You’ll never guess how I got into collecting and naming blue bikes.
Back in college, my roommate Frank and I found an old sky blue 1970 Schwinn Continental abandoned behind our dorm dumpster.
We fixed it up, replaced the tires and brakes, and called it “Ol’ Blue” after the song. That bike carried us all over campus and into town for late night food runs.
After graduation, Frank and I went our separate ways but always reminisced about our adventures on Ol’ Blue.
Years later, when I saw a vintage robin’s egg blue Schwinn cruiser for sale online, I had to buy it to recapture some of that nostalgia from college.
One blue bike quickly turned into two, then five, and now I have over 70 bikes with creative blue inspired names.
Each bike has a special story and memories attached to it.
Who knew a free discarded bike from college would turn into a lifelong hobby and collection?
Robin’s Egg
This 1960s Schwinn cruiser is a light robin’s egg blue that reminds me of spring. I found it at a garage sale, covered in dust and cobwebs.
After a thorough cleaning and replacing the dried out tires, Robin’s Egg was ready to cruise again. I take this bike out on sunny weekend mornings, its cheerful color putting a smile on my face.
Royal Sapphire
A name fit for royalty, “Royal Sapphire” adds a touch of regal elegance to your ride. Imagine cruising with the allure of a precious gem.
Midnight Cruiser
“Midnight Cruiser” evokes the mystery of the night. With deep blue shades, this name suits those who prefer roads less traveled.
Azure Thunder
Azure Thunder promises excitement and adventure. Picture yourself as a blue lightning streak, cutting through the wind.
Ocean Mist
“Ocean Mist” captures the calmness of the sea. Your bike becomes a vessel of peace, cutting through urban chaos.
Cobalt Bullet
“Cobalt Bullet” signifies speed and sleekness. Picture yourself as a bullet tearing through the wind in vibrant cobalt blue.
Electric Indigo
Indigo signifies depth and mystery, but with “Electric,” it takes on a futuristic edge. ““Electric Indigo” isn’t just a bike; it’s a glimpse into 21st-century riding.
Blue Hawaii
With its banana seat, high sweptback handlebars, and metallic blue paint, this 1970s beach cruiser looks like it came straight out of the 1960s surf scene. I picked up Blue Hawaii for cheap at a thrift store, where it sat neglected in the back corner.
A new paint job and Hawaiian floral decals turned it into a true throwback cruiser. I can practically hear the Beach Boys and smell the coconut suntan lotion when I take Blue Hawaii down to the shore on summer weekends.
Blue Suede Shoes
Certain bikes seem to take on a personality of their own, and this electric blue 1970s Schwinn is one of them. With its well-worn saddle and temperamental gears, Blue Suede Shoes has as much attitude as Elvis himself.
I rescued it from a yard sale after it sat unused for years in someone’s garage. A little TLC got it rolling again, clunks and all. It may not be the smoothest ride, but biking around town with Blue Suede Shoes is never boring!
Big Blue
Some bikes make a bold statement, and Big Blue is true to its name.
This oversized royal blue cruiser commands attention with its hulking frame, fat tires, and custom electric blue paint job. I spotted it abandoned behind my local bike shop, completely rusted out.
After consulting the shop owner, I hauled it home, restored the giant frame, and had it repainted in the most eye-catching blue I could find. Now Big Blue turns heads whenever I take it out for a spin around the neighborhood.
Blueberry
One look at this deep purple-blue bike, and the name Blueberry popped into my head. Its rich jewel tones remind me of fresh blueberries.
I discovered Blueberry in a friend’s storage unit, covered by junk. After digging it out and inflating the cracked tires, I surprised my friend by repairing and repainting it as a birthday gift.
The color matches his favorite blueberry pie I make every year for his birthday. Now he cruises around town on Blueberry, thinking of summer, blueberries, and friendship.
The Blues
Some bikes seem to have inherent musicality, and The Blues just sings. Its metallic blue paint with custom blue flame accents gives it speed and rhythm.
I bought this slick retro racer from a guitar player who was Moving and couldn’t take it with him.
He said its soulful color inspired many impromptu jam sessions. After a tune-up, The Blues was ready to wail. When I hop on this bike, instinctively I want to play the blues and feel the music in my soul.
