Originally Posted by
ColinL
Correct. If you can't get your old MTB running with new tubes, chain lube and maybe brake pads then DO NOT spend more and instead get a cheap new or used bike.
Unless he needs to take the hubs/BB/Headset apart and grease the bearings (it was kept in the basement). Then he needs a bunch of special tools and to figure out how to do all that and possably replace some or all of those parts. I don't think he knows how to do that. I DO know how and would gladly pay the kid in the LBS the $70 to do it for me! I'd be shocked it he weren't throwing good money after bad on this thing.... BUT... there certainly a lot of really great "barn finds" out there and his bike could be one of them. You might be 100% right! Not being able to inspect the bike in question, I can't tell. What I would hate to see is him nickel and dimeing himself through $80, 90 100 or more, still not having the bike function correctly (or maybe even not safely) and have him NOT be able to afford to buy a new bike at that point and get discouraged and walk away from the sport/hobby/lifestyle.
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"I'm built like a marine mammal. I love the cold! "-Cosmoline
"MTBing is cheap compared to any motorsport I've done. It's very expensive compared to jogging."-ColinL
Rides:
2023 Salsa Journeyer
2023 Rad Rover 6
1980ish Raleigh Marathon (Vintage Steel)
2006 Trek 820 (Captain Amazing) RIP
2010 Specialized Tricross (Back in Black)
2008 Specialized Roubaix RIP