Frame just about done - New Frame/Bike Suggestions

I'm workin on a '73 Schwinn Suburban, all you need for it is a new back wheel witha small flange and a smaller rear sprocket because of tight clearances, and it is all steel, or it's aluminum filled with lead LOL

I am inclined to go with a strong frame as the starting point on a build. None of these bikes were intended to have vibrating motors on them or traveling along at higher than peddling alone speeds for mile after mile. So my thinking is to go with well made over pretty paint and shiny thin chrome. Chrome won't keep you safe. I'd look for a fat tired heavy bike from the 60's or earlier and made in the USA. Half the time we end up changing the wheels on a newer bike because they're cheap and don't hold up. The fenders are thin and poorly mounted. The handlbars don't feel right, so we get ones that do. Maybe a better seat. If this sounds like you, why not look for the right frame and then build it with good parts... new heavy duty wheels from bikeworldusa made a huge difference on my old Schwinns. Everything else is old stuff and not all of it Schwinn. I let my eye tell me what is right and what isn't. I have a 63 American that is getting 1940 Elgin fender skirts and an Indian motorcycle fender light. Frames alone on ebay (there are some great old ones) are pretty reasonable since it is just the frame, so collectors are turned off. But for a bulder they are just the thing. They ship pretty cheaply, too. Anything made by Cleveland Welding is good. Old Schwinns speak for themselves. Look around and think about it. You and your bike are going to spend a lot of time together, so you might as well pick a friendly one you like to hang out with.
Silverbear

lots of reading to do.. sorry I keep saying this , but I am learnig so much