I’m back online! OK, I was never fully off but obviously I haven’t been giving this website the love it deserves lately. I’ll change that in 2026.
To be honest, I didn’t think anyone would notice if I zoned out for a couple months. But you did! I received email and comments on this site asking for a new post.
It was honestly flattering. And a little annoying, like, hey, can I live??? (But mostly flattering.)
But I mostly blame you, the reader, for my lack of posts. After all, the best posts on here are Reader’s Rides, and I haven’t seen a new one come in since December! Come on—if you want Klunkers on this blog, send me some!
OK, I’m clearly feeling a little sassy. Must be the caffeine. So without further ado, let’s see what’s happening in the Klunkerverse these days:
Midwest Mountain Bike Festival Dates Announced
This second-annual event in Cuyuna, Minnesota, has announced its 2026 return for June 19-21. While the whole event looks like a lot of fun, it’s the Friday night party that’s worthy of posting here.
Riders are encouraged to meet up at the Red Raven Bike Cafe at 7:30 p.m. in nearby Crosby, with vintage mountain bikes and KLUNKERS ready. Enjoy complimentary brewskis from New Belgium and a fun evening ride. I love to see a great Klunker-themed event. You’ll wanna grab your t-shirts for this one.
State Bicycle Co.’s NFL Collection
Seriously—what do you think of this latest collab from State? I know they’re the kings of collaborations (not everyone gets to work with the Marley family), but I’m not seeing the direct connection here. Is there a big market of NFL fans who also favour classic Klunkers and cruiser bikes? Seems like more like an ATV crowd than the types who would pedal their single-speeds to a Chiefs game. Weirdly, besides the classic black/metallic Klunker, the NFL edition is the only collab or limited-run Klunker currently on their site. Goodbye “FU” model, goodbye Snap-On edition, and wasn’t there a Corona edition for a while or am I hallucinating? Comment below your thoughts on these NFL klunkers.
The Coaster Brake Challenge Turns 17!
Thanks to reader Paul de Valera for letting me know about this one, even though I’m letting you know too late! Held each year in January, in West Hills, California, this is an exciting downhill event exclusively for single-speeds with coaster brakes! There are a few other rules to abide by, but beyond the drivetrain and braking system the biggest rule seems to be: No Crybabies! Learn more and prep for next year here: http://www.atomiccycles.com/coaster.html
Stinner Frameworks Limited Edition Klunker
The maniacs at Santa Barbara’s Stinner Frameworks did a thing last December. They built an extremely limited edition—literally only 20 of them made—titanium-frame Klunker. Pre-sales opened in December and they look to be gone. It has pretty standard Klunker geometry and high-end components throughout. Plus, it looks incredible. It’s shipping now. Did you buy one? Were you one of the lucky 20 to drop a staggering $7,223 on this ride? Reach out, I want to talk to you! I have questions—like what pedals did ya put on it? And are you insane or just rich?
OK—that does it for today! More coming soon, Klunkers. Ride easy!
Pingback: Reader’s Rides: Mike’s Kona Klunker - Klunkers
Hell yeah, I’m recently new and was hoping you would post some new stuff.
Just picked up a Klunkerson, and modding a few parts. Curious what type of headset I should run- would an FSA Orbit or something similar be a good option?
Redoing the stem, cog, freewheel, pedals and potentially cranks.
FAS Orbit is likely a solid choice, but I still run the stock headset on my Haro. Didn’t see a bog reason to change it. I didn’t care for the bars it came with, nor the tires. For me, the biggest single upgrade was the tires—going to a Hookworm, for pavement riding. I thought about lowering the gear ratio, but after just getting smoother tires, I don’t feel the need to. The bars I bought made it more comfortable, but at 9″ they’re not for everyone. Have fun!
So I picked up a lightly used Klunkerson, but the guy had installed different cranks (redline), pedals, stem, and cog.
I found a deal on Haro 1978 stem, but the bolts don’t tighten all the way down, not sure if it’s a proper fit. Now my fork is a little loose and wobbly, I’m not exactly the most proficient with bikes- I have worked on my fixie but not as his bike yet.
Picked up a 39T Haro Fusion /Theory Rattlesnake Freewheel 19T to take it back to stock. The guy left a smaller BMX Guru cog with less teeth.
Got the Enarson pedals, otherwise leaving the rest as is. I’m 6”5 so the handlebars seem a little low- but I have read all about your setup,so I’m aware of what can be done to alleviate this issue.
I live in Phoenix Metro, so plan on riding a mix of trails and street, so likely leaving the stock tires on.
Have a great rest of the weekend everyone!
Sick! Can’t wait to see the results.