Kustom & Classic Bikes, Rails-To-Trails, Mountain Biking, Beach Cruising and More

Saturday, September 24. 2005

Shifters / Shift Levers

Click or Indexed shifting: Any new bike with gears and the old shifters used on internal geared hubs were "click" shifters or indexed. Meaning there are definite, marked stopping points on the shifter where it "clicks" into gear.

Friction: Friction shifters have no definite stopping points or positions. You just keep moving the shift lever until you feel and hear the bike shift to a different gear. Friction shifters were generally used on old "10 speed" style bikes with a dérailleur.
Posted by Randy in Kustom Bike FAQ at 07:23 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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Tires

Tires come in all different sizes and widths.
Rim sizes are typically 26", 24" and 20".
Cruisers 26", musclebikes 20".
Widths typically used for cruisers and kustoms...
Ballooner: 2.125"
Middleweight: 1.75" or *Schwinns 1-3/4"
Newer tires can even be 3.0" or wider.

*Note the Schwinn 26" x 1-3/4" tires require a Schwinn S7 rim and will not work on a standard 26" rim.

24x3 Kenda Kraze on a rim that is about 1.25" wide.
Posted by Randy in Kustom Bike FAQ at 07:22 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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Rust Removal From Chrome

Some suggested methods for removing rust from chrome...
WD-40 and a blue no-scratch Scotch-Brite pad.
Copper wool (used in the kitchen to clean pans) and liquid chrome polish. The copper is softer than crome so it will not scratch.
WD-40 and aluminum foil.
Quick Glo.
Once rust is removed apply a good coat of wax to prevent re-rusting.
Posted by Randy in Kustom Bike FAQ at 07:21 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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Seat Post

Older Schwinns had a 13/16" seat post. Other bikes generally 7/8" but there are other sizes also. Shims can be used if the seat post is smaller than the seat tube.
Posted by Randy in Kustom Bike FAQ at 07:20 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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Sprocket

Front sprocket see "Chainwheel".
Posted by Randy in Kustom Bike FAQ at 07:20 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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Handlebar

Handlebars are typically 7/8 and increase to a 1" bulge where they will clamp into the gooseneck. Other handlebars are 7/8" with no bulge. The latter need a matching stem/gooseneck or a shim may be used.
Posted by Randy in Kustom Bike FAQ at 07:19 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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Pedal

Pedals come in 2 shaft sizes 1/2 and 9/16. Generally a 1 piece crank will take a 1/2 pedal. 2 and 3 piece cranks will take a 9/16 pedal. The left pedal (opposite the sprocket) has reverse threads. Some pedals will be marked on the end of the bolt end of the shaft with a "L" or "R" for left or right.
Posted by Randy in Kustom Bike FAQ at 07:19 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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Gooseneck or Stem

Stems are generally one piece with the gooseneck on cruiser bikes. They come in different diameters and lengths. The size needed in diameter is determined by the fork. A special shim can be purchased and used when the stem is smaller then the fork. Generally one piece with the stem but can be separate and bolt onto the stem as with BMX and Mountain bikes. Goosenecks made for BMX bikes can make a neat custom feature on a cruiser but some are intended for 7/8 handle bars and wont clamp nicely on the 1" bulge of most cruiser handlebars.

Posted by Randy in Kustom Bike FAQ at 07:18 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)
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