tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post1645585612386669349..comments2024-03-26T08:39:46.290-04:00Comments on Hugh`s bicycle blog: Thruster Fixed Gear Bike (Walmart) Rebuilt and Upgraded for 200.00 Total Investment?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-82680196750186299022018-06-06T10:27:37.741-04:002018-06-06T10:27:37.741-04:00I found one of these dumped on the side of the roa...I found one of these dumped on the side of the road in great condition. It's missing axle nuts and inner tubes. Can somebody please tell me the size of each. Thanks in advance. JohnJ08840https://www.blogger.com/profile/16223288185403505155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-22021735657206922672016-05-05T01:57:01.540-04:002016-05-05T01:57:01.540-04:00I want to comment on this old blog post by saying ...I want to comment on this old blog post by saying the freewheel probably has no holes or slots for removal because it actually isn't necessary...take it apart and leave the inner race screwed on the hub and it can be serviced, and when it wears out, just do a destructive removal on the said inner hub. It actually saves the cost of a removal tool.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-49991391987608704772014-08-28T00:40:51.772-04:002014-08-28T00:40:51.772-04:00I bought the same bike last fall as a winter bike....I bought the same bike last fall as a winter bike. Given the salty roads in Minnesota, my goal was to spend as little as possible. Fortunately, the bike was on sale for $69 and I even had a $10 Walmart certificate for filling out some surveys. I took the advice found here and repacked and adjusted all the bearings. I also decided to swap the tire colors. Zero dollars spent so far and it ran great. I quickly realized I couldn't live without clipless pedals and fortunately I had an extra set. As a winter bike, the one purchase I made was a set of fenders. The biggest challenge was ensuring the fenders did not cost more than the bike. It took some bargaining to achieve this. I have to admit I also bought a short garden hose to keep it clean after rides that were above freezing, but I didn't count that as a bike expenditure. I actually enjoyed riding it more when it was below zero because the roads are usually dry then. After riding all winter, the only casualty was the first set of brake pads was almost gone. Yes, I survived with the original equipment crappy brakes. After parking the winter bike, I've realized that no one notices the much more expensive bikes I ride in the summer. For some reason the oddly colored $69 Walmart bike started conversations at every stop I made during my winter bike rides. I'd say that's a good investment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-64324744203686631932014-05-12T15:42:35.360-04:002014-05-12T15:42:35.360-04:00hey, did you succeed with the handle bars? im tryi...hey, did you succeed with the handle bars? im trying now to put bullhorns and geez HOW it would fit/cross the metal part?! eduarda verrinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12118581513199612674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-12029351024860972662014-04-23T01:54:09.463-04:002014-04-23T01:54:09.463-04:00Do it! Get the bars and some 90+lb. tires you'...Do it! Get the bars and some 90+lb. tires you'll be amazed. I promise.Danielnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-68434608303965476112014-04-23T01:52:15.492-04:002014-04-23T01:52:15.492-04:00Purchased this bike before reading reviews and wha...Purchased this bike before reading reviews and what have you. I have been riding it religiously for about three months now. I f-ing love this bike! I did like you and went through it. I now own a Thruster frame with EXE rims, Michelin Dynamic Sport tires, Chaser cartridge load brakes, a phenomenal set of bull horn "pursuit" handlebars, and I went through every bearing system flushed it and packed with Marine grease. Did a 50K with some "pro" riders, and they never noticed I was on a single speed until I pointed it out at the finish. I wish I could post a pic with this so you and everyone could see that this truly is a good bike once the crap is stripped from it. Oh I guess I lied, mine is no longer a "thruster" I stripped the god awful color trails from the decals along with the "th". So now its a "ruster" fixie :) Danielnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-75766880377760384302014-04-08T20:20:59.713-04:002014-04-08T20:20:59.713-04:00after reviewing this blog a couple years ago i fou...after reviewing this blog a couple years ago i found this article very helpful, i bought my thruster fixie in march of 2012, i ended up taking the bike completely apart that way i could put it back together my way knowing it would be up to my standards, i did like hugh and flipped and chopped some drop bars and wrapped them in tape i ride this bike brake less myself, i found metal in the hub grease most likely from who ever had assembled it so i cleaned the hubs out all the bearings and used some bg synthetic automotive grease for reassemble, the wheels spin just as smooth as mt friends sealed hubs,cranks i did the same thing, also brought my wheels to my local bike shop and had them trued they were overall pretty well in spec, while a had the bike apart i scuffed everything up with scotch bight pads and ended up painting it all flat black i think it looks great i wish i could post a pic for you all, i ended up buying some kenda k-west 28/700c tires which helped long rides since they are a smoother tread than stock, everything else on the bike is just as i bought it besides changing the pedals but i must say this bike has exceeded my expectations ive been riding it 2 years now with no problems whatsoever i live in massachusetts so its mainly spring summer fall riding, but i have over 3000 miles on it and it does everything my friends 500+ fixies do and i cant complain i want to thank you hugh for your article it is very informative and i hope others will find it that way as well cheers mate!! