Anti-theft parts bin sh*tter.

[Guinessisgoodforyou]

Perhaps the dissonance of something shiny might add to the overall sense of unease the bike will inspire.

What do you suggest? I could leave the saddle unscathed, and maybe use the bright orange ODI grips?

Plastic jesus on the stem, or hula girlie.

 

[CassidyAce]

Some good ideas coming in. I agree with no decals and roughing up the parts, that's the route I'll be taking.

Here's the bike as a rolling chassis, there is more to be done.

View attachment 939245

I sprayed the cassette and spokes with a rust effect rattle can, it's quite convincing at a glance.

Saddle is one I got with a donor bike, I have others but mostly decent brands in nice condition, this is a cheapo generic 2000's perch which I won't mind scuffing up. Doesn't show up in the pic but the seat post is very scratched and scuffed.

The UN71 was too short in the spindle for the 600 chainset, so I've gone with a new Tange, headset likewise is a NOS Ritchey. Hubs have been fully serviced so all the bearings are in great shape. It should be a really smooth ride. Tyres are newish, they are light and rapid with good puncture protection which is what I need for commuting.

I love the mud guards, steel, way too wide for the wheels, held on with cable ties, plenty of dinks and already rusting.

That looks bleeding awful!

Well done!

 

[Frankenorange]

Needs

A U-lock mount on the frame, but no u-lock.

Black, or white gaffa tape looking like it is holding the nose of the saddle together.

A brand new handlebar bell ('I heart cycling', My Little Pony, etc) bought as xmas gift by child.

2 rusty Jubilee clips holding something on. Maybe something that has been re-purposed.

Double lights either front or back. 1 held together with gaffa tape.

Comedy valve cap(s). Also new as gift to self when drunk on ebay. Maybe only 1 as the other got lost fixing a puncture.

Some spokey-dokeys and/or reflective tape

 

[Frankenorange]

Plastic jesus on the stem, or hula girlie.

Wobbly head dashboard Elvis

This parts bin sh!tter-anti theft bike thing is a whole genre of bicycle. It is finding exactly the right balance of everything so it doesn't look contrived, but like something which has evolved over decades of being the workhorse and shows all the moods of the owner. Love, hate, tiredness, financial woes, desperation, etc

Much harder in some ways to achieve than building a regular bike if you are trying to re-create the look.