This is the 4th installment of an ∞ part series (if Murphy’s Law has anything to do with it) on upgrading an old Schwinn Collegiate to a practical and pleasing daily bicycle for transportation.

So … here is what we’ve got to work with:

• One stripped Schwinn Collegiate, with the exception of the “worthwhile” parts.
• A spendthrift budget of $375 as precisely calculated by the ((Option 1 + Option B) / 2) x Whoa There Moneybags Ratio x Didn’t See That Coming Expense Factor presented in the previous entry … The Murphy’s Law Project — Part $
• A few random used and cast-off parts that are probably typical of the average bike enthusiast’s stash.
• Some good quality shop tools and some experience with both commuter bikes and vintage bikes.
• A few good ideas.

And really, the focus of this entry is to examine the source of those ideas … what those fancy Industrial Artist types might call the “design phase.”

For the most part, building-up a custom bicycle is more of an art form than a step-by-step erector set.  Things change, parts are no longer / suddenly become available, components have [compatibility] issues, a good concept doesn’t play out, and small suggestion sparks a new insight … you get the idea.  The whole key to this art form is the ability to go with it.  While there is more direct decision making than pure Zen, allowing the project to take its own unique shape is what separates a luvstom bicycle (which is a contraction of “love” and “custom”) from one that is an obvious amalgamation of disjointed pieces.  In a word … Ohhmmmmm.

Anyway, here are some of the sources of inspiration from this project:

1. The long rake to the front fork would give a 700c wheel an almost “chopper” look.  Well, not like a real chopper, but it would hint at something a little bit unique.
2. Black looks good with everything … but a little more color would be a step in the right direction.  As discussed previously, it looks like our paint selection will be limited to what comes out of a can, but that might work to our advantage.  And since we will need to primer the bike anyway … a flat Rat Rod look might be just the ticket.  And if it doesn’t work, well the frame is already primed.  Perfect!
3. A singlespeed drivetrain is cost effective for daily transportation, but we don’t want to limit the versatility of the bike.  After all, it is meant to be ridden first and act as a fashion accessory second.  A simple internally geared 3-speed is a good compromise for cycling for transportation.  Plus, as long as we keep our wits about us, this will help keep the overall drivetrain cost low.
4. The “Collegiate” moniker on the downtube has always reminded us of the classic “College” image of John Belushi in National Lampoon’s Animal House.
5. What other “vintage” qualities should be retained? Obviously, the swept back bars and the chainguard.  The cranks definitely say “Schwinn” (as the hand grips do literally).  Fenders will be a must for real transportation riding, but the jury is out on the addition of a rack.

So with these initial design ideas at the front of our mind, and the $375 budget at the back of our wallet, the next installment will cover the selection of parts (and the inherent compromises) which will take a few baby steps towards completing this project … The Murphy’s Law Project — Part Parts.

And by the way, no sign of Murphy just yet, but surely he can’t be too far away.