How to build a Klunker Bike

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  • čas přidán 30. 10. 2020
  • Check out this cool bike project 70 years in the making. I took a 1940’s Western Flyer cruiser and converted it into a modern mountain bike. . It’s my 2020 version of a Klunker. Thanks to Joe Breeze, Tom Ritchey, and Gary Fischer for the inspiration. If you have not seen the film “Klunkerz” you need to check it out! • Klunkerz: a film about...
    Amazon Affiliate links for speciality tools and parts used for the build:
    Headset Press: amzn.to/3zebEwa
    Park Took Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3wXhTD0
    Reamer/ Flex Hone: amzn.to/3izH09O
    Park Tool 3 way wrench: amzn.to/2UwdgCS
    Park Tool Hammer: amzn.to/3Bs7ans
    Park Tool Pedal wrench: amzn.to/2W3ToYd
    Park Tool Bottom bracket tool: amzn.to/2UYcEpp
    Chain Tool: amzn.to/3kGnnQi
    Frame Saver Rust inhibitor: northwestbicycle.com/products...
    Music licensed from Soundstripe.com
    My greatest Happiness: bright seed¬¬
    Sway: Brent Wood
    Get lost in the Ran: Brent Wood
    Mojave: Brent Wood
    Carefree Thoughts: Brent Wood
    The Mountains are Alive: Sounds like Sanders
    #klunker #retrobike #klunkerbike

Komentáře • 462

  • @oldshovel
    @oldshovel Před 3 lety +110

    Dude, that was awesome. So well done and something exactly like I want to do. You did everything I was thinking of doing also with an old Schwinn I picked up this last summer. I am curious about the strength of the milled down headset, I have read about people doing just that but I have had friends that have broken external cup headsets because of heavy stress on the joint between the cup and the sleeve. As to your video editing and production it is awesome, entertaining and educational. Thanks for sharing. Awesome!

    • @MyMegaJOKER2
      @MyMegaJOKER2 Před 3 lety +1

      Just saw your insta post, went to CZcams and came across this. Seems you are gonna do exactly this in your new build haha. Looking forward to it!

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 3 lety +13

      Thank you oldshovel! You are definitely an inspiration behind this channel. We were lucky in that we only had to mill down the cups about a millimeter total. The machinists did a good job of keeping the taper in the cups so they have a good bite. Time will tell how well she holds up. Take Care

    • @rj.shelby
      @rj.shelby Před 3 lety +5

      You guys should collab!

    • @jojielynmahinay447
      @jojielynmahinay447 Před rokem +1

      Fan from Philippines old shovel🤟

    • @Eduardo_Espinoza
      @Eduardo_Espinoza Před 10 měsíci

      I would love to do this with aluminum beach cruiser frame. 🙂

  • @awareness556
    @awareness556 Před 3 lety +15

    I built my first Klunker in 1978 after reading an article about them in Bicycling magazine. It started as a 1956 Schwinn Jaguar. I gave it a 5-speed cog/derailleur, Atom Drum brakes, Magura motorcycle brake levers, and BMX handlebars. I was one of the first in NH to build one. Those were incredibly exciting times watching the sport evolve in those early years.

  • @403patriot3
    @403patriot3 Před 3 lety +9

    Damn I thought I was the only person that obsessed with retrofitting old bicycles.
    You’re not the only guy that draws a deep peace in building bicycles, a late night car or motorcycle ride doesn’t touch the peaceful summertime bike around in the cool evening

  • @robertcardwell6019
    @robertcardwell6019 Před 3 lety +22

    I am mainly a collector of original balloon tire bikes. What you did was like taking a 70 year old man and putting a 10 year old heart in him. Not only did I find this very interesting I was amazed at the work that you did to make this a klunker. I'm not really sure you can even call it that. Great job and enjoy the video.

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 3 lety +2

      Thank you Robert. I really appreciate it!

    • @nicodanger13
      @nicodanger13 Před 2 lety +1

      it's a klunker-ish... but years agi i did a poor version of this (a rat-klunker with '90 mtb parts) and i loved it. This one is beautiful

  • @tinycmo
    @tinycmo Před 2 lety +5

    Wow. Never seen a klunker restored. And looks like it came from the green acres set and ended up being the new release from surly. And the ride through a Kansas trail. Just amazing.

  • @pisto_run_cycling
    @pisto_run_cycling Před 3 lety +2

    I bought a cruiser one day to ride around with my kids.. then I found klunkers and strandies.. I made a bmx out of it but wanted to make a klunker so bad.. sold that bike.. but this build of yours is so bad ass that I want to build a klunker now..

