Restore an Old "Balkan" Bike

by skoko in Outside > Bikes

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Restore an Old "Balkan" Bike

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Balkan bikes have been around in Bulgaria for years no longer produced they have been pushed for newer models.They are very sturdy bikes and are foldable (some models).

Find a Project Bike

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I found this bike for 15lv which is about 10$ or 7 euro.Which is a steal but it will need a lot of work.

Strip the Bike

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Strip every part you can.I couldn't get the chain off since i don't have the tool but i wasn't that big of a problem.

Next you will need to strip the paint.I mostly used chemicals but a wire brush was needed on some spots.

Priming and Painting

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Prime the bike and paint the color you want.I went with plain mat black.

New Parts

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Since the bike is old some parts are beyond saving and need to be replaced.This type of Balkan bike does not have break livers and pads if you wanted to brake you start pedaling back and that blocked the back tire witch was effective but not for me.I got a donor bike for cheep and dismantled it for parts such as brakes, tyres ,handles and some other small parts.Some parts need to be bout new such as pedals,break lines,crank set,chain ring,seat post and a new seat .

Assemble

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Start assembling you bike.I put the brake lines inside the frame so its less messy.Had to get creative whit the brakes since there is no room for them and they went on the bottom but it works fine.

Ride

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Ride your bike :)