Little Red Bastard.
Number One. As in the first Oliver Bicycle Works project. I love the simplicity of a cruiser and wanted a super clean look but with just a little flair. The white frame and fork accented with chrome components gave me the clean look I wanted. The blackout wheels and red paint seemed like the right amount of flair along with the leather grips and saddle.
Original Bicycle
The original bicycle is a Schwinn Panther, probably from some big department store. I found it at a pawn shop and got this bicycle and the Diamondback 24” BMX Cruiser for $80. I was driving a 1973 Super Beetle without seats at the time but had to take the bikes apart to fit them in the back of the car. I rebuilt the hubs, added a comfortable saddle, and cut the handlebars by about 6 inches for a more comfortable ride. I used this as a commuter for a year or so…and then had the idea to upcycle this simple ride.
Design and Paint
I love the clean look of a white bike but wanted to add just a little color so decided to try a transition from white to red on the rear seat and chain stays.
Parts and Build
I wanted to keep a clean look and I kept seeing fixed gear/track bikes around town with the Eighth Inch cranks that looked so cool so I found a bottom bracket adapter from Bicycle Designer that allowed me to use these cranks. I also found the super cool bare knuckle grips from Walnut Studiolo which really add a custom look.
FRAME/FORK: Schwinn Panther, likely around 2005
WHEELS: Black 26”
TIRES: Maxxis Holy Roller
CRANK/CHAINRING: Eighth Inch track set
BOTTOM BRACKET: Eighth Inch
BOTTOM BRACKET ADAPTER: Via Bicycle Designer
CHAIN: KMC
STEM: Stock
HANDLEBARS: Modified stock
SADDLE: Brooks B17
