Cheap Bike Build off 2025: Can We Make This Kalkhoff Cool?

Welcome to Cheap Bike Build Off 2025! 🚲💥 In this series, we’re taking on the challenge of building the coolest bike possible-on a $150 budget! This build-off was started by The Mullet Mechanic ‪@mull3tmechanic‬ on Instagram so check out his channel for more details. We only have until February 24th to complete our build, so we have to move fast.
For our project, we’re working with a vintage Kalkhoff city bike, and in Part 1, we introduce the build, check out the starting condition of the bike, and begin the teardown process. Can we turn this old-school ride into something awesome without breaking the bank? Follow along to find out!
🔥 If you love vintage bike restorations, budget bike builds, and DIY projects, you won’t want to miss this series! Hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE to keep up with our progress and see how our build stacks up against the competition.
🔧 Are you in the Cheap Bike Build Off? Drop a comment and let us know what you’re building!
#CheapBikeBuildOff2025 #cheapbikebuildoff #BikeBuildChallenge #BudgetBikeBuild #VintageBikeRestoration #Kalkhoff #DIYBikeProject #BicycleRestoration #OttawaBikeAndTrail
Ottawa Bike and Trail is an independent bike shop at the intersection of the Flint Hills Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail State Parks in Kansas. We are also a a Surly Intergalactic Destination Dealer.
Website: ottawabikeandt...
Instagram: @ottawwabikeandtrail
Facebook: @OttawaBikeandTrail

[@cecilecorpuz5735]

Way back in the late 70's to early 80's We'd build bikes that was found in the local dump with a budget of $ 10.00! Those were the days you could get 2 or 3 nearly complete bikes for $ 5.00, can't wait to see the final build.

[@yardsalecycles]

love the color

[@scottwistinghausen5026]

Gotta love orange

[@ottawabikeandtrail]

That’s the reason I wanted to use the frame. The color is spot on.

[@scottwistinghausen5026]

@ Bridgestone XO-1 orange is always worth building around

[@jarifauti4586]

Ah Kalkhoff. There are a lot of around here. Mostly ppl who don't know better ride them. They are solid.

[@brrrt6666]

Never thought these even existed outside of Germany let alone Europe. I suggest building it into sort of a vintage gravel bike, possibly with some Shimano positron and triple crank❤

[@davidcrowson4745]

I would think in 2025 that they would up the budget on the build. I can't go to Walmart and buy my stuff for lunch for one week for $150.

[@brrrt6666]

@@davidcrowson4745 there's still value in the used bike market, looks like we exist in some kind of bubble in that regard.

[@tonyalewis9053]

That front fender is cool! 😎

[@ottawabikeandtrail]

I agree. Hope we can use it on the build.

[@kimberlybasinger-js1gf]

Glad y’all got in on this. Can’t wait to see how the bike turns out!

[@ottawabikeandtrail]

Thanks! Me too!

[@pablozarapuz]

I'm finishing a custom build of a Kalkhoff trekking frame. They're quite common here in Germany.

[@seraphan6]

Right-hand thread on the BB drive side?