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks man! I'm in search for another one too. Best wishes on your next bike adventure.

  • @vermonthillsumc
    @vermonthillsumc Před 2 lety +3

    That locking rear axle detailer fix was genius.

  • @cliveturner4980
    @cliveturner4980 Před 3 lety +3

    built my first klunker in 69 out of any old parts that were lying around,put a knobly tire front and back 26" wheels and an old brooks saddle,every one thought i was nuts,in the uk we called them tracking bikes now everyone rides mountain bikes funny how times change ,still have a schwinn cruiser that i ride 3or 4 times a week maybe i will rebuild it this summer !!!!!

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 3 lety +1

      Go for it Clive! I’d love to see it when your finished.

  • @diydarkmatter
    @diydarkmatter Před 2 lety +2

    between lowrider community and the motorized biking community these old bikes are gold . its a good thing schwinn did a repop . the original bikes are still the best and hard to find some of them . always good to see someone bring them back to life . they were indeed the mountain bikes road bikes bmx bikes and what ever other bike you can think of of my day . we had schwinn and if you had one of those krate bikes you was the sheet . or a phantom . if you were really lucky you had a grey ghost . huffy bikes were the cheap bikes back then the ones that you dint care about tearing up . lol . wish i had a few of them now . western flyers and road kings . royce union . western flyers were kinda in the same category as schwinn . only a little harder to find . i think they were a older company but im not sure . they were easy to work on any kid with a little know how and a few tools could build repair or upgrade there bikes with just a few old part bikes and a little time on the weekend . now days your lucky to see kids riding bikes it takes to much time away from there phones and video games . good thing the biking fade still lives in a few of us still . the new bikes need special tools that most people dont have . building bikes was the best part of my young life . sad they kinda took that away from kids . maybe thats why there all on there phones they cant fix there bikes . lol . any way sorry for the long comment just took me back a little bit . kinda got to rambling about better days . have a good one buddy . enjoy that bike alot of memories in it even if you dont know them .

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks so much for your comment. I think there are a lot of folks still enamored with the simplicity of bikes. I think if more kids rode a dirt trail or had a chance to put things back together (fixing bikes) it would pull them away from their phones :) Any way here's hoping.

    • @diydarkmatter
      @diydarkmatter Před 2 lety +1

      @@CoolBikeProjects agreed ride safe buddy .

  • @dgrombach1
    @dgrombach1 Před 3 lety +2

    Klunkerz , great film

  • @rainbowhiker
    @rainbowhiker Před 10 měsíci +1

    Very nice. Very real nice. Gorgeous, too. These old machines deserve this kind of care. Thanks for sharing, partner.

  • @flpirate4565
    @flpirate4565 Před 2 lety +2

    Totally enjoyed the bike make over. 👍 In the early 80's when I did road cycling with my friends we were going to have a shride together. I showed up with a new Mountain bike 🚵‍♂️ they thought that I was crazy. Two months later they each got one for themselves. I do miss those days. Thanks for your video

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 2 lety +1

      Thank you very much for sharing, bikes really do bring a lot of joy 😎

  • @ennatsirk
    @ennatsirk Před 3 lety +4

    I've been ignoring to watch this video since it was in my recommended, never been so wrong. Now I'm subscribed, great work man!

  • @DannyFlores-pk9hs
    @DannyFlores-pk9hs Před 3 lety +3

    Wow you know what you’re doing. A junker to a beautiful mountain bike. Nice custom bike Sweet . What a video👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻😎💨

  • @robertferguson3223
    @robertferguson3223 Před 3 lety +6

    I thought I went bit deep with some 1980s Dahon folders. No I didn’t even scratch the surface compared to this build. I really really appreciate the work that went into your labor of love and the beautiful end result

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks Robert! I really appreciate it. I wish I was as passionate about home repair projects, but bikes are a lot more fun!

  • @ekhospin
    @ekhospin Před 3 lety +2

    Well... thats an enduro hardtail, I had no idea about the Klunker bikes, awesome.

  • @alanlo-557
    @alanlo-557 Před 3 lety +4

    I would enjoy riding that bike very much. Very well-crafted! As I've aged, I've realized that a bike should have a beauty to it, as well as be in good mechanical condition. I think that you achieved both exceedingly well

  • @littlad
    @littlad Před 2 lety +5

    Why would any of these 35 people downvote this? Two thumbs up! Been wanting to build myself a nice cruiser/mtb for a while now. Something to call my N+1.
    Really enjoyed this video, especially how calmly you explain the process and a bit about your own history. Thanks for that, take care, and all the best in future projects!

