Hey forum, what's up? Most of y'all know me from the “Weather” half of the forums. I usually don't venture out of that realm honestly, but I feel that I should make one of my favorite hobbies known. A gentleman named “Grandin” had made a comment about one of my bikes. Feeling oh so flattered, I desided to show off what little bit of a collection I have. A buddy of mine has a mind blowing collection of muscle bikes..and bikes in general, which my bikes don't hold a candle too. But, here they are…
Here we have my 2004 or so Haro V-1 mountain bike. This is my EVERYTHING bike. I upgraded the wheels to Specialized Hardrock rims, and Avid Juicy BB-7 model disk brakes. Its a BEAST. Fast as crap in my opinion.
This is my 2001 or so Mongoose Styleist-Pro. I got it from my uncle, who didn't want it anymore. This is the only true stunt bike I have. It feels like a tank when you ride it becuase its so heavy 
. Only upgrades to it at the rear brake lines, stem, handle bars (from an old Schwinn Predator), and handle bar grips.
This is my seemingly rare Turantula BMX bike. I have never seen another one like it. I got it becuase its a 24 inch. My aunt paid 5 bucks for it at a yard sale. Only upgrade to it is the seat post, from a Mongoose Gravity Games bike.
Here is my 1987 Skyway 280-TA. Its modified just a little bit. The 280-TA model was said to only be in production for about 2 or three years. I seen the frame, handlebars, fork, and some Skyway pads go for 300 bucks on eBay a while back. Good times.
This one is my Huffy West Coast Chopper bicycle. It doesn't really suit the collection, BUT I got it because it was odd. Found it on Craigslist for 45 bucks. It rides like a DREAM.
This one is my Schwinn Stingray chopper. Y'all probably remember seeing these at Wal-Mart for like..200 bucks. I only paid 60 for it, and there isn't a single thing wrong with it.
This one is a TRUE classic. The 1968 Schwinn Stingray Fastback. Needs a tube for the rear tire though 
Sorry for the blurriness.
This one is a rather modified Huffy PorkChopper bike. The only thing that is stock on this thing is the seatpost and forks!
This is my good ole' 1968 Columbia Playboy. This thing is very stout, and cruises easy.
This is my Bratz bike. Wal-Mart sold these bikes for 100 bucks back in 2005 I think. This bike was bought by my grandpa shortly befor he died. I told him I wanted the bike…but I only had 60 bucks. He asked me how much I needed to get it. I told him about 40 bucks. He then grabbed his wallet, handing me 40 bucks cash. He then told me “Go get that bike, and bring it home. I want to see it.” If it wasn't for my grandpa, I wouldn't know some of the stuff about bikes that I know today. This bike stays inside in the guest bedroom 24/7. I RARELY take it outside. This bike is his memorial, from me. May you rest in peace paw-paw. I love you.
Last but not least, this is my 1953 Columbia cruiser. Its a blast to ride. A bit odd as well…but still fun to roll out, and be seen on.
And there you have it. My collection of bicycles. I am STILL looking to make it grow, but not untill I have a job. Thanks for lookin. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.
I have heard that too. I actually went over to my Uncle Russell's house today. I took my Columbia Longboy with me. I was actually able to get him to cruise on it for a few seconds. It was great. So great, I took some photos of it!
Todays bikes are sorta lame. But, it depends on where you look as well, in terms of company. Companies today use all sorts of different materials. I do beleive that early 90s, on back, are the better bikes, just like you do. But, like I said….it depends on what company you look at.
Dude you should post them photos i wanna see the longboy in action!
Today's bikes are lame not sorta lol. There are VERY FEW out there that id consider ridding. And true that son depends on where u look and what kinda shape it's in. Companies today use crap material they put no effert in it at all like back in the day were. compaines took time to put a bike together like it was a piece of art. Your right depends on the company. if i had a bike company id name it carrelli bike shop. 'carelli is my last name. im full blooded italian.' id make my bikes with pride and so would my helpers. i was thinking about opening my own bike shop. maybe when im retired and hand my current business over to my kid. ill open a bike shop. so when im taken my sweet a$$ time building a work of art knowin as a bike people will say dang dude yer slow ill have an excuse ill say im old i move slow. when really i take pride and put my heart into something. Anyways man i gotta go it's 11pm out here im gonna go to bed. ttul dude.
Dan
I'm gonna bounce when I get done type this too. I gotta get up early in the morning and call the shop to see about a tire alignment. I'll post up the Photos of the Longboy tomorrow. Im somewhat italian. My last name is Mathena. Dunno what it means or anything…or what nationallity its from.
