General Cycling Discussion - Ritchey at Goodwill - is it worth $50?

Alright, found a Ritchey mountain bike at goodwill tonight. Its an early 90s model, it stated Tange on the frame, World Champion 90,91,92 on the frame as well. No suspension, almost looks like a mix between a hybrid and a mountain bike. Components, xt deore brakes and shifters, 105 cranks, shimano 600 rear derailer - didnt get a read on the front. Control tec stem and post - deore hubs, didnt check the rims. It needs a serious tune up, but the ritchey red frame was fun to look at. It would be nothing more than a local cruiser with the family, but is it worth 50 bucks???

I say so.

$50? Yeah, I'd say so. The frame at least is worth a bit more than that. I'd say go for it, even if it is in need of a tune up. It would be good for what you described.

If you like old-school mountain bikes, as I do, go for it.

I once had a haro that had a softride suspension stem on it. Given the age of this ritchey, could I put one of those suckers on it. Just thinking, this could be a rather nice off roader for my wife, who currently has a trek hybrid thats a tank. I think she could benifit from a much lighter bike. Any insight on if the softride stem would work? I would like for her to have some suspension, and given the cheap cost of these now on ebay, why not - thats if I find the ritchey their tomorrow! Also, whats up with the 105 cranks on it, those are road bike components? right.

I've put Road cranks on MTBs before for the gearing... no biggie. This bike may have been set up as a commuter. Not only is the frame worth more than fifty bucks, I bet the components are too... if it's going to be used on pavement exclusively, I wouldn't even bother with a suspension fork. Adds weight and little function.

Buy it. Especially if you can wrench it yourself. If I'dve seen it, it would be gone by now.

Do you have directions to this Goodwill?

Went back to look at the Ritchey again. The stem is a Bontager, the rims are specialized, but have some wear or grit and grease. Some decent panaracer knobbies. Im thinking its a 17.5 no more, to small for me - but its very light, I would purchase it maybe for my wife to ride trails, she already has a hybrid trek. However this baby is light and I think it would make her riding more enjoyable. Its average in condition at best. Tough decision. Maybe Ill take my digital cam and get some pics -

i'm suddenly found wishing i had a way to get to madison from milwaukee. sounds about my size, and i've been wanting a mountain bike for some time.

Holy cow, snap it up.

If you dont want it, let me know.

geez man, hope you bought it, I own an old ritchey and don't need to shop- sick frames- I ride the street over potholesw\ one hand-the frame runs straight-like the bike you were talking about was prob 1200- 1400$ u.s. 10+ years ago. Basic poop- my logic forks are worth 150- 50 bucks is the price of a good tire-not a world class mtb frame. jeff

By the time you're done procrastinating, someone else will have bought it...

, but is it worth 50 bucks???

What else can you spend $50 on that would be so useful and so much fun? $50 for a quality MTB with quality components is a bargain!

If you think about it for too long, it will be gone. I check the local Goodwill stores often for bikes, and have found some really nice bikes for very little cost. The best so far was a Burely Tandem for $100. After a little work and new tires I donated it to a local ride with the blind group. I think it was someone on this list that found a Ryan Duplex at a Goodwill in Texas for $75, The Duplex sells new for about $4000.

The rule of thumb about buying old bikes is to make sure the bike fits you OR know for sure that you can re-sell it immediately at a profit.

I think you might have a hard time selling it, so make sure it either fits you or someone in your circle who wants it.

If it fits, buy it.

Mike

What kind of store is Goodwill in the US? I thought the Goodwill's here (Toronto) all had like stuff for people with not a lot of money...so therefore the stuff their wouldn't have like bikes. I thought it was just clothes donated by people, to sell for cheap to others. ??? Anyone in Toronto know any goodwills that sell bikes?

Goodwill is a thrift store, dealing in merchandise someone didn't want and thus gave to charity. As such, they can have a real variety of items, from the downright hideous to the stuff that's actually worth something. Some goodwills in richmond occasionally have bikes; some don't-- they only have clothing. However, a good thrift can on occasion have prime cycling equipment and bikes. I've had considerable fortune at the local thrifts here in Richmond.

I found my 1978 Raleigh Grand Prix at a local thrift store for $22.95!. A seat change and some lube and I have been riding it ever since. I do plan to put new rims and handle bars on it soon.

Go for it, it would be a cool Christmas gift for the Mrs. What better way to say I LOVE YOU than doing something like this so you can spend more quaility time together!

What kind of store is Goodwill in the US? I thought the Goodwill's here (Toronto) all had like stuff for people with not a lot of money...so therefore the stuff their wouldn't have like bikes. I thought it was just clothes donated by people, to sell for cheap to others. ??? Anyone in Toronto know any goodwills that sell bikes?

It is like a giant yard sale, just about anything and everything. You don't have to be poor to shop there. The money you spend there is used to help the needy, not the donate goods itself. If only poor people shopped there they would not have any money to fill their mission (running shelters, employability programs for the disabled, meals on wheels, etc etc). Not to mention recycling stuff is always better (well, not underwear...but lamps, bikes and such). Yet it is a good resource for those on fixed/low income.

Good thrift store story-we have a Value Village here-same deal-I bought an ugly old rock with paint on it-thouht it may have some amolite in the stone- only ten bucks- my bud split it w\ me 5$ invest- guess what? 3-30 thousand dollars of opal- gonna get that foes weasel when when we sell it. Look for the sparkle in the rough boys.

I found my 1978 Raleigh Grand Prix at a local thrift store for $22.95!. A seat change and some lube and I have been riding it ever since. I do plan to put new rims and handle bars on it soon.

Go for it, it would be a cool Christmas gift for the Mrs. What better way to say I LOVE YOU than doing something like this so you can spend more quaility time together!

OOOhhh, SWEEET! Now that is a nice ride. Old school to be sure, but a very nice ride.

OOOhhh, SWEEET! Now that is a nice ride. Old school to be sure, but a very nice ride.

You are right, Mike. It is old school, however with a the two upgrades I mentioned in my previous post, it will ROCK! Oh, I'll be putting new tires on it as well. Here are a couple of photos of it. (Please, no comments about my crummy couch. :p )


I'll post some additional photos on my yahoo page.

Terrible couch (sorry, I couldn't resist).
Nice find... I'd get rid of the gutripper shifters on it, though. Maybe some nice bar end shifters, or something. And take off the suicide levers, please. Then it'll be perfect.

AquariaGuy
Have a look at the Goodwill located one block north of King East and I believe on Church St. - kitty corner to St. James Cathedral Park. There used to be an annexe to the main building and in it's basement is where you would find the bikes.

Hey, did nikos buy the damn bike or what?????