
[What makes a great Silverback? Bravery? Strength? Ability to protect the troop? Size of the harem? Nope, it’s the willingness to take on ambitious, foolish projects without regard to the impact on bank account, reputation, or perception of sanity.
Last fall, the Digest introduced you to Silverback Ron who builds, and rides, outrageous bicycles.
Now, allow me to introduce Silverback Al of the Ridge Road SBs who has set the bar of Silverback achievement even higher by building his own vintage eBike. Here, in his own words, is his story. ]
“At 75, How Fun is Life?”
“Just completed my vintage e-bike build … and this bike rides like a dream … super quiet and smooth … had it up to 32 MPH thus far. Took one of my vintage bikes out of the collection, a chrome 1972 Schwinn Paramount. In 1972, these were the most desired racing bikes, painstakingly hand built in Chicago. Having only the best bikes in my collection, the chrome Paramount is the pinnacle, and I have them all, every Italian machine of the day, the Cinelli, Colnagos, etc., so a great item to convert to an E road bike. (currently have 9 vintage Paramounts in my collection including a 1936 and a 1941) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwinn_Paramount . The lugwork (frame building attachment details) as shown in the picture in website are a work of art. Mostly, these were built in the USA by an artist. Today, I doubt there is any bicycle built in America. Containers from China?
Used a 1200 watt hub motor on this. Polished the motor to go along with the chrome (special order) Paramount frame. Changed the racing handlebars to street bars for the “senior” rider. The most work was hiding the battery, not putting it on the frame downtube.
This is a off road e-bike I built previously. Took a 10 year old carbon suspension bike and converted it into a e-bike. Did the same leather battery bag on special holder but placed motor on bottom bracket. With me, it’s the project, not the results. Projects are good for the hands and mind. At 75 years old, how fun is life?”
Silverback Allan Wilker
A great project, hobby and attitude…”Ride on!”
Sounds like my kind of ape! Didn’t see photos of his work.