1979 Powerlite - BMXmuseum.com

I built this as a tribute to the Powerlites I remember as a kid; my local LBS always had these built up in awesome, over the top color combos. Unfortunately, I didn't build it up for months after I had it and never realized the frame was cracked until I was nearly done. I don't plan on repairing it as it would have to be completely stripped to get an accurate assessment of the damage, and I'd rather look at it in it's OG glory than ride it refinished..

Ground up build from the f/f. Only non-survivor parts are the Wheelsmith spokes, Araya nipples, and Preston Petty grips. Everything else is survivor right down to the tubes and rim strips. Only PITA part of this build was finding the contrasting color otherwise matching hubs. I should have just bought 2 complete sets in each color, but I didn't want another mismatched set just laying about, further cluttering up my man-den. Go figure. 

I'm a bit bummed about not riding this; it actually has nice geometry to sit on, with a decent reach from the seat to the bars due to the angle on the seat post. The bar/stem combo would be too short for an adult to stand and crank on the pedals, but this would have been a good fit for a smaller racer in maybe the 4'-5' range. I was actually surprised at how light it is - my digital bathroom scale pegs it at just north of 22 lbs. That seems impossible to me as I recall thinking that these bikes were heavy bitd, but I think it's right in the ballpark, weightwise. Probably why it's broken - this frame is really pretty cool when you look at how delicate it is. The tubing, stays, welds, everything. Obviously made by hand, with care and skill. I think this bike turned out beautiful; moreover, it turned out exactly as I intended, so I'm not all too bummed about hanging it up and looking at it.

Still, if I find another OG red frame for this, I'll switch everything over, put on some bigger bars, and rock this bad boy all over town. Peace brothers!

'79 F/F * SR double bump stem * Redline 2nd-gen stamped v-bars * MX-II headset and bb * Dura Ace 170 crankset * DID nickel chain * Tioga Surefoot 2 pedals (still looking for correct set) * Ariake/Jaguar seat * Xcaliber spc * fluted 7/8" post * DC Tech 3/1020/cable/clip * Suzue LF/Araya 7c wheelset * suntour freewheel * 1.75" Snakebellies (mine from bitd)