Originally Posted by
Chris_in_Miami
I found a Blade at a thrift shop few years ago and later sold it on craigslist. I believe I sold it for around $175, but I don't know if I could get as much today. It was an entry-level road bike, but seemed solid and reasonably well made. Lugged steel frame, Shimano SIS derailleur, lousy brakes, etc...
If you can do the work yourself, I'd say "go for it!" Paying a shop to do it will probably cost more than the bike is worth.
from what i remember the brakes were lousy to borderline unsafe, do you think if i added some kool stops it would help?
i am going to try to do the work myself with the assist of youtube and interwebz, but i think i will first take the wheels in to the LBS to see if they are good. if they need replacing that seems to be the biggest cost and may make it not worth it.