The history of Klunker bikes is documented enough.
I even give you the Cole’s Notes here. And a quick search of Facebook forums or Reddit subthreads can inspire you with hundreds of sweet custom builds—from rat bikes to two-wheelers that should be in a showroom.
I’d like to build a custom. But time is not on my side these days—I wanted to ride, not build. I just don’t have time for a project. So I bought my Klunker off the shelf.
As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I discovered my Haro Klunkerson by accident. I didn’t know Haro made a Klunker. So it had me thinking… what are the options for factory Klunkers?
I’ll save you the trouble. Here’s what I found.
KLUNKERS
Factory built Klunkers that need nothing more than your butt on the seat.
State Bicycle Co. Klunker
This is the most popular and most well-known factory Klunker out there. In fact, searching the term “Klunker” will likely just show you retailer after retailer selling the range of State Bicycle Co.’s various Klunker models. (There’s a Bob Marley edition, one that just says “Fuck You” all over it, etc.) At time of posting, they are producing five different styles of the same bike: a high-tensile steel frame, 30-inch-wide handlebars, Vans grips, 27.5-inch wheels and a coaster brake. It’s about as Klunker as it gets, off-the-shelf. Perhaps the slickest looking of the bunch.
Why I Didn’t Buy It: It’s a bit hard to find where I live, but ultimately I prefer a full Chromoly frame and real brakes—not a coaster. (Sorry not sorry.)
Why I Wish I Did: The seven-inch rise and taller handlebars would likely fit me better than the Haro. And the price is excellent.
Haro Klunkerson
I pretty much fell in love with the Klunkerson at first sight. Plus, the fact that it’s a full Chromoly frame and fork, plus it’s spec’d out with quality components throughout—and disc brakes—sealed the deal. I think it looks just awesome, with the kROOKS seat and psychedelic fonts. Ultimately, this is a bike meant to be ridden hard, and since I intend on trail-riding and park-riding my Klunker, that’s what I needed. That price tag though…
Why I Didn’t Buy It: I did! (Finding it for 30% off helped.)
Why I Wish I Didn’t: The fit isn’t great for me. I expect I’ll buy taller handlebars in the future.
We The People Avenger 27.5″
I found this bike when I was launching this site—to be honest, I’d never even heard of the brand. But I’m new to the world of Klunkers (or “clunkers” as they call them). Their whole lineup looks wicked—and the Avenger 27.5″ looks like a worthy contender against by Klunkerson. Geometry is similar, and the Avenger has a full Chro-mo frame and fork, as well as disc brakes and high-spec components. In fact, the two bikes seem almost exactly the same. Anyone know the significant difference?
Why I Didn’t Buy It: If I thought the Klunkerson was pricey, this one’s about another $300 more.
Why I Wish I Did: It looks simply awesome. A bit more of a modern vibe than my Klunkerson. Sick.
KLUNKER ADJACENT
Not exactly a Klunker, but maybe close enough?
Surly Lowside
Marketed as a “single-speed mountain bike,” the Surly Lowside definitely has Klunker DNA. Chromoly frame, disc brakes, either 26-inch or 27.5-inch wheels, 2.8-inch-wide tires. Frankly, I’d be surprised if many people are riding these like true mountain bikes. More like pub cruisers and hooligan rides. It’s really a grown-up BMX, and the geometry backs that up—it’s going to be more comfy for taller riders and probably a more practical bike than the above three.
Why I Didn’t Buy It: Price. I just couldn’t justify $2,100 (CAD) for a new Klunker.
Why I Wish I Did: I’ve loved this bike since I first saw it on the Surly website. It just embodies everything fun about riding. And it looks awesome.
SE Bikes Big Ripper 29
I first spotted this bike about seven years ago. Some kid in my neighbouhood was riding it and it just looked fun and cool. At the time, I kinda figured my days of riding these types of bikes were over. (Nope! Just getting started.) The Big Ripper is based on the legendary PK Ripper from the 1980s, this big-boy ride adding big and cushy 29-inch wheels and 2.4-inch tires. It’s built for speed and stability—lightweight with an aluminium frame and Chro-mo fork. It even comes with rear wheelie bars. Stopping is done via a rear v-brake.
Why I Didn’t Buy It: Ever since Kourtney Kardashian posed with an SE bike on her Insta, it feels like these rides are just skyrocketing in price. I didn’t want to pay the premium for a collector’s bike.
Why I Wish I Did: The 29-inch wheels would be fast and fun—and practical. Though wheelies wouldn’t be any easier.
Redline RL 275
Redline bikes claims this ride is in a “class of its own,” but honestly I think the RL275 pretty much just looks like a modern Klunker. The 27.5-inch wheels and fat-boy three-inch tires back that up. Single speed. Mechanical disc brakes. Cruise the beach or slash a berm. Sound familiar? The alloy frame makes it stand out a bit but otherwise this is a reincarnated Klunker if you ask me.
