First of all let me preface this by saying; sorry for the long post.

About a week ago I watched my son ride his bike w/o training wheels for the first time. As my eyes began to mist over a little, a nostalgic feeling came over me. Memories flooded my mind like.... all those jumps built, my older brother's schwinn predator (that I later broke), that rich kid with the built up Haro that never saw the light of day, my Redline that was stolen, my gt peformer that I later traded for some gas money and a Dyno vfr, and lastly that GT Fueler that I sold after blowing out my knee.

And the fire was kindled. I knew I needed a bike, but not just any bike....a vintage BMX bike. After my son was done with his ride I hurried inside and told my wife I needed a bike. She said that was fine but I had a budget of $40. I thought to my self no problem, should be easy to find an old bike from my day. How much could they go for? Imagine my surprise when scouring the internet I learn all those bikes I rode as a child were now collectors Items, and that $40 was not going to get me much.

Shortly after beginning my search I found this website and it made my day. The wealth of knowledge and help I have received just by cruising the forums has been amazing. Not to mention the hours of joy looking at everyone's bikes and reading everyone's stories. Thank you guys for being here!

After a week of searching ebay (fruitless), craigslist, yard sales, pawn shops, and thrift stores; I finally found something hat fit the bill. On craigs list I found what appears to be and 82 or 83 schwinn thrasher. It seems to be in great condition and I came in under budget. I imagine this thing is not too sought after since it was schwinn's entry level offering. Other than that I do not know much about it (it is from a it before my time).


Hopefully the Jpg's show up on post. I am thinking and old school pad set, yelow knobby tires, vintage grips, vintage number plate, some vintage pedals, old school plastic seat, and maybe some yellow mags eventually. I appreciate any suggestions on where to get aforementioned parts and what else i could do. Maybe if you have one post some pics for inspiration.

Thank you all again.

welcome to the site. i like the way that bike looks just as it is. the gum wall tires look classy.
mike

There are two sides to every fence...in this case, the fence represents the line between you, the person who has experienced a rebirth in vintage bmx and us, the people who have come here before you. This is a first for me too...that is, being on this side of the fence. I made my first post on 5/20 under the title "How does one describe this feeling". You should read it. (or not...it's not all that) But there was a reply to my post that is applicable here...and I find myself saying it to you. It puts a smile on my face, as well as many others, to read into your experience because we have all had it.

You're not alone. Just be careful...the rabbit hole is deep and the obsession is strong. I have 5 major multi-family yard sales on my hitlist this weekend. I have bought 5 Mongoose frames and 1 Kuwahara w/in a month. There is cause for concern.

The best advice I would give you is just love it. I love Mongoose and there are some that are more prized than others...but my favorite feelings come from foregoing the ideas of 'prize' and just loving the hobby. Remember the story of Cinderella? All old rusty bikes are really just waiting for that glass slippper...which in my opinion, is the adoration of a vintage bike addict. And when the two meet...BAM...there is pure happiness.

Welcome.

This is hilarious because I am looking at craigslist for yard sales as I type this. I would love to recreate my redline. Thanks for the encouragement. I am not worried about being sought after. It's more of the feeling of riding a piece of history.

I think the wife will be alittle understanding considering my last three projects have been restoration of a 67 chevelle, a 73 yamaha R5, and a 71 Honda CB.

So BMX should suit her need to keep prices down. Besides I'm restoring her 60's cruiser at the same time.

Its like heroin on two wheels, just drawing you in. The last statement in your quote here means you took the bait all the way to the bottom. You're a goner for sure.

It ALWAYS starts w/ wanting to recreate the old childhood bike...

that bike is in unbelievable condition. I'd leave it alone.

Good advice. It does need new tires and new grips but maybe I won't touch it other than that. Maybe a new seat pedals and safely pack the old ones away (for safe keeping). The seat has some small tears and I don't want them to rip further the grips are tearing and the rear tire is in bad shape.

Anyone know if the cable stays on this thing are original?

You're hooked.

Feels good to be back, doesn't it?

get to know those guys on the minnesota thread that's been going for like 4 years straight...

Yes, you have no idea what you are getting yourself in for!

I was just looking for some new decals 5 years ago....I found the decals in the first week.

Hey Lost,
Welcome (back). Old School BMX is very active in MN. Since you're so recently "bit", I'm guessing you'll miss Rockford this time...oh look at the time...T-minus 9 hours until departure. I am so jazzed...it's an even split between getting to take my boys racing to a bigger event than any of us have ever been to, and going to the Vintage BMX show/swap/event/extravaganza!
Anyway, MN Faction has weekly rides around the Twin Cities and a great Old School show later in the summer. Me and the boys went to it last year and had a great day, even though the weather didn't exactly cooperate.
Of course this also means I will need to keep even closer tabs on Craigslist. I am amazed that you're find came in under budget...Good Score! I really like the black/gold!

Thanks all.

Ya, I was really excited to see so many fellow Minnesotans on this site. If you could post when the vintage shows and swaps are; I would be interested to go. If someone posts the rides I would come to those as well.

Welcome to the addiction! Your a lucky guy of sorts to be located where you are. There are a bunch of nuts from your area, here on this site, that can steer you down the long path/addiction that is vintage BMX. Just do a search for the MN Faction.
As for your bike, your right, not very valuable, no less desirable to some. I think you got it for a great price. It looks like a very nice, untouched original. I wouldn't mind having it myself. The cable clamps are original, the tires look original, the only thing I see that might not be are the grips. If they are fake Oakleys then maybe they did come on that bike too. If they are real, be very careful with them...
If it were my bike and I wanted to ride it I'd save the parts that come off.

I started cleaning the bike a little and looks like everything on the bike is original; right down to the tires. The tires are not even dry rotted or cracked. The rear tire is bald. The grips are a fake oakleys and are original. They do have a rip in them. However I will remove all this stuff and store it away safely.

I checked out MNfaction and looks like a lot of fun. They ride on wed. nights. Hopefully I can make some rides this year.

My name is Christian and I'm a BMXerholic.

welcome to your new addiction.

That schwinn rocks just as it is, new tires and that's it. down the track you'll appreciate the originallity of it.

welcome again

Yeah man, I like it, I like it alot! Classy looking. Welcome to the party!!!!