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-40982958508237355922014-02-17T16:54:04.826-05:002014-02-17T16:54:04.826-05:00I got one of these for Christmas, albeit the black...I got one of these for Christmas, albeit the black and red version. I wanted a cheaper bike as it's the first one I've owned since I was 15, and I'm 42 now. I really like it and have put about 200 miles on it since Jan 2. <br /><br />I want to do some stuff to it - get bullhorn handlebars, change the pedals, some basic stuff like that. But for $100 it's a really good buy.Matthttp://planetmut.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-19259607911945131932013-10-06T04:08:52.904-04:002013-10-06T04:08:52.904-04:00Looks great Hugh! I just purchased the same bike a...Looks great Hugh! I just purchased the same bike and i'm currently in the process of upgrading certain parts.<br /> By the way, what size were those handlebars and did you put them on the original stem. I'm having a bit of trouble placing them on the stock stem.<br /><br />-JTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-89983266409648034372013-09-25T02:01:56.364-04:002013-09-25T02:01:56.364-04:00Nice review Ryan, would you happen to know the spe...Nice review Ryan, would you happen to know the specs on the bottom bracket and crankset?blogdis (Londonflu)https://www.blogger.com/profile/18083248903108768562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-41109286344701203622013-09-07T20:06:53.038-04:002013-09-07T20:06:53.038-04:00Sounds like a good plan to me. Keep me posted. And...Sounds like a good plan to me. Keep me posted. And ride safe.<br /> Cheers,HughHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-83527248230977607232013-08-04T18:01:09.475-04:002013-08-04T18:01:09.475-04:00I picked one of these on sale for 69.99. Already ...I picked one of these on sale for 69.99. Already changed out the freewheel with a BMX freewheel I had laying around. Switched the tires. Next comes brake and crank upgrades. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14418122868162001511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-17823756340004289892013-06-13T11:49:28.776-04:002013-06-13T11:49:28.776-04:00Hey Chris,
Great story, Thanks for sharing it with...Hey Chris,<br />Great story, Thanks for sharing it with us. I don`t know if I should say Thank You or I`m sorry.....ltms <br />Seriously though, it is good to hear you are enjoying your bike. <br />Cheers<br />I just had an idea. What if every college in the country said... Ok if you are going to have a bike on campus You must first give us the serial # . Here in Mi bicycle theft on college campus (s) is a huge problem. At least this way at least some of the thieves would be caught. Why should we make it so damn easy for thieves? Hughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-30044978639220068932013-06-11T20:46:02.136-04:002013-06-11T20:46:02.136-04:00About a year and a half ago I bought this bike to ...About a year and a half ago I bought this bike to get back and forth from my apartment (right across campus) to my classes, solely for the price cause someone stole my old bike. I was naive to bikes at the time, only knowing department stores for bikes. I recently started upgrading the bike, starting with a new bottom bracket and crankset, as well as new aluminum pedals and toe straps. After investing less than $100 into the bike, I started to really enjoy it. I just recently pulled it out of storage and rebuilt the hubs, took them apart completely, scrubbed them clean with degreaser, loaded them up with new grease and screwed everything together. I never knew that $100 and a couple hours of my time would make such a big difference. I just want to thank you for reviewing this bike, and teaching me that my $100 Wal-Mart special cane be special to me. Sadly, it has me eye-balling other bikes at department stores going, "I wonder if I can make that amazing for cheaper than buying?"Chrisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-5557275092079260932013-05-02T08:37:50.817-04:002013-05-02T08:37:50.817-04:00Hey Rick,
That's great I am sure he will enjoy...Hey Rick,<br />That's great I am sure he will enjoy the bike. If I may, I would suggest checking the headset and crank bearings. It has been my experience that the grease may be gritty and there may not be much of it. If you do it yourself, you wont have to listen to what I like to call "the p.o.s. speech" at your local bike shop. Definitely keep me posted. CheersHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-86091309845951121582013-05-02T01:04:03.358-04:002013-05-02T01:04:03.358-04:00Hugh, I read your blog, and decided to buy this fo...Hugh, I read your blog, and decided to buy this for my son. I have some limited skills in bike repair, so we're going to see if we can get this thing rideable with a minimum of new components-at the moment, just pedals. He's 14, and never really liked changing gears, so I think a single speed like this will work well for him. And he likes all the colors.