Deep Blue Sea
The deep midnight blue paint on this 1970s ten-speed is as mysterious and peaceful as the ocean depths. I spotted Deep Blue Sea tossed on a scrap heap behind the old shipyard downtown, its dark blue paint chipped and faded.
After salvaging it, I gave it a cosmetic restoration to bring back its rich, dark color. When I pedal along the harbor after sunset on Deep Blue Sea, I feel like I’m gliding through the shadows of the deep sea.
Moonlight Sonata
Some bikes capture a feeling, and this sultry midnight blue Schwinn brings out my soulful side. The matching blue upholstery on the seat looks like rippling midnight water. I discovered Moonlight Sonata in the free pile at a garage sale, coated in grime.
After cleaning and tuning it up, I christened this elegant bike after Beethoven’s piano solo that’s equally deep and dark. Moonlight Sonata inspires me to ponder life’s mysteries whenever I cruise home late beneath the stars.
Midnight Mystery
As black as a moonless night sky, Midnight Mystery lives up to its ominous name. I rescued this 1970s black-blue Schwinn from neighborhood kids who were vandalizing it. After replacing the tires and tuning it up, its new coat of glossy dark paint gave it an air of intrigue.
With its vintage headlight and rearview mirror, Midnight Mystery transports me to a shadowy film noir scene. I seek adventure after sunset on this bike, pretending to solve sinister mysteries.
Calm Before the Storm
The grayish-blue color of this 1980s ten-speed reminds me of gathering storm clouds. I aptly named it Calm Before the Storm when I bought it cheap from a seller who said the bike had “issues.” True to its name, this temperamental bike requires patience and care.
But after rebuilding the brake calipers and replacing its noisy chain, smooth reliable riding emerges from the chaos. I love pedaling Calm Before the Storm along the lake and feeling the wind pick up as a storm brews offshore.
Sky Blue
As cheerful as a sunny summer day, this light blue 1970s Schwinn lives up to its simple name. I found Sky Blue in a friend’s shed, covered in cobwebs.
After a thorough cleaning and tune-up, riding it feels like gliding through a clear blue sky. I cruise Sky Blue along the park trails on my lunch break, its bright color and smooth ride lifting my mood.
Overcast
Moody weather often inspires my bike names, like this grayish-blue Raleigh reminiscent of stormy skies. I almost left Overcast stuck in the mud at a flooded yard sale, but decided to rescue it instead.
After cleaning off the grime to reveal its true color and replacing the rusted chain, Overcast was ready for a new life. Its color reminds me of gloomy rainy days, but riding Overcast has the opposite effect – getting out for a ride always clears the clouds away from my mind.
Blue Moon
The glowing metallic blue paint on this 1980s road bike put me in mind of a blue moon lighting up the night sky.
I rescued Blue Moon from a high school student who outgrew it. After restoring the brake pads and patching the seat, its namesake color shone through again. Gliding along on Blue Moon late at night feels otherworldly, like cruising through a blue-lit dreamscape. The bike radiates its own lunar energy.
Blueberry Hill
Bright purple-blue bikes make me think of blueberry flavor, like this vintage 1970s ten-speed. I named it Blueberry Hill after the Fats Domino song. Its previous owner was about to junk it after leaving it outside for years.
After repairs got it rolling again, I gave it a new custom blueberry purple paint job. Riding Blueberry Hill transports me back to music-filled summer nights, leaving all my troubles far behind, just like the song goes.
Bluets
Tiny wild blueberries inspired this petite bike’s name. I rescued Bluets from a trash cleanup event, barely more than a frame and rusty wheels.
After rebuilding it into working order, its fresh powder blue paint job reminded me of popping juicy bluets into my mouth on summer hikes. Though one of the smallest bikes in my collection, Bluets has the biggest personality, zipping and zinging wherever we roam.
Heartbreak Hotel
The well-worn personality of this faded blue 1970s cruiser seemed fitting for an Elvis-inspired name like Heartbreak Hotel.
I bought it cheap from a cash-strapped college student moving away. After some mechanical work and DIY upholstery repairs, Heartbreak Hotel was ready to rock again.
Its quirky gears, creaky brakes and engine rumble give it the charm and character of The King himself. We may not be the smoothest duo, but we’ll never bore the neighbors cruising around town.
TARDIS
This mod dark blue road bike reminded me of the Doctor Who time-traveling spaceship, so I named it TARDIS. I found it in a mechanic friend’s garage, who gave it to me for free after it sat unclaimed for months.