Why I Didn’t Buy It: No Redline dealers near me. Plus, I don’t love the looks—I prefer that cruiser-style frame.
Why I Wish I Did: Three-inch-wide tires would float in sand and make attacking urban features a breeze.
Any More?
I thought about including a third category, “Spirit of a Klunker,” to expand the category even more—tossing in the Redline Monocog (which they may have discontinued) and other “big BMXs,” but I think I’ll stop here. Did I miss any obvious ones?
New Klunkers—new post. Stay tuned folks! More stuff coming soon…
Curious to know your thoughts on the Mongoose Hooligan 29×3″ Wheels and $870 CAD plus Taxes according to Amazon. Looks sick.
Found your website while doing research on the Klunkerson and kind of motivated to buy it after your review. Plus it’s about $530 CAD all in at the moment.
The Mongoose looks pretty cool—the 29″ wheels and 25/13 gearing is interesting. I personally think the Klunkerson looks better and it’s definitely better spec’d. If you can find the Klunkerson for $530 CAD, I’d jump on it. I feel like Haro isn’t even interested in selling the Klunkerson… they make no effort. And it’s so sick.
Klunker Adjacent, 27.5″ Thruster Dark Matter Adult Bicycle, Satin Olive, Kent Bicycles, Wal-Mart, $206 https://www.walmart.com/ip/27-5-Thruster-Dark-Matter-Satin-Olive/5193278141?classType=REGULAR
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It was between the Haro and the Redline for me and I’m going with the Haro. I wouldn’t call the Redline a Klunkers, it’s a big wheel BMX. Klunkers are more beach cruiser “first mountain bike” type rides.
Yep, that’s why I called it “Klunker adjacent.”
I don’t know what you all think but this is the way I choose a bike. First thing you got to ask yourself. Do you want a bike for today or forever. We all know money don’t grow on trees. And if you are married like me well then you have to justify what you spend sometimes. A bike with a steel frame is a for ever bike. Look at all those old Schwins still rollin or fix gear bikes made of steel. Any frame builder will tell you steel or better yet chromoly steel is the best material for a bike frame. I had two SE Big Rippers and an Electra Moto 3 retro Klunker all had 29” wheels. These bikes were way fun but what made me sad is I knew that aluminum don’t last and one day they would have to be retired. So decided to sale the Rippers while they were still in great shape. I kept the Moto 3 because that frame fit me perfectly but sadly lost it and twenty six other tricked out bikes in a wild fire in Napa Ca. 2020. Yep ninety eight homes burned in my hood. So if you what hold on to some of those fun rides and good memories for the rest of your life when you look at your carefully chosen rides then steel is one of you best investment. I like retro. Just look at that Surly Low Side. It’s like a pretty lady across the town hall you want to meet. HAPPY TRAILS EVERYONE
I have a Sunday HI C 29” 100% chromoly frame and also if your tall like me the other thing to consider is the seat post tube is just shy of 18” witch is tall for this kind of big retro big bmx bike. The Big Ripper isn’t. It’s a quality bike also lots of fun but the only thing some people may not like is it is not as flashy as the Ripper. The only thing that sucks with this model is the seat post and seat post clamp. Garbage kAA, KAA. Mines a 2021 model. I installed a black UNO kalloy seat post about twenty eight bucks. Easy to get good quality for the price on Amazon. Also a Thompson seat post clamp, that ran about thirty five dollars. That’s it. The other thing some of you may not like I the gearing is a touch tall for some with a 13 rear cog. But have no fear Orgin 8 makes a 15 rear cog that will drop right on.
On the State Klunker bike it’s a good bike and a bit more true to its roots than most other models in the currant production. For what you get on the standard black model, it is very hard to find a better deal for 420.00. The frames are strong and the wheel set will stand there ground. I weigh about 235 lbs and about 250 plus for a month or so around the winter holidays. I do not always baby the bike but the wheels stay true. I have 4 of these bikes that I tricked out but for what I just mentioned kept and or use the rear rim when lacing the 2 and three speed hubs on some of the bikes for that reason. Hey it saves money for other mods like the crank that is plain trash. It’s got a square taper crank that the arms are always coming loose. The good thing is the bottom bracket is common using the 68 English threads that gives you many choices for tricking out. The other plus for the State Klunker is that there is plenty of room to run a set of 2.50 ‘s width tires that can protect and keep those rims straight. All 4 of mine run two fifty’s. The last thing worth talking about when thinking about this model is the frame plus fork set is only 199.00. On all 4 of my builds I only used the frame and the wheels only. It might be wiser to buy the frame fork set as I look back. That is if one has plans to taylor it to a vision. Good luck or happy hunting. All 4 of my State klunkers are running G30 White Industry cranks made in Petaluma Ca. Fantastic but not cheap. Made in the U.S.A. In case anyone is asking.
