The E36 M3Bike

I refer to this old Schwinn as "The E36 M3Bike", though it's not for lack of affection.

I picked up a really ratty '69 Fastback frame off eBay, mainly because it was cheap, Campus Green and included a front fork.

I removed the fork and rusty fender and scrubbed it down as best I could, while trying to go easy on the original decals.

It was originally a five speed, but since I didn't have any of those parts laying around, I built it up as a three speed and rode it around like that for about a week.

The thing is, I hate three speed bikes. And I really hated these particular wheels and hub.

Back to the rack.

I ditched the skinny Fastback wheels and tires, along with the finicky three speed hub, caliper brakes, old no-name seat and strut, short seat post and mid rise bars.

I finally decided to build it back up using shorter S-7 rims with a coaster brake and fatter tires. I added a ratty seat and hi-rise bars from a '66 Sting Ray. The seat strut is a genuine Schwinn piece that was on an old Raleigh Fireball that I picked up. The full size Fastback crank with the small 36 tooth front sprocket makes for quick acceleration off the line and easy wheelies.

I absolutely love this little bike.

Almost forgot: It also has a really cool looking serial number. August 1969.

While I can appreciate the love and appreciation you have for these Schwinns, I just don't get it. Probably a product of growing up in the MTB craze.

But I totally get the fun of turning such a POS into a treasure.

bastomatic wrote: While I can appreciate the love and appreciation you have for these Schwinns, I just don't get it. Probably a product of growing up in the MTB craze. But I totally get the fun of turning such a POS into a treasure.

Better?

Cool bike!!!

Back before there were purpose built BMX bikes, we used to build our own. Schwinn frames were sought after. If you broke a Schwinn frame, Schwinn would replace it for free. That is until they found out how you broke it. I couldn't afford a Schwinn frame back then so mine was a Western Auto bike frame from a garage sale. Schwinn Pixie handle bars were the preferred handle bar too.

I read the title and was picturing this <img src="" />

In reply to Woody:

Was always a fan of bullmoose bars on an old Stumpie, myself.

Personally I struggle to understand the affection folks have for ape hangers and banana seats. I came of age in this era though

I do love a fastback/camelback frame though.

In reply to carbon:

Same here, I was expecting a crazy motorcycle with an S50 in it.

ditchdigger wrote: Personally I struggle to understand the affection folks have for ape hangers and banana seats.

In this case, they make it possible for a 6'1", 200 pound adult to ride a kid's bike.

Most of my riding these days involves following a five year old who recently removed the training wheels. It's no fun riding a fast road bike slow or a dual suspension bike on flat pavement. This is more fun.

wlkelley3 wrote: Cool bike!!! Back before there were purpose built BMX bikes, we used to build our own. Schwinn frames were sought after. If you broke a Schwinn frame, Schwinn would replace it for free.

I never knew that before.

Woody wrote:

ditchdigger wrote: Personally I struggle to understand the affection folks have for ape hangers and banana seats.

In this case, they make it possible for a 6'1", 200 pound adult to ride a kid's bike. Most of my riding these days involves following a five year old who recently removed the training wheels. It's no fun riding a fast road bike slow or a dual suspension bike on flat pavement. This is more fun.

Around here, this is the fix for that...