Projects: BMX Bike Project
How I put together a custom BMX cruiser on a budget.
THE PROJECT
Sometimes when I begin a project, the goal is already clear in my mind. Other times, I will begin a project and let it work itself out. Such was the case with the BMX Bike Project. For some time I had been keeping my eyes open for a new weekend cruiser to replace my tired and worn 20-inch Dyno. The prices of complete BMX bikes at the bike shop were between $300 and $600, which was out of my price range.
The idea for this project came to me while dumpster diving one day in January of 2006. I rescued a Redline BMX frame with Haro bars and forks, a Fusion stem, and some really solid wheels and tires from the trash heap. It would take lots of time and money but I was determined to fix the bike up as best as I could.
The first decision I had to make was color: I was not feeling the blue chrome and orange spraypaint that was on the bike when I got it. After much thought, I decided to stick with a simple black and white color scheme. I removed the wheels, grips, and seat and started sanding. The old paint came off easily with ordinary sandpaper. I started with 100 grit and then moved up to 220 grit. A few nights of sanding after work and I was ready to paint.
Probably the hardest part of my project was getting the bike painted. I wanted it to be as glossy and perfect as possible. Using newspaper, tape, a rickety old table, and some Colorplace (cheap) brand spraypaint, I think I did alright. I used a few cans of gloss white, gloss black, and lots of clear coat. Only up close can you see a few rough spots.
By this time, the bike was looking better but not yet ready to ride. I went online to Dan's Comp and selected some bargain hardware to make the bike complete. For $100 even I got two sets of grips, a 3-piece crank, a 39-tooth chainwheel, rear brakes, brake lever, and some new pedals. I was very excited when the box from Dan's Comp arrived later that week.
Because I do not have the proper tools or experience for this part of the project, I brought everything to the pros at Gordy's Bicycles. They installed the cranks, pedals, chainwheel, and put the brakes together in just a few days' time. When I picked it up from the shop, everything felt very strong and durable. The ride was smooth and the bike felt much lighter than the old one.
Overall I am very satisfied with the end result of the project. For everyday riding and for everything else, this is a no-nonsense bike that can get it done.
-Trevor Freeman
20 May 2006
THE PICTURES
How I put together a custom BMX cruiser on a budget.
THE PROJECT
Sometimes when I begin a project, the goal is already clear in my mind. Other times, I will begin a project and let it work itself out. Such was the case with the BMX Bike Project. For some time I had been keeping my eyes open for a new weekend cruiser to replace my tired and worn 20-inch Dyno. The prices of complete BMX bikes at the bike shop were between $300 and $600, which was out of my price range.
The idea for this project came to me while dumpster diving one day in January of 2006. I rescued a Redline BMX frame with Haro bars and forks, a Fusion stem, and some really solid wheels and tires from the trash heap. It would take lots of time and money but I was determined to fix the bike up as best as I could.
The first decision I had to make was color: I was not feeling the blue chrome and orange spraypaint that was on the bike when I got it. After much thought, I decided to stick with a simple black and white color scheme. I removed the wheels, grips, and seat and started sanding. The old paint came off easily with ordinary sandpaper. I started with 100 grit and then moved up to 220 grit. A few nights of sanding after work and I was ready to paint.
Probably the hardest part of my project was getting the bike painted. I wanted it to be as glossy and perfect as possible. Using newspaper, tape, a rickety old table, and some Colorplace (cheap) brand spraypaint, I think I did alright. I used a few cans of gloss white, gloss black, and lots of clear coat. Only up close can you see a few rough spots.
By this time, the bike was looking better but not yet ready to ride. I went online to Dan's Comp and selected some bargain hardware to make the bike complete. For $100 even I got two sets of grips, a 3-piece crank, a 39-tooth chainwheel, rear brakes, brake lever, and some new pedals. I was very excited when the box from Dan's Comp arrived later that week.
Because I do not have the proper tools or experience for this part of the project, I brought everything to the pros at Gordy's Bicycles. They installed the cranks, pedals, chainwheel, and put the brakes together in just a few days' time. When I picked it up from the shop, everything felt very strong and durable. The ride was smooth and the bike felt much lighter than the old one.
Overall I am very satisfied with the end result of the project. For everyday riding and for everything else, this is a no-nonsense bike that can get it done.
-Trevor Freeman
20 May 2006
THE PICTURES
