2/25/12

Retro bike enthusiasts (Like Father like son)

Me and my old man don't have an incredible amount in common, but one exception to the rule is bicycles.  We can sit and talk for hours about projects, repairs, stories, or anything else bicycle related. Our taste in bikes aren't too far off the mark either.  Below are a few pics of bicycles that me and my old man own.. and succinctly spend much of our free time with during the warm weather months in Colorado. (click any picture to enlarge)


My Schwinn "Brunhilde"
My Schwinn is a 2010 model that I've "retro fitted" with parts to give it a vintage vibe.  I've got a few more bells and whistles to add, and will probably be done customizing it by spring.

My old man's Schwinn

My old man's Schwinn is the real deal.. a 1960's model that has the original tires, pedals, handlebar grips and paint.  About the only thing that isn't original, is the seat and headlight.  The frame tank has a battery powered horn that works perfectly to this day.

 My 1979 Open Road 3-Speed

I bought and restored this bike last year for a total cost of around $50.00.  It's a 3 speed that I use for my long trail rides.  I like the workout I get using this bike, and it's cool knowing I'm going to log hundreds of miles this summer on a bike that is 33 years old.


My old man's John Deere.. 10 speed

That's right.. a John Deere ten speed! John Deere only sold bicycles briefly during the late 1800's, and once again for three years (1973 to 1975).  The bicycles were available for purchase in most John Deere showrooms during their production run.

My old man's bike is mostly original except for the seat and handlebars.  Dad is over 70 years old, and had to change them out for a better fit ergonomically.  The bike rides like new due to the care and maintenance it's given on a regular basis.

My Dad and I are always on the lookout for new bikes to customize and restore.  There's no doubt in my mind that we'll be acquiring many more unique and interesting projects to tackle in the years to come.   



6 comments thus far. Share your own comments HERE:

  1. I always dig your bike posts. You're old man's bike is incredible.
    -CP

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    1. Thanks Chris! My old man has some way cool bikes. He also loves his 21 speed Gary Fisher professional racing Mountain Bike. He's over 70, but can smoke me on rides with that thing!

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  2. Makes me long for the 10-speed Sears bike I got on my 11th birthday in 1970. It wasn't a Schwinn, It wasn't anything fancy - but it was my olive green, European racing handlebars, awesome 10-speed.

    Your Dad's and your bikes are REALLY awesome!

    I do putt around the Palouse on my 21-speed Trek. :)

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    1. Thanks Darryll! We love our bikes, and I'm itchin' to start a new project. Will keep ya posted!! Also.. off the rack bikes were great back in the day even if they were brands like Free Spirit and Open Road!

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  3. All beautiful rides, Darrin, but your Dad's Schwinn....wow! When I was a kid I had a Schwinn Rambler American that I converted into a sting-ray (kinda new back then, I'm talking about 1965) with a leopard print banana seat, sissy bar, the whole deal. I even had "Vroom" motor on it--remember those? Battery operated plastic "engine" that made the bike sound like a motorcycle. I've had countless bikes since then (racers, mountain bikes, cruisers, pretty much everything) but I would give anything to have my Schwinn Rambler back.

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    1. Man.. That bike sounds bitchin!! I DO remember the motors! Awesome stuff!! I'm currently helping my buddy rebuild his 1972 Schwinn Barracuda. It's SO much fun, that I'm desperately wanting to start a Schwinn Sting Ray build up. The problem.. simply finding one! When the BMX craze took hold, I remember kids pretty much throwing the old Stingray frames away because everyone wanted the diamond frames. I even remember seeing piles of these frames at bike shops and salvage yards. Geez.. maybe someday I'll stumble across one.

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