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 2 lety

      Thanks Sean, Thant's very kind of you. I have a lot more video and some more restorations coming soon.

  • @retrobikechannel2599
    @retrobikechannel2599 Před 2 lety +1

    Great Job... imagine if Mr.Fisher and Mr. Breeze had access to that kind of "tech" back in the day 😎

  • @l.slayer551
    @l.slayer551 Před rokem +1

    As soon as you took the bike outside I thought that like Kansas! Nice build!

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před rokem

      Awesome! Yes Kansas has some decent MTB trails and lots of rolling hills :)

  • @dentonramsey8726
    @dentonramsey8726 Před rokem +1

    I want this bike so bad! Amazing build

  • @tomerttb
    @tomerttb Před 2 lety +2

    The best thing about this video is your voice.. you should do voice over :) so soothing.

  • @christopherharris-coons5207

    I'm planning on restoring my grandpas old bike and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your insights, tips, and tricks. I haven't been able to find anything this detailed. Thank you so much.

  • @OutlawToys
    @OutlawToys Před 3 lety +1

    I like seeing the reclaiming of something destined for junk, even if it was just the frame.

  • @javanthomas4122
    @javanthomas4122 Před rokem +1

    You got me hooked on this klunker thing

  • @romancasso5356
    @romancasso5356 Před rokem +1

    You make it look soo easy!!! MAGNIFICO!!!!

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před rokem

      Thank you Roman- lots of tinkering and checking with friends to make this work

  • @canadalife3983
    @canadalife3983 Před 3 lety +11

    this bike build is awesome. so many little interesting facts to learn from !

  • @MrStingraybernard
    @MrStingraybernard Před 2 lety +3

    Very cool , I used to have that fork and the adjustment was its best feature

  • @joevangordon3451
    @joevangordon3451 Před 2 lety +1

    So excited to finally find a bike guy in my area riding my kinda terrain

  • @lukepaterno
    @lukepaterno Před 3 lety +7

    Stumbled across your video. Really fantastic production quality-lighting, camerawork, editing, sound. Everything was perfect for watching this kind of build and trying to learn how or why you made the choices you did. Awesome work!

  • @troyregacho1714
    @troyregacho1714 Před 3 měsíci +1

    Flat out amazing. Just amazing

  • @javanthomas4122
    @javanthomas4122 Před rokem +1

    I like it you made something old new again

  • @brettneuberger6466
    @brettneuberger6466 Před 2 lety +1

    Nice job. Cool bike and great video. That bad boy’s ready to rip the steeps of Kansas!

  • @cjdesmidt2113
    @cjdesmidt2113 Před 3 lety +6

    Wow, thank you for making such a quality, in depth build video! I’ve been searching for some time to find a full klunker build explanation and this is the real deal! Very nicely done my friend! That bike is killer

  • @JoeLopez
    @JoeLopez Před 2 lety +1

    What a captivating video! I’d love to find one of these.

  • @robbygaume600
    @robbygaume600 Před 2 lety +1

    This was very well done, and cool to watch. Great narration too.

  • @arnulfob3454
    @arnulfob3454 Před 2 lety

    Well done , thanks for the step by step instructions .

  • @frankiemartinez9366
    @frankiemartinez9366 Před 3 lety +1

    Cool man...you got it. I remember does bikes from my granddad and my uncle's.

  • @MrPhotodoc
    @MrPhotodoc Před 2 měsíci +2

    Total cost of all that outside work must be close to the price of a new bike. But it's still cool to see the work done and the finished product. Thanks.

  • @thecrusherbugs2331
    @thecrusherbugs2331 Před rokem +1

    I am aware that this is an older video, however, I still loved it. I just picked up a '63 schwinn beach cruiser that I'm going to turn it into a kluncker. It black in color with the original dealer stickers. Going to clean up the frame and keep as is and upgrade all of the components, wish me luck...👍

  • @merlin6646
    @merlin6646 Před 2 lety +1

    Very cool project & result. I enjoyed watching it. Thank you.

  • @kevinshea1763
    @kevinshea1763 Před 3 lety +2

    Now that my friends was one amazing video beautiful bike great job

  • @JorgeRodriguez-ei2gi
    @JorgeRodriguez-ei2gi Před 3 lety +1

    Outstanding built, please keep sharing, more bikes videos. Thanks, joe.

  • @sitflyer2661
    @sitflyer2661 Před 3 lety +1

    Well done! That was a very cool build, enjoy riding that wonderful bike.

