JENNEY'S "JUNK BIKE" - INTRODUCTION

Though it was never my intention to do so, I do, from time to time, accept commissions from other people to build bicycles in accordance with their specifications.  I get all kinds of requests, for everything from a Ten Speed converted to a Fixed Gear, or, perhaps, a fully restored, paint job an all, Street Restoration.

Fixed Gear and Single Speed conversion builds are the most commonly presented contracts, however; I no longer build Fixed Gear bicycles for other people.  Simply put, I consider the Fixie to be a dangerous bicycle to use just about anywhere except on the track.  But that is just my opinion.

On the other hand, I will happily build up Single Speeds, Street Restored or Customized bikes in accordance with what the customer wants.  And, with that in mind, a woman contacted me some time ago, asking me to build her an ugly road bicycle.  What Jenney was seeking, without knowing that there was a name for it, was a Junk Bike or, more softly put, "Poor Boy".  I prefer the term "Junk Bike", even though they cost very little to build.  The Peugeot "Poor Boy" might look pretty good, in a picture, but up close and personal - ugg!  But the bike works like a charm, encourages most people to avoid it like the plague (because it looks like it might be contagious), and cost less than ten bucks to build.

Is a Junk Bike just that, a bicycle that is junk?  Hardly!

A Junk Bike is a reasonably good quality, cosmetically challenged bicycle, fitted with reasonably good quality, cosmetically challenged, components.  Nothing need be, or even should be, pristine in appearance.  Scuffed derailleurs that are still straight, tight and with strong spring actions are just fine.  Name stickers can be faded, scratched up or gone all together.  Wheel rims, tires and/or hubs do not have to match.  Nor do brake levers, or anything else for that matter.  The best saddle choice is one that is well worn, sporting scuffs, faded colors, use patina and perhaps a small rip or two.

Why a well worn, cosmetically challenged saddle?  If it is well worn, it is likely comfortable.  And cosmetically challenged?  Because it is a Junk Saddle, silly and should look like it has little or no value what so ever.  Perhaps the primary defining quality one can use to determine if it is junk, or not.

A Junk Bike should work perfectly, fit like a glove and repel thieves.  That is what Jenney was seeking and that is what she and I set out to build.

NEXT - BUILDING JENNEY'S "JUNK BIKE"