Build a Bike From Junk

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Issue # 76 - July/August 1982

Here's a practical, from-the-ground-up solution to the high cost of getting from here to there.

A lot of people think of bicycles as either toys or (in these days of fancy ten—or more!—speed roadriders) status symbols . . . but a bike can provide a convenient, efficient, and downright practical means of basic transportation. The members of my family, for example, make all their short tripsfrom half-mile jaunts to the post office to three-mile "milk runs" to the nearest dairy farm—by pedal power.

Of course, those of you who've recently priced two-wheeled errand-runners know that the cost of new machines can be formidable: Even most ordinary one-speed coaster bikes start at around $100 these days! Well, I've got good news for you. Bicycles that are bought to serve as toys tend to be used up and discarded like toys . . . and there are thousands of good thrown-away frames and parts just waiting to be pieced together and pedaled off. I think you'll find it surprisingly easy to scrounge up those components from junkyards—as I did—and construct a fine, functioning bike for no more than $10!

CHOOSING YOUR WHEELS

I suggest that for your first effort, at least, you build a simple one-speed cycle. Sure, the low gear of a three-speeder can be helpful when you're climbing hills, but such units are generally more complicated to work on than are the old reliable coaster bikes (and more expensive . . . you'd probably have to spend at least $8.00 on new brake and gear cables and a shifter, since such components tend to rust quickly).

If you decide to tackle a one-speed cycle, try to start with either Bendix or Komet wheels, since they're so common that you can easily find replacements for any defective hub parts. And whichever brand name you dig up, look for 26" X 1-3/8" British EM wheels. (The measurement applies to the inflated tire. The rim will be about 23-3/4" X 1-1/8".) Wider units might not fit inside your bike frame. (Avoid the harderto-replace Schwinn 26" EA1 wheels unless they already have good tires.)

TOOLS FOR THE JOB

Bike rebuilding is a pretty simple task, and requires only basic tools: a hammer, a screwdriver, a pair of pliers (preferably slipjoint), and an adjustable wrench. Furthermore, in order to clean rusty or grimy parts you'll need some No. 30 oil, grease, steel wool, rags, kerosene or diesel fuel, and an old toothbrush. And if you plan to dress up the frame, you'll want sandpaper, paint, and a brush.

A few other tools can be helpful but shouldn't prove absolutely necessary. Penetrating oil and a homemade punch (see Photo 6), for instance, will ease the job of freeing any "frozen" parts. And a low-cost spoke wrench for tightening loose spoke nipples, a thin bicycle wrench for the removal of pedals, and a small cone wrench to adjust the front wheel bearings would all come in handy.

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