after being rescued from my father-in-law's garage, with a 1980 Raleigh Sports 3 speed with a coaster brake as my backup.

My Peugeot looks like it has been through a war and I just sanded down and touched up the rear stays and dropouts to keep the rust at bay.

Have clear coated the frame on my "A" beater to preserve he patina and 56 year old frame decals and with rain in the making she will be the day's ride... but she isn't a clunker as she's smooth as butter on glass.

http://www.ravingbikefiend.com/bikep...leigh2010a.JPG

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/...e27c22b7_b.jpg

This is not a beater... :)

I'm still riding my 1977 Puch Cavalier. Several seats and several tires later it still works great.

My Raleigh Competition is no CLUNKER. Yes, she is old, my son gave it to me about 30 years ago. He bought it used. I ride it to work all the time, and now it has renewed my interest in bicycles. I think mine is a late 70s model. Still rides GOOD, and not a clunker..

http://www.cehoward.net/comp1.jpg

It's currently decommissioned, waiting for another stem and handlebars to find their way to my parts pile, but when my commute was flat I rode this '77 Gitane Gypsy Sport to work.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3579/...50b0c08d94.jpg

It was in terrible shape when I got it, and it took nearly $400 worth of new parts to get it in the shape shown above, thus making it an example of how not to turn an old clunker into a commuter on the cheap.

This weekend I'm hoping to put an '89 Specialized RockHopper on the road. It looks like a new headset and tires are going to be the only necessary changes.