Bicycle Mechanics - At what point do you say "Buy a new bike"

I had some people ask me to look at their bikes. The bikes are a matched pair. They are at least 15 years old and they have been left outside for the last 7 years. They are/were cromoly frames, have cantilever brakes, Kenda tires, no quick release, thumbshifters, Shimano SIS derailleur, 6 speed cassette/freewheel. They said they bought them at a bike shop. The brand on the down tube is LEADER. I have never heard of this brand.

Anyway, as soon as I saw the bikes one of which had multiple spokes broken on both wheels ( I think because their teenaged sons had been doing jumps with it) I figured go out and buy new bikes. The drive trains were seized with the chain and rear cogs so rusted the links would not bend. I managed to get the rusted chain apart and then soaked it overnight but it is finished. So I am plannning to tell these people to go out and buy new hybrid bikes. They are in their mid forties and do not really ride much. Jsut the occasional jaunt. So I figure they should be able to get a good deal on a pair of bikes. BTW when I took the seat of the bikes and flipped the biek over dirty brown water came pouring out. Which would indicate that the seat tube was full of water.

I was wondering at what point some of you may have resurrected bikes. At what point do you just say, "Gee go out and buy some new bikes"

If the bike is a '70's Masi or Colnago Super, or a first edition Ritchey (or even an early stump, maybe) we should suffer greviously to save it, as a work of art, as a piece of our history. but probably not a leader. it would cost more to respoke the wheels than both bikes are worth.

It was my impression that Leader makes decent frames. http://www.leaderbikeusa.com/ but the website (of the frame that I know) say Leader Bike USA has only been around since 2000, but perhaps Leader has been around before or building longer or your estimate of age is off.

If the exterior paint is in decent shape and the frames actually ride nicely, they seem like singlespeed/fixed gear candidates.

Let the folks know the costs of fixing the bikes up nice (and benefits), and also let them know the costs of a new ride (and benefits). Then let the customer decide.

Is there any chance that they'll treat a pair of new bikes any better than the existing bikes?

I'd hate to see them buy new bikes only to have them put outside in the weather again.

When do you buy a new bike? When you have money in your pocket and the wife's not looking.

The first and last NEW bicycle I bought was my Nishiki, in March 1971. I have bought, sold, given away, and received numerous USED bikes, however.

the good news is that if you can get most of the rust out, then the frame will be lighter than it ever was! it's like custom butting.

It was my impression that Leader makes decent frames. http://www.leaderbikeusa.com/ but the website (of the frame that I know) say Leader Bike USA has only been around since 2000, but perhaps Leader has been around before or building longer or your estimate of age is off.

If the exterior paint is in decent shape and the frames actually ride nicely, they seem like singlespeed/fixed gear candidates.

Let the folks know the costs of fixing the bikes up nice (and benefits), and also let them know the costs of a new ride (and benefits). Then let the customer decide.

Leader has been around way before 2000.

THOSE bikes, unfortunately, ought to be sent to "bike heaven"!

However, I would not recommend that these "bike abusers" buy anything "fancy". In fact, if you can find good, USED, bikes to fit them, it would be the best solution. Preferably with aluminum frames!! (No rust!)

(Imagine, keeping a bike OUTSIDE, in the weather...ignored...for years! How cruel can you be??? :( )

Say it now, don't waste any more time on those bikes.

Say it now, don't waste any more time on those bikes.
Agreed

Leader has been around way before 2000.

Yes, that was my impression as well. I wonder what the website meant.

One of the members of the Ohio City Bike Co-op is a Leader distributor.
PM me if you want his e-mail address.

Enjoy

At what point do you just say, "Gee go out and buy some new bikes"

ANYTIME the wife gives her permission to get a new one!

At what point do you just say, "Gee go out and buy some new bikes"

Gee, I say it every spring. Right before my wife says "No!"

So they did decide to go out and buy new bikes. They let me keep the old bikes. They will be good practice. I have already begun disssembling them. I just need to get a crank puller to get the cranks off and whatever other bottom bracket tools I may need.

I say they should be resurrected. But after being melted down and recycled first. A piece of junk bike is one thing, a rusted piece of junk bike is just too much to even bother looking at. I'd say break it down so you can recycle that crap.

At what point do you just say, "Gee go out and buy some new bikes"

Whenever there is room in the garage for a new one. - Oh but that isn't really what this thread is all about then is it? ;)