  • @tyborg970
    @tyborg970 Před 3 lety +3

    Great video! I love the history and storytelling with your video!
    Having worked in a shop years ago I appreciate the work you did on the headset, the care taken with the chain line and the reuse of components. Again great job.

  • @ahick
    @ahick Před 3 lety +3

    I watch so many bike videos it may be an illness. This is an excellent build my friend. Your delivery, patience and skill is excellent. Thank you for your knowledge and time. And @oldshovel commented. You are my new hero. Awesome!!!!

  • @boneal4942
    @boneal4942 Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome build Awesome edit 👍

  • @lrg863
    @lrg863 Před 2 lety +1

    Awe 👍🏼Some build and mod.
    One of the best I've seen 🎉

  • @joevergnetti767
    @joevergnetti767 Před 3 lety

    Really liked the way you explained everything. Great build, I like!

  • @sphinxrising1129
    @sphinxrising1129 Před rokem +1

    My first bike was a klunker that was not pretty, but it got me where I wanted to go.

  • @troyregacho1714
    @troyregacho1714 Před 4 měsíci

    Absolutely amazing. Such a beautiful bike. Wow.

  • @fklcomputers
    @fklcomputers Před 3 lety +2

    great bike

  • @stevepratt9535
    @stevepratt9535 Před 2 lety +1

    I have a 1941 Elgin and this is exactly what I was looking for!! Thanks. Great build sir.

  • @patrickberkery8854
    @patrickberkery8854 Před 2 lety +1

    Such a great build!

  • @kingpey666
    @kingpey666 Před 2 lety +1

    Wow! Amazing build! Thanks for sharing!

  • @tonocovarrubias6189
    @tonocovarrubias6189 Před 2 lety +1

    wow that was so satisfying to watch,you did a great job , great bike!

  • @claytonkirby878
    @claytonkirby878 Před 2 lety +1

    Love the use of quality component's... I learned a lot especially bottom bracket and crank tutorial

  • @siscoismyhomey
    @siscoismyhomey Před 3 lety +1

    Really nice job on this one!

  • @CharlieMetcalf
    @CharlieMetcalf Před rokem +1

    Gorgeous

  • @boxfortpirate900
    @boxfortpirate900 Před 3 lety +1

    It looks great!

  • @Invading-Specious
    @Invading-Specious Před 3 lety +1

    Good job!

  • @Levenstone132
    @Levenstone132 Před 2 lety +1

    Great build. A pleasure to watch.

  • @MrStingraybernard
    @MrStingraybernard Před 2 lety +1

    Beautiful job !

  • @marioduenas1252
    @marioduenas1252 Před 2 lety +1

    Great build

  • @jimlamberton2435
    @jimlamberton2435 Před 3 lety +1

    I love this project!

  • @londonpickering8675
    @londonpickering8675 Před 3 lety

    Oddly satisfying! Thanks for posting.

  • @andrestevens2200
    @andrestevens2200 Před 2 lety +1

    a great making of !!! absolute enjoyable :)

  • @WildCaptures
    @WildCaptures Před 2 lety +1

    Awesome project I really enjoyed this build👍

  • @TheRickurb
    @TheRickurb Před 3 lety +1

    Seriously cool! Well done

  • @MMcG25
    @MMcG25 Před 3 lety +1

    Great job and video!!

  • @Leviajohnson
    @Leviajohnson Před 2 lety

    I think I found my favorite CZcams video

  • @WristwatchAddiction
    @WristwatchAddiction Před 2 lety +1

    My next project!
    Thank you for this upload! 🙏

  • @KrishnaDraws
    @KrishnaDraws Před 2 lety +1

    Fantastic build! Absolutely enjoyed it!

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks Krishna, I just checked out your channel. Wow! I will be coming back. Very cool photoshop tutorials.

    • @KrishnaDraws
      @KrishnaDraws Před 2 lety +1

      @@CoolBikeProjects awesome! Thanks so much for the sub! :) I look forward to your upcoming builds. My Trek 4300 is currently in the shop and I’m waiting to get it back again so I can ride. I’m getting the crankset replaced due to severe wear. The chain is shot and it wore the crank’s teeth to sharp points. The rear cassette is also getting replaced. Your videos help me understand the various steps needed to overhaul a bike. I’m curious to know what average prices run for basic bike maintenance.