Great thoughts Gordon! Thanks for reading and engaging.
Another currant mtb, Klunker frame set to check out if you want to run gears is the Koski Bro.pro. Bomber. This frame set is built for war. A take off from the Mert Lawill Pro cruiser which I think the koski Brothers might have had a hand in, but I’m not quite sure. I know if you wanted the Lawill bike back in the day, early 80’s you got it at the Cove Bike Shop owned by the Koski family. They have a long rich history with making a bicycle for off road. I remember pushing my Yamaha 125 by there house where they lived next to a hill. I don’t think they owned it but everyone that road a dirt bike or an old Schwinn in Mill Valley Ca. Called the hill Koski’s Hill probably where they tested the development of the Pro bike. Remembering back looking from the outside in they were messing with the idea of some kind of MTB since somewhere in the 60’s. Check out Koski Bros Bike .com. The Koski Pro Bomber is something Klunker and something MTB. Looks cool wish I had one but have no room as the Klunker collection in the garage got way out of hand. These bikes are just to fun to ride as they are to look at. For this reason the Klunker can fade but then there always is a comeback.
Some things to check out for the new to Klunker junky. This hobby will suck you in so be careful. Check out / Strand Cruisers 1&2 YouTube. You get some good ideas if you plan to build a Klunker/cruiser. Also there is some fun to watch action in these short vids. / Check out Santa Ana/True Torch Welding/ BMX. Look at the cruiser frame / fork set as it is a very close cousin to the original Cook Brothers Klunker frame set of the 70’s. It’s also a good idea too browse the whole brand of products, handle bars stems extra thick wall seat post as this stuff will bolt right up to those old Schwinn classics, barn find bikes as well. In the videos mention above you will catch some of those Johnny True Torch bikes in action along with all the other eye candy. The retro Haro Klunkerson bike would fit right in the Strand 1&2 vid. as it has a BMX vibe but still has the classic frame style. One last thing. I just came across bought, and installed a set of Schwalbe Marathon plus mtb tires on one of my currant production Klunker bikes, as mentioned in the article above. This is a fantastic tire for riding 50/50. This tire comes in 26” 27.5” & 29” rim size and widths 2.10” 2.25” 2.30” and 2.60”. This tire rolls really well on pavement / fast for a off road tire , “amazing”! Have fun everyone happy hunting and keep on klunkin.
Am 5’8…145 lbs..am seeing the Avenger as close to being big for me? Certainly your height suggests might be..am nowhere close to any shop with one- or Haro for that matter!
I think you’d be fine with the Haro but the Avenger is built a little bit more for taller people. Not like it matters though, because as you’ve pointed out you’ll never find an Avenger!
There is still one Avenger 27.5 at Cycle Sport .com at Santa Cruz Ca. As of Tue. Mar 25 /2025. It should fit a 5 8” person but that would be the limit. You can always install a Thompson seat post as the Thompson post is a straight up post and not a rearward offset post. l am 6 2” & 3/4 the Avenger fits me fine but that is approaching the limit at other end. The seat height not your problem it’s your reach. The top tube is a bit long. The Klunkerson is probably way perfect for a 5 6” to 5 9” person. Between the two bikes you’re giving up the juice brakes and a little more attention to detail. Another thing if you need the a Thompson seat post that’s another 90$ if that matters. The bike Industry is on there knees right now and is a good time to buy the Klunkerson as some bike outlets on the net have marked it down. It’s a good bike and with the mark down that I’ve seen the other day it’s’ a steal. As I remember the Klunkerson was selling for seven something and now it’s in around the mid sixes. Good luck and join the club.
Well it’s still March and it’ still raining. Anyone bored 🥱 yet? This can be a dangerous time with the ole credit card to pass the time you maybe are already been on a Klunker safari looking to buy or retro your ride for the up coming summer. If your doing just that or thinking 🧐 of, then you can be sure a lot of others are doing the same. What you have been stalking for the last four months on the web is suddenly gone. Your trophy part or bike just vanished , poof just like that because your thought waves somehow alerted the rest of the jungle. VOODOO This must have happened to most of us a hundred times, you snooze you loose. I thought I would throw that alert out there as my local bike shop is getting busy. Anyway if you have more time than money and are tired 😪 of tears rolling down the windows this weekend of Mar. 25 in Cali. Then I highly recommend looking up a resent post on YouTube. Type in. Full Film Release Camera Corner: Wende Cragg Documents the Birth of Mountain Biking. This vid runs about an hour and shows more Klunker stuff , pictures and Klunker film footage than anything. Remember klunkers are not really mountain bikes. They are the original down hill racer. The BOMBER it’s first name made to run fast and hard through the corners like a Harley flat tracker. Enjoy the action, have a good one.☝️ One other thing to think about when shopping for or building a real Klunker if want to slide through a corner or just hang it out, like we did in the old days then shop for a bike or frame with a good drop on the bottom bracket like the old Schwinns as that type of frame is far less top heavy and more stable. Study the bikes in the film. Mountain bikes and BMX bikes rely on berms to rip the corners. Mountain bikes are design more for tech riding / trail. A Klunker can pick about any line inside, outside, middle and look cool doin it.
