Thanks. I'm sure once I get used to riding on dirt and gravel at a casual speed, the next thing I'll want to do is go faster. I'll definitely look into getting a pair of riding gloves. I had a fork snap in half on me while I was test-riding a bike a couple years ago, and my fingers got scraped on pavement pretty badly. I do not want to experience that again.I think you're on the right track with this bike and it's honestly most of the way there. Off road riding is really forgiving on gentler trails and you'll build confidence quickly. You'd be surprised how 'hard and fast' you can go on a bike like this. I'd recommend wearing gloves so if you do go down you won't get gravel embedded in your palms. I've learned that lesson multiple times.
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I'm not sure I'll use this frame for my build just yet, as I need to see if I can disassemble it first, and it's already had the seat stays rewelded to the frame at some point in the past.
I'd rather build a klunker out of something less likely to fall apart as I'm riding. Fortunately, I have a few other frames that might work if this one doesn't.
All good ideas, but maybe a little too advanced (and pricey) for me at this time. I haven't messed with cassette wheels and derailleurs before, and I'd like to learn more about them when I don't have a tight deadline to worry about. It might be easiest for me to learn about those parts by rebuilding a cheap mountain or road bike with those parts already installed. As for the rest, I don't have all the parts you suggested I use, nor do I plan to buy any, but I should have plenty of good parts laying around to make a solid klunker or two for next to nothing.I would ditch the fenders, like yesterday. (Set aside for another project, of course). That springer looks pretty plush which might be just the ticket. The springer on my Roadmaster is really soft and plush but it rides surprisingly well and smooths out the bumps nicely. It rarely bottoms out on regular riding unless I hit a pothole or something. That seat is great, or you could do a Brooks or similar if you want something lighter. I'd be tempted to do some blackwall tires but that's just a preference thing. Same with the bars. I think it would look and ride great with some longhorns or old MX bars. The 10 speed cranks look the part and you could set it up with an old derailleur as a tensioner so you could use either chainring. Add a front derailleur or shift by hand. You could add rear gears pretty easily too, either internal or external gearing. Just add a hand brake and you're all set. I love klunkers. They are awesome bikes and can be super cheap (or not), creative and tons of fun!
In fact, I already have a couple ideas for what I could build, aside from the Firestone Pilot I already shared.
(Just pretend the blue girl's Schwinn doesn't have the fenders.)
