OK—so we’re here to help each other, right? Otherwise, what’s the point?
A reader—we’ll call him “M“—reached out to me asking for some advice on buying his first Klunker. I gave him some options, which I’ll detail below, but…
…I thought—why not throw it out to this community and crowdsource the best options to start him on his journey of Klunkerdom?
Here’s M’s query:
I wanted some advice. I am looking at the Haro Klunkerson. [I am a] 40-year-old dad of three looking to get something to ride around with my kids. This seems to be the perfect thing.
But after reading your review, I noticed we are on opposite ends height-wise. You’re at the top end of the ride height.
I am at the lower end (5’6″).
I am trying to see if the bike will be too big for me—no way for me to find it locally to try it out. Any ideas? —M
So my first thought was that the Klunkerson, with its low-rise bars, would still fit. After all, I swapped out the bars to better fit me (and for looks).
But I also suggested a State Bicycle Co. Klunker, simply because the lower price point will free up more cash for modifications…
And I also suggested the new Surly Lowside, as its five frame sizes will surely fit the bill—at a cost.
Finally, I thought some of the Big Wheel BMX offerings from Haro and SE could work too.
But a group always out-thinks an individual. That’s a fact.
So what do you folks think would be the best Klunker for a new rider who wants to bomb around with his kids—and is 5’6″?
Comment below! I’ll make sure to approve them as quickly as I can. (If it weren’t for this darn spammers, I’d open comments up completely.)
And if you’re finding this at a later date—still toss up your recommendations! Someone else with the same questions will appreciate it.
Thanks team!
—Klunky D
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Any help/guidance is appreciated!
I think 5’6” to 5’ 10” is the target hight size rider for the Klunkerson. The bars should be perfect off the show room. Actually only thing you may want to change is the pedals as a personal choice or tires if to a more tight tread pattern if your going to ride more street. If mostly free style or asphalt riding l recommend hands down a set of Maxxis Hookworm 27 x 2.50 tires as displayed on Klunker D’S. Haro. Those tires simply roll and corner so well. I run those on several of my rides. I don’t think there is anything better for that kind of riding. The Haro Klunkerson is perfect right out of the box and a lot of bike for the money at the price it sells for plus the frame is chromoly. Hard to beat. For your hight that would be your best choice.
Excellent! Sold. I appreciate the comment very helpful.
I have put over a couple thousand miles on my State Black Klunker with nothing but stock parts so far. I also just picked up a We The People, Avenger which I have only about + 125 miles on thus far. I am over 5’ 8” and change. The Avenger fits me well, but the State is probably better for riders for down to 5’5″.
When I contacted We the People out of Cologne, Germany I was told that the Avenger could accommodate a rider down to 1.70 meters (5ft 6.93in.) up to 2.0 meter – 2.1meter.
I am definitely more stretch out on my Avenger and it handles like a dream.
I have been very impressed with both bikes and am now starting to consider some upgrades and changes to my State Klunker.
Gordon S.’s posts on this site has a ton of useful suggestions on upgrading the States, Ashe has a fleet of them!
I should have replaced the State’s stock seat by now as it has been off center from the first month. (bent or off kilter rail) Looking at buying the Brooks B67 Saddle or maybe giving the WTB Volt Steel Saddle a try first as I typically like a narrow profile saddle.
The State has been an incredible value and ride. Initially I had to replace the stock seat post clamp as my seat kept shifting sideways.
I also crashed into a steel barrier fence at about 20 mph and bent V-Bar handlebars with a replacement set from State. (My Bad!).
Also have replaced three spokes and the original chain.
I ran into an interesting bike last week that looks to hold a lot of possibilities.
It is the Fairdale Taj 27.5″ with a 100% Track Certified Chromoly frame and handlebars! It has BMX ROOTS and definite Klunker lines.
Stock parts seem quality and MSRP is $649.99, without shopping it hard! The Translucent Winter Blue is stunning and the 27.5″: is sized for riders 5’4″ height and up!
I have added one to my future buy list!
Mark P
Is anyone else aware of or had experience with the Fairdale Taj ?
https://fairdalebikes.com/
Also, I seriously understated the actual annual miles I have rode on my State Klunker and it was over 3952 miles per year. Over (7904. I had only multiplied monthly instead of my weekly!! Duh! The point being that I have cranked out both dirt and concrete bike trail mileage on the State Klunker and it has performed well.
Mitch R.
Did you pull the trigger on a Haro?
What did you decide on?
My, you are a Communicative bunch!
Mark Pilgrim – thanks for the heads up on the Fairdale Taj – looks like a really great bike. My bike is the Kona Humu from a few months ago. This blog/community doesn’t update on the daily, but that’s the beauty of it to me….just chillin’ and hangin’ out when we get a chance *cheers*
Mike H, thanks for the note! Just making sure I was the lone survivor of a zombie apocalypse or such!
I absolutely am a big Kona fan. I own a Kona Jake the Snake cyclocross in fluorescent green which has only about 130 total miles on it. Hope to sell it off this spring as I don’t plan to ride it as I originally intended… cyclocross/ endurance.
It will make someone a great commuter or gravel machine.
Also have a 1995 Steel Race Light Hahanna which I absolutely love.
Your Kona looks sweet. I was glad to see the original Kona founders reaquire their company. They are the keepers of the flame 🔥!
Kona use to have very eclectic parts and seam against the tide of conformity. Hopefully we will see great new directions. But I digress.
Reread your ride profile. I had never heard of Reeb Cycles before – the Hooptie looks interesting for sure.
Looks like they are in Longmont, CO.
May need to swing by.
Happy Trails,
Mark P, Out!
Was NOT the lone survivor….