I had initially planned to participate in the Memorial Day Hike and Bike in Louisville. Then I changed my plans to go fishing with Kris. When I woke this morning it was raining, and I changed my plan again to take a ride with Tim.
When I ride with Tim, I rarely know where I’m at, or where I’m going. he knows many parts of Louisville very well, so I just follow him. We had a nice 33-mile ride with some hills thrown in for fun.
I had a flat along the way, but I was carrying the necessary stuff to fix it.
At one point we saw three deer in someone’s front yard, but unfortunately neither of us brought a camera.
Tim had a “garbage bike” he rescued some time ago, but hadn’t worked on much. I was looking at it after returning to his house, and he told me I could have it.
It’s an AMF Pacemaker. I assume it’s a low-quality bike, but it might be a fun little project.
I’m thinking about replacing the one-piece cranks with a modern bottom bracket setup (with an adapter). I haven’t decided to make it a 1×9 with derailleur or a 3, 7, or 8 speed IGH.
I think the wheels are not worth saving, so not much of the current bike will be used. Unless I find problems, I’ll just use the frame, fork, and handlebars.
On the other hand, a cheap way to get it rideable would be new tires, tubes, cables, saddle, and brake pads. Then clean and lube everything.
Cool find! I’d go the cheap route first and ride it around a bunch to see if you actually like the way it rides. Nevr-dull is the best metal polish I’ve ever used for removing all the rust aside from really deep pits. You’d have to love the bike, ’cause you’ll be there forever :). Toughest parts about upgrading old frames will be checking out the rear hub spacing, and if there’s a way to find out if the threads at the crankset are an off size. Aside from that, the skies the limit!
Could go “fixie”?
I would go the cheap route too, but I am cheap, just ask my wife.
What color is best? Whatever can of rustolium whally world has on sale!