I want to work in a bike shop. I'd pass up a job making 12 bucks an hour, just to be able to do what I love. That way, it wouldn't be called work. There are a few select bikes out there that aren't all that bad. The Schwinn's suck. The look nice…but they suck. New mongooses? Ehh…they look alright, but they suck. BUT…I did buy one while I was out in California, as I mentioned a while back. I liked that bike so much, that if I DON'T go back to Cali, I'll buy the same model when I'm here in South Carolina. Its only like..100 bucks. Big deal. It is carried by Wal-Mart, so the craftsman ship is questionable. Last time I was there (on un-work related terms), there was the same model Mongoose out on the sales floor, with a ****ed up seat. I wanted to ask an associate if I could get a discount, because the seat was messed up. But I didn't, becuase I didn't have a job at the time. Out of Chinese, and Taiwanese made bicycles, I'd trust Taiwanese made bikes long before Chinese made bikes. My Haro was made in Taiwan. So was my Mongoose. Both are very stout. My Haro has takein' a beating since I got it. I've wheelied it. Jumped it. Bunny hopped it. wrecked it. Rode it through ice, snow, mud, water. Heat, and 20 degree weather. Its never failed me. And to top it all off, I got it used. I got my license when I turned 18. I'm 21 now. I've had the bike since BEFOR I was 18..so I've had the bike for a while. Only God knows what the bike went through before I got it, due to it being used. I looked at reviews from other owners of the same model. They said the components sorta sucked, but the frame was bomb-proof. I have a Haro V-1 model mountain bike. 2004 model I beleive.
There are good modern made bikes out there…you just have to know the brands that have a good reputation for quality. If you ever was to open a bike shop/factory, I'd work in it. No joke. But I'm off to bed. Later dude.
Oh, here is my uncle Russell riding my Columbia Longboy. I still can't beleive he rode it. It was awesome.
Hell ya dude yuoud have a job with me when i open my shop when i hand my other bizz to my kid. and Mathena is italian. if u wanna no what it mean look it up on google. just put define: Mathena than it will tell ya man. And you should have asked for the discount man cuz the seat was all jacked up and goofy looking. u would have got it too prolly then rip that seat off and custom it. And over seas bikes are crap dude u cant trust em whats so ever. i try to mainly got american made. Haro's are a good bike ill admit that and dang dude u beat the crap outta yer haro for sure haha. Sounds like me when i was a kid i use to abuse the crap outta my bikes. i use to have a haro V-1 model back in 08 but i sold it like a dummy i should have kept it but i learned my lesson to keep all my bikes now. And hell ya man when i open my bike shop your more than welcome to come work for me. we'd build bikes with pride and make some good money off the bikes we part together. anyways aight my cell is dying and were about to pull up to a dennys here in illionis. coming from the bears packers game! bears won hell ya. and your bike that yer uncle is on looks good man i like that bike.and your uncle looks like he is haven a good time haha. lata son
Dan
That bike is my Longboy man. I'm not sure that he knew what to think of it honestly. I got it for free…so there is no money into. But, I DO plan on repalceing the rear brake crable, as the ends of it are rusted up, so its only a matter of time befor that snaps. Last thing I need is it to snap while I'm riding it. I left it sorta out in the rain too, so it needs to be cleaned up. Only reason why I left it out was becuase my shop doesn't have power anymore. I didn't get home from russell's house untill dark. When I got it home, it was pouring rain…so I was soaked. You get the idea. I put it under the area where my work-bench is, which is covered. But from the wind blowing, it still got wet.
I wouldn't mind working for you, in a bike shop to boot. You seem like you'd be a cool boss. Argh. I just got home from work. Feels good to be home.
I'm gonna be getting the tires aligned on Thursday. I'm gonna see how much my mechanic will charge me to install a new clutch, as it sounds like its begining to go. Its in the begining stages, becuase one of the barings is begining to go out. It doesn't make the noise all the time. Only a time or two a week…and when it does, it sounds like metal agenst asphalt. It sucks dude.
well with no money sunk into yer longboy u got a good deal on it. and haha ya yer uncle was looking cool for sure on yer bike. and maybe u should put the bike under a tarp and weigh it down for sure if u dont want it to be wet for sure man. And ya im pretty mellow and laid back till people start in on me and make me mad. than i change.but that dont happen at all very much. and for sure dude u need a new clutch i had one installed awhile ago it costed alot. hopefuly it doesnt cost u an arm and a leg man..
Dan
Hope not. The clutch that I need at Autozone is roughly 100 bucks. But to have someone install it for me is a different story. Argh.
I got my Columbia put up now. I beleive I put it up this morning befor I washed my car
If you get your clutch at autozone then it shouldnt be that much. and if i was able id put it in for you. i work on my truck and car and my wifes suv alot in my spare time. And sweet dude im glad you put it up in a safe place till u wanna use it again. and haha with all the rain coming from nicole thats gonna start from FL tothe upper england states she will ride up the eastcoast and all the rain u havent seen u will see now the drought thing will be over soon i promise that..
Dan
Would be nice. Its been so dry, that the wind picks up dust from the first road aand throws it right on my Mazda. It sucks.
Would be nice. Its been so dry, that the wind picks up dust from the first road aand throws it right on my Mazda. It sucks.
ne bro. right now the storm is in miami and will be knocking on your door probs by tomorrow afternoon i may be late allways is but tomorrow for sure. and i feel ya i hate haven my car and truck dirty i clean it every 5 secs in the summer heh.
Dan
Lucky you. My mazda needs to be waxed. I'm not too sure if I have enough wax to do it or not honestly. You can tell its still there because of how the rain beads up and rolls off. But the barrier isn't there as much anymore. It doesn't bead like it used to.