With some elbow grease polishing the faded paint and a Doctor Who decal, this space-age bike was ready to time travel. Its sleek frame and precision handling make me feel like I’m zooming through the space-time continuum wherever we go.
Blaze of Glory
With its bright orange-blue metallic paint, Blaze of Glory lives up to its larger-than-life Bon Jovi name. I spotted this flashy 1980s ten-speed at a police bike auction and knew I had to have it.
After replacing the chain, inflating the ego-sized tires, and adding vivid new paint, Blaze of Glory was ready to rock. Heads turn everywhere we go, but basking in the bike’s flamboyance feels like living in a blaze of glory, just like the Jon Bon Jovi song.
Cerulean Dream – Riding into the Horizon
“Cerulean Dream” paints your ride with the hues of a clear sky, inviting you to chase your dreams on two wheels.
Navy Nova – A Galactic Ride
“Navy Nova” conjures images of a starry night, making your bike feel like a vessel through the cosmos.
Teal Tempest – Unleash the Tempest Within
“Teal Tempest” merges the calming shades of teal with the raw power of a storm, a true force of nature.
Powdered Periwinkle – Whimsical and Wonderful
“Powdered Periwinkle” lends a touch of whimsy to your ride, a name that’s as playful as it is enchanting.
Denim Drifter – Effortless Style on the Road
“Denim Drifter” channels the laid-back coolness of your favorite jeans, promising effortless style as you ride.
Cobalt Blaze – Ignite Your Passion for Riding
“Cobalt Blaze” captures the fiery spirit within you, igniting a passion for adventure as you hit the road.
Navy Enigma – A Mystery Waiting to Unfold
“Navy Enigma” holds a sense of intrigue, as if your bike conceals secrets only the open road can reveal.
Indigo Odyssey – Embark on a Colorful Journey
“Indigo Odyssey” invites you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration, guided by the shades of indigo.
Skyline Sapphire – Touching the Skies with Grace
“Skyline Sapphire” embodies the grace and elegance of the city skyline, a name that soars to new heights.
Azure Zenith – Reaching the Pinnacle of Peace
“Azure Zenith” aligns with the tranquility of the sky at its peak, a name that brings serenity to your ride.
Cobalt Echo – Resonate with the Road
“Cobalt Echo” signifies a lasting impact, an unforgettable resonance that your bike leaves wherever you go.
Turquoise Thrive – Thriving in Every Ride
“Turquoise Thrive” speaks to growth and vitality, a name that encourages you to thrive on every journey.
Navy Mirage – Illusions on the Open Road
“Navy Mirage” hints at the illusions and possibilities that await you as you navigate the open road.
Denim Nomad – Embrace Your Inner Wanderer
“Denim Nomad” embodies the spirit of adventure and the call of the open road, a name for the wanderers at heart.
Sapphire Solace – Finding Peace in Every Mile
“Sapphire Solace” offers a sense of solace and calmness as you carve your path through life’s twists and turns.
FAQs
Where do you find old blue bikes to fix up?
I’ve gotten most of my vintage blue bikes from garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and occasionally on the side of the road discarded as trash.
Some just needed cleaned and tuned up, while others required more serious repairs or even full renovations. But bringing an old blue bike back to life is part of the fun!
What should I name my blue bike?
Come up with a fun name that captures something unique about your bike, like its color, where you got it, quirks it has, memories made on it, or even just whatever funny phrase popped into your head at the time.
Get creative and don’t overthink it too much – the most important thing is that the name has special meaning to you.
Can I rock a blue bike even if I’m not a beach bum?
Absolutely! Blue is versatile. Whether you’re a city slicker or a mountain maven, blue adds a touch of class.
Which blue shade suits a vintage bike?
For a vintage vibe, go for a dusty or faded blue. It’s like adding a touch of nostalgia to your ride.
How can I make my blue bike stand out?
Contrast is key. Consider white or silver accents to make your blue bike pop like a star in the night sky.
Is a blue bike harder to maintain?
Nope! Maintenance depends on the bike, not the color. Keep your ride in top shape with regular TLC.
Are there any superstitions about blue bikes?
Some say blue bikes bring luck and adventure. Well, only one way to find out—hit the road and see!