<br />I'll post back and let you know how it goes.RicksterVChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09475855829966485520noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-7507941640000628032013-04-30T03:47:19.413-04:002013-04-30T03:47:19.413-04:00I just grabbed one of these(the Blk/R/Y model) at ...I just grabbed one of these(the Blk/R/Y model) at a nearby wally for $65!!! I plan on commuting to work (about 5 hilly miles one way) in a sketchy neighborhood, so the simplicity and pricepoint make this ride a dream come true!!! Your blog is going to be priceless when I get around to the few upgrades I want to tackle, Thanks!!<br /> About the colors: I haven't seen this mentioned anywhere else, but your (and my) version are the colors for Germany's Flag and national sports teams, rsic's version has Brazil's colors. Makes me wonder what other options they could release. Kmart has also had a version of the Thruster Fixie in "Miami Vice" colors: a white frame with pink and aqua decals and acc.<br /><br />Fritz in NC.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-67852054788857942072013-02-26T11:17:17.417-05:002013-02-26T11:17:17.417-05:00Hmmm, just found a Thruster on craigslist for $25....Hmmm, just found a Thruster on craigslist for $25. Question is, given I know nothing about rebuilding a bike from the frame up (I hate those flashy rims and tires, they might be the first to go), nor even about how to tell if parts are decent, can I do it without totally destroying everything? Might be worth finding out, and an excellent learning experience. And I can afford it right now. Unlike that cute Puch mixte.<br /><br />I do have friends for long distance advice about parts, at least. There are blogs like this and YouTube videos, I'm sure. This being a college town where fixies are a big thing, there are always parts available.<br /><br />Yep, I think I've talked myself into it. My ex said I was always able to rationalise every purchase he wanted to make, it feels good to do it for myself. <br /><br />Maybe this will project will give me a few good blog posts while I'm at it. It'll be the 'Newbie's Guide to Building a Fixie' thread. I always had boys to lead me in repairs and builds before. Time for this ol' gal to do it for herself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-43806757746637102572013-02-07T16:36:01.893-05:002013-02-07T16:36:01.893-05:00Cool Bear,
Good luck with your project. If you li...Cool Bear, <br />Good luck with your project. If you like, you can post it on the face book page (link in the right column near the top)<br /> Cheers, HughHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-85311169039440673842013-02-07T14:28:33.284-05:002013-02-07T14:28:33.284-05:00Target Stores have a Fixie for $37 dollars, with t...Target Stores have a Fixie for $37 dollars, with total parts swapped it will be about 4 1/2 hours and $130.<br />Thanks for the inspiration and motivation!<br /><br />~BearAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-90819663419683441472012-12-17T15:51:18.206-05:002012-12-17T15:51:18.206-05:00Thanks for your help! Season's Greetings to y...Thanks for your help! Season's Greetings to you as well! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-83975539249606544732012-12-16T14:37:17.415-05:002012-12-16T14:37:17.415-05:00Hey Anonymous.
Your daughter has made two very go...Hey Anonymous.<br /> Your daughter has made two very good suggestions. For the saddle, W.T.B. makes some good quality and comfortable saddles that are reasonably priced. I use the "WTB Speed V Comp" on two of my bikes. <br /> As for the crank "Origin 8" make some that are affordable and good quality. I installed a PAKE crank on one of my fixed gear projects and was not at all pleased with the quality.(just my opinion)<br /> If you are unsure about what you need and what will or will not work check with the suppliers tech person. If they don`t have one shop somewhere else. Two suppliers I use a lot are "Niagara cycle" and "Treefort bikes"<br /> Good luck with you project. And have a Wonderful Holiday Season.<br /> Cheers, HughHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-86824721046706928012012-12-16T09:21:05.364-05:002012-12-16T09:21:05.364-05:00my son bought this bike. as a Christmas present, ...my son bought this bike. as a Christmas present, I'd like to get him a few parts to improve the bike as you have. my daughter suggested new cranks and saddle, but I have no idea what to get...suggestions?<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-28116449856950997712012-12-13T21:10:59.421-05:002012-12-13T21:10:59.421-05:00Hey a k rod,
Near the top of the page in the right...Hey a k rod,<br />Near the top of the page in the right column (just below the followers) is the "Search This Blog" feature. Just enter "rebuild headset" and a list of related posts will appear. Do the same for "bottom bracket rebuild". I think you will find all the info (and then some) that you will need. Good Luck with your project and Happy Holidays. HughHughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12986498277947032639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4155039544820521548.post-46164807359374150512012-12-02T21:49:00.971-05:002012-12-02T21:49:00.971-05:00did you take off the headset and bottom bracket co...did you take off the headset and bottom bracket completely, and how did you do it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com