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 2 lety +1

      @@KrishnaDraws It really depends on the size of the town you get service in, but average tuneups run between $65-85 plus parts. An overhaul can be $125-$150 plus parts. Parts are getting more expensive and when you wear out a drive train if can take a bit of funds to replace everything, but still relatively cheap compared to auto repair work in my estimation.

  • @azv503
    @azv503 Před 2 lety +1

    awesome bike, i can only dream of with my skills set. thank you for sharing

  • @benspeedschannel888
    @benspeedschannel888 Před 3 lety +1

    That looks like a load of fun, nice work!

  • @BikeItUK
    @BikeItUK Před 2 lety +9

    Amazing work thanks for sharing your skills and time in production very inspiring to many im sure. Cant believe Ive only just found the channel. All the best Andy

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 2 lety +1

      Thank you Andy. I love your passion for the older road bikes!

    • @terryleebo
      @terryleebo Před 2 lety

      Have you taken a break? I have enjoyed a lot of your videos.

  • @leroygt1
    @leroygt1 Před 3 lety +2

    Beautiful job! I would love to have a bike like that!
    Though technically not a Klunker though, just a Klunker frame with modern components.

  • @tork62077
    @tork62077 Před 2 lety +1

    Damn that turned out really nice!!!

  • @dennisberry2699
    @dennisberry2699 Před 2 lety +2

    cool bike

  • @SamuelWattOnline
    @SamuelWattOnline Před 11 měsíci +1

    Highly enjoyable watch. The history lessons were fascinating! Looks incredible and like a solid build. Nice transformation.

  • @antoniocorigliano68
    @antoniocorigliano68 Před 3 lety +1

    Good job 💛

  • @ernieclopez4595
    @ernieclopez4595 Před 2 lety +1

    Great video. Badass bike.

  • @paulchristiansen7014
    @paulchristiansen7014 Před 2 lety +1

    nice build there love the old school frames from yesterday with new school of late 80 to now, just found a old GIANT Rock 4000 series mountain bike for trasher bike, thanks to you and oldshovel for some great ideas...cheers

  • @adekatim3315
    @adekatim3315 Před 2 lety +1

    Love Klunkerz
    Happy Klunking
    Nice Brother ...
    #Bandung Klunkerz Indonesia

  • @JorgeRodriguez-ei2gi
    @JorgeRodriguez-ei2gi Před 3 lety +1

    Say hello mr cool bike, great build, well explained, please, keep sharing more of bikes, thankcs, joe, from panama.

  • @craftyukraine
    @craftyukraine Před rokem +1

    What a sweet looking bike!😊💙💛
    Awesome project! Thank you for sharing!😎👍🏻

  • @jeaselmong4197
    @jeaselmong4197 Před rokem +2

    New subscriber here! I wish I could turn my Japanese bike into this kind of awesome work 👍❤️❤️ I'm finding people who can do it for me but I guess they can't treat my bike as careful as you shown in the video😅

  • @Ovniware33
    @Ovniware33 Před rokem +1

    Beautiful work 👍

  • @codyclark2471
    @codyclark2471 Před rokem +1

    thats so dope!!!!!!!! awsome build!!!!!!!!

  • @winnabegobob1547
    @winnabegobob1547 Před 2 lety +1

    That is so cool 👍😁

  • @SurlySX
    @SurlySX Před 2 lety +1

    Dope ass bike. Good Shit.

  • @diegoromero8115
    @diegoromero8115 Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome job!

  • @cristineearl2441
    @cristineearl2441 Před 3 lety +1

    Awesome build!

  • @leynardvista4239
    @leynardvista4239 Před 2 lety

    Old meets new....Nice project build and thank you for sharing. Greeting;s from the U.A.E.

  • @stefanmoisa190
    @stefanmoisa190 Před 3 lety +1

    Good Work!
    Good story!
    Good vibe!
    Cheers from Romania!

  • @Garlor
    @Garlor Před 2 lety +1

    Beautiful ride….. done perfectly and jealous, lol !!

    • @CoolBikeProjects
      @CoolBikeProjects  Před 2 lety

      Thank you, I don’t know about perfect but it was a fun build.

  • @bikermonster8354
    @bikermonster8354 Před 3 lety +2

    What a nice Bike rebuild. Respect.
    Stay well, best regards from germany ✌😁👍

  • @claytonkirby878
    @claytonkirby878 Před 2 lety +1

    Deore....great choice

  • @bjharvey3021
    @bjharvey3021 Před 2 lety

    subbed, commented, liked. I can just listen to the commentary and music all day. good content, Sir.

  • @DopeEd
    @DopeEd Před 3 lety +1

    excellent production quality!!!!!!!