20 years

—

20 years ago today I was in high school and broke. I was dreaming of 4X and DH bikes, but all I could afford was a 1997 Schwinn Moab A1. When I left for college, I pretty much quit mountain biking and over the years my Schwinn mutated into a commuter bike.

21.01.2006: cheapest conversion to a singlespeed
21.01.2006: cheapest conversion to a singlespeed
09.12.2006: more BMX parts recycling, no more suspension fork
09.12.2006: more BMX parts recycling, no more suspension fork
14.11.2008: slimmer fork, huge gear ratio, no more rear brake
14.11.2008: slimmer fork, huge gear ratio, no more rear brake
18.07.2010: pivotal seat post
18.07.2010: pivotal seat post
25.04.2013: while bike messenging. Temporary cranks, new wheels, high-rise bars, other BMX parts
25.04.2013: while bike messenging. Temporary cranks, new wheels, high-rise bars, other BMX parts
15.11.2013: while bike messenging. Added a rear brake for rainy days, no chain-tensioner anymore, 44/16 gear ratio, back to (almost) original bars, clipless pedals
15.11.2013: while bike messenging. Added a rear brake for rainy days, no chain-tensioner anymore, 44/16 gear ratio, back to (almost) original bars, clipless pedals
02.08.2015: same as before, but with BMX pedals and without fenders
02.08.2015: same as before, but with BMX pedals and without fenders
Part Brand / Model Options Date
Frame Schwinn Moab A1 21", 7005 alu, black/red 17.04.1997
Fork - black (spray painted) 2008
Stem - black 23.04.2013
Bars Specialized black 1997
Front brake lever Shimano Deore black 2013
Front brakes Shimano Deore black 2013
Rear brake lever Shimano Deore black 2013
Rear brakes Shimano Deore black 2013
Front hub Shimano XT grey :( 06.03.2013
Front rim Sun Rhyno Lite black, 32H, 26" 06.03.2013
Rear hub Shimano LX black <2000
Rear rim Sun Rhyno Lite black, 32H, 26" 11.02.2013
Cassette - single 16T -
Sprocket Profile Imperial black, 44T 28.04.2013
Bottom bracket Profile Euro external, black 01.04.2013
Cranks Profile black, 180mm 04.03.2002
Pedals - black, plastic 23.04.2013
Seat MacNeil SL black, pivotal 02.01.2007
Seatpost MacNeil 330 black, pivotal 2010
Headset - - 17.04.1997
Front tire Specialized Fatboy 1.0 <2013
Rear tire Specialized Fatboy 1.0 <2013
Grips Odi Longneck red -
Spokes - grey :( -

The only parts remaining from the original complete bike are the headset (astonishingly!) and the frame.