Bike man said that the Jaguar is next inline to the Schwinn Typhoon. I beleive the Typhoon is a cruiser. I'm not too sure. Both are nice bikes though.
I agree both the jag and crusier from schwinn are some sic bikes!!
I gotta wax my truck and car too i only so it like 4 times a summer i need ta do it more. and prolly will do it more next summer more often.
Dan
True that. Summer is hard on cars. Black is the hardest to keep up because it shows the clear coat going more so then most colors. The clear coat is going on the roof of my Mazda…but I sort-of repaired it. It looks ALOT better. One of these days, I'll have the spair money for a clay bar kit. I really wanna try the Turtle Wax: Black Box treatment, made specifically for black cars.
Those bikes are nice man. How is your Jag coming along? I replaced the rear brake line, and adjusted the gear cable on my Longboy. I also put a longer spacer on the the back wheel's axle. Now my 5th gear is useable, due to the chain not hitting the screw that is used to mount the sissy bar to the frame. Bike Man gave me a new tube for my 68' Stingray Fastback. I'm glad, becuase I'm still haveing problems with the that was with the bike when he sold it to me. It blows dude. The thing Goes flat in about 48 hours. I also replaced the handlebar grips on my Haro Mountain Bike. The grips that were on there were SHOT. I got the grips from Wal-Mart for 8 bucks. They match up color wise, as the grips that came with the bike when I got it were grey and black. I have the chain to will allow my Varsity to become ridable. That will be installed eventually. I also have new gear and brake cables for the ole' Varsity. For everything I needed, I spent about 35 bucks on my items. I also replaced the rear tube on my Longboy. As you can tell, I have been busy.
I work all this comeing week, except Friday. Gotta make that money son. But, After that 4 day “work week”, I get three days off in a row. That'll be great.
Dude, did you know that the town I live in is getting REAL Bicycle City? Its a real city, where only cycleists, and walkers are allowed, for transportation. People that own a car will have to park outside a gate type deal, and walk or bike. Ceck out their site man. Its not TOO informative but the overall design of the site is nice. http://www.bicyclecity.com
Ill have to check that turtle wax treatment out made for black cars for sure man..
It's going good i striped down all the parts and took off the paint job on my jag and i got the special army green color on order will be here in a week. and i got half of my part list and when i get all the parts and paint im gonna put it together and take a picture of it let you see it for sure man. And hahaha ya you been big time busy with your bikes i see but thats a good thing keeps ya outta trouble for sure man. And one day you will have all your bikes re-stocked than you will be bored cuz u finished all your bikes. thats when u sell em all and get new other bikes to work on for sure!
Hell ya it's all about the money dude thats how i look at it! and thats cool dude 3 days off. what are u gonna do with your time off man? Id go bike ridding or chill with your chick take a vactaion.
And i didnt even no there were bike citys thats trippy dude. ill go to that site now and look it up and read about it. Maybe i can refer that link to my mayor of this town get our town as a bike town too that would be awsome for real!
Dan
as far asw i know, its gonna be the first of its kind.i could be wrong though. its gonna be wicked.
Hell ya dude is sounds wicked for sure.
Dan
Alright, lets try this “Photo of Paul” thing again. If it works….the bike he is holding is (somewhat) his Western Flyer Buzz Bike. Its a beauty man. Thats my 68' Stingray is in the background. That mirror was ment to go with the Stingray (any model). It doesn't say it, but if you look very closely, the mirror has a little of the checkerd pattern missing. Where that little blank spot is, it's supposed to say “Stingray”. Those mirrors go for roughly 50 a peice on Ebay. True story. And as you can tell, Paul has plenty of tatts. His dad does his work. He actually has some neat artwork honestly. I met Paul back when I was going to school to get my GED. We became good freinds, and its history from there. His dad's name is Paul as well…but we call him “Shotgun”
. His dad is cool, and his stepmom is nice.
That dude looks like my son heh no lie dude cept john has black hair and he is 15 years old. that triped me out for a sec. and both them bikes are sic dude. The one in the back of Paul i think his name is. I like alot and Paul's bike is cool too, And ya before i read your mirror sentance i was looking at the checkerd pattern i noticed it missing. And the mirrors on ebay if they go 50 a piece that isnt too bad ya know kinda pricey sorta but id put out the bank if i seen a picture of the mirrior and thought it was worth it. and ya i seen his tats nice ones. his dad does good art work . if i took off my shirt i got tons of tats along with my tat sleeves most of my art work is OE Silcian pride. and the tat sleeves are siclian tribal words and signs and a prayer my dad use tell me before i went to bed at night. and i say to to john everynight too. the siclian tat pride sleeves are only done to full bloods. like a family thing ya know when john is 18 he will get his sleeves before he goes into the army. And thats awsome dude about meeting paul man he seems like a cool person just as long as he is honest and not a liar and loyal he'd be a good friend till the end son. And thats cool im glad his old man is good to you. never wanna dig the drama dude. and coo to his stepmom.
Dan