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1940 Schwinn Klunker

This replica klunker is based on a rare, pre-war Schwinn with a straight downtube and rear-facing dropouts.  The build of the bike follows the evolution of the off-road concept started with the original Larkspur Bomber by adding a full compliment of 15 gears as well as lever-actuated brakes front and rear.  Although heavy, drum brakes offered consistent stopping power even in adverse riding conditions.  The drive train is rudimentary but typical of the era, with parts taken from skinny-tired touring bikes.  Attachment of the rear derailleur was made possible by a tab welded to the right dropout, as was typically done.  The Magura bars were originally purchased mail-order from the Cove Bike Shop, which had cut them to their present width to be just sufficient to fit everything.  A Bullseye bottom bracket was used to run a European spindle in a large, American bottom bracket shell.  Although not original, the B. F. Goodrich paint scheme was selected for it's elegance.  The Admiral head badge is also not original to the bike but adds a touch of class.  As was the case with any of the multi-speed klunker bikes back in the day, it takes knowledge and some tinkering to put one of these together to be a reliable bike.  Don't fake the funk on a nasty klunk!

The Build

Year: 1940
S/N: F72368
Frame: Schwinn Straight Bar
Fork: Cook Brothers Replica
Stem: Ashtabula
Headset: Schwinn
Bottom Bracket: Bullseye Cartridge Bearing
Handlebar: Magura L363.20
Brake Levers: Magura Motorcycle "Shortie"
Shifters: Suntour Mighty
Front Derailleur: Suntour Compe V
Rear Derailleur: Suntour GT
Front Brake: Arai Drum
Rear Brake: Atom Drum
Crankset: T.A. Specialties
Chainrings: T. A. Specialties 26-40-48
Pedals: Lyotard Steel
Hubs: Japanese Drum / Atom Drum
Rims:  HJC / Joannou Chrome Steel
Tires: Kenda Nobby
Seatpost: Wald
Seatpost QR: Campagnolo

Saddle: Brooks B-72
Grips: Magura Pow-R-Grip
Cogs: Suntour Pro Compe 14 - 32
Chain: KMC Z
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