Who built one of the best / strongest / semi-affordable frames available for motorization?
Forget aluminum frames for now (unless one can snap up an REI Novara MTB cheap).
Its an early Trek hands down:
Value: I sold a gorgeous Trek 830 Chromoly frame MTB that was in superb condition before getting back into the MB world. At any rate - it went for $200 cash. Not bad $ for a two decade old used mountain bike.
Light & Strong:
Here are two of the best Trek road bike frames to look for in terms of ultimate strength, hi-quality components and superb construction. Check out how they were built: silver brazing - by hand.
Its no wonder these frames can still command high prices - look at the quality.
TX300
Trek bike cost $110 features Ishiwata chromoly tubing (1977-78 price).
TX700 Trek bike $195 with the best Reynolds 531 chromoly tubes – same years.
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| Stronger than they look |
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| Collectable Trek |
Even stronger? Use a Trek 830-870 MTB frame. Approx. 28 lbs. all up.
We're talking a darned-near indestructible bike.
I owned a red 830 MTB than went thru hell and thrived on a PO's abuse.
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| Motor ready to the max |
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| Ross is a great donor bike! |
Next - The Ross Signature series:
Now
this is a real sleeper of a frame. It has Ishiwata chromoly tubing and
hi-quality components for cheap dollars.
Hand-built & brazed in
the USA (Allentown, PA).
Approx. 27 lbs. - I own this one.
Want a cheap MTB frame that's a real sleeper?
Look at a men's Huffy Blades 18 speed MTB bike - it has a heliarc welded, tri-sectional heavy frame.
Heliarc welding on these frames is fantastic, with deep penetration and very clean work.
The Blades' cheaper parts may break but not it's killer BMX quality frame.
Caution: the Huffy oem brakes won't hold up. Use a front disc brake & better levers.
Crank-set is very stout. Needs a Trek oem Shimano gear cluster & Tourney derailleur on the rear (not that expensive) to get far.
Another bonus - oem heavy-duty Wald 26 x 1.50 rims with high tensile spokes.
Why bother? When you're done you'll possess a very strong MB for few dollars ($45 avrg).
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| Frame like a WW2 tank + wide Wald wheels |
Many of these strong framed bikes can be found on Craigslist - usually for fair prices.
I HAVE THE SAME ONE BUT MINE CAME WITH SPEEDOMETER AND I GOT IT FOR $35 DOLARS AND ITS A STRONG BIKE ON MY ROAD THE REST OF MY MOUNTAIN BIKES HAVE BROKE
ReplyDeleteThose old Giant and Specialized mountain bikes make some pretty srs stuff, too. Take a '90's steel MTB, add fat street tires and motor of choice. Old road bikes make for interesting "gravel bikes" these days, too.
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