My friend, I love your comments and your perspectives. If you have a bike you’d like me to feature on this website, surf over to the “contact” page and drop me a line. I’ll get it on the site and you can show all your friends!
Looks like Cycle Sport sold the last Avenger 27.5 . Was it someone who reads this site? Hope so. I tracked down the last one l can find still Available. Check out Circuitbmx.com or type in Avenger27.5 for sale and scroll down and the site will be there. Stay away from Time 2 Shine Bikes. I like many others have the same story and it’s not a good one. Do not pre order this bike from them ,WARNIG, WARNIG. If this bike is what you’re looking for go for it as I would be shocked 😳 if this ride will ever hit the shores again. I doubt if there is even fifty Avenger 27.5 cruiser / Klunker bikes in country. Hope this a help for anyone trying to locate this rare ride. Looks like Circuitbmx ships. Good luck 🍀 bike hunters.
Have been looking through and riding between sun & rain , thinking about which Klunker bike creation would get others out there inspired to buy and create an eye catching fun ride. Out of the bunch the bike I came up with to send photo’s of is the one I refer to as the BLACK WIDOW State Klunker 3 spd. It was not planned for it to look the part but when finished that’s what the bike resembles. It is the fastest Klunker I have and can keep up with traffic and with the Maxxis Hookworm free style tires that can allow the bike to lay deep through a smooth corner you feel little danger ⛔️ with this one, dressed in all black and red. If one could compare the bike to a motorcycle , it would be a super moto bike you power through pedaling. This one reels you into things one shouldn’t be doin. How exciting, huh. All go. Though the Klunker was finished to ride about eight months ago it felt it’ lacking something. “Graphics”! ??? I just had not found the right one. So the funny thing just happened about a couple of days after the reply about posting a few photos of one of the rides my order of colored plated stem bolts for the Avengers showed up from Dans Competition. In the box of bolts shipped someone included a black widow graphic. The one I’ve been looking for as it ties things up. I need to make a cover for the center of the frame where a water bottle faster bolts are to cover up what I feel is a bit unsightly wire ties for the shift cable before it gets it’s images out there. That is if you feel it’s worthy to post on your site. No offense taken if it don’t float the boat.
I’d love to get your ride on this site. Go to https://klunkers.ca/contact/ and send me the details, including a link to a folder of images (Google drive or similar).
Been trolling on the o’l info. hwy in the wee hrs. “Why!” I don’t know. My eyes are bigger than the real estate in the garage for another Transition Klunker as I had lost mine in one of those huge fires between Napa and Yolo county in August of 2020. Fun bike love it but if your gonna touch any pavement with that bad boy witch it is as it is almost built so tough you could use as a bmx hard tail dirt jumper, “really!”,than one would wan’t to install a pair of Maxxis Holly Roller 2.4 tires. Why because the tires this ride rolls out the door with are like rolling on gear teeth. Kind of equipped with dirt only tires. Everyone is selling these bikes for about twice the money than they went for new. Anyway finally I found one as close to brand new un touched as it gets for a reasonable price of eight hundred dollars on Pink Bike.That’s about a hundred more than they went for new. Remember it’s no longer in production and is collector bike, kind of an icon. Thought I would pass this along to Klunker fans on this site. This model is white and located in Colorado shipping available and this bike is a super deal at this price. If you the reader are not familiar with the Transition Klunker bike, then type in on YouTube Klunkers 3 That video speaks for the bike. It’s built for a Animal. You will break before you brake it. The only reason I did not pull the the trigger on this one was space as I took back my Sunday Hi C 29” back from the local bike shop I had for sell because I made space for it. You can cover a lot of real estate fast on this light strong big BMX ‘er. After getting the bike back I’m glad 😃 it never sold. My opinion I had a blue 2015 and also the D Block SE Big Ripper and so can say the Sunday is faster, better handling cheaper but a quality 100% chromoly fork&frame just a better bike. It’s not as flashy lookin as the Ripper that’s all and the seat post and post clamp are not that grate. Anyway good luck you Transition Klunker hunters this one as mention above won’t last at 800. If any local fans of this site make the big score it be fun to here about it. Stir the pot build the energy. It’s not good out there. Maybe 🤔 it’s time to escape to Klunker world. A simple world as it once was fun and no worries as the bikes themselves.