2-Wheel Joy: a Parts-Bin Bike Build (Part 1 - the feels)

Mae Simmons Park

Part 1: The Joy

If you're like me, at times your right-hand fingers tingle. Sometimes that means you need a medical checkup. Other times, though, it means your fingers are itching to build something.

For me, it's a little of both. (And those fingers have been buzzing lately.)

A few weeks ago I spotted this pic in a local ad - old Huffy frame $15.

A week later I was (joyfully) riding this thing around Clapp Park.

In between the before and after pics my fingers buzzed less, but my brain took up the slack. I started scheming and planning and digging through leftover parts. I dismantled a dumpster-bound donor bike and transplanted the parts onto the Huffy frame. As the bike came together the buzzing turned into something else - satisfaction. It felt good to turn two unwanted things into one wanted and useful thing.

And with each ride and each tiny upgrade, the satisfaction grows. No, I'm not saving the world, and the bike isn't going to win any races or beauty contests, but it cost almost no money, it rides smooth-n-easy, and it makes me smile.

Stay tuned for

Part 2: The Build (Details)