Mountain Biking - I think I've killed my bike, please help me save it.

Ok, well it probably isn't that bad, but my '94 Gary Fisher Aquila has seen better days. Just recently I've decided to resurect it and I need a lot of help. The bike was mildly used for a few seasons between '94 and '96, then it spent two years in the dank basement of my fraternity house, followed by a few more years neglected in my apartment and finally the last year out on my balcony...suffice it to say, she's in rough shape. There is rust on a lot of the components and I know she needs a serious overhaul. I've posted some pics below hoping that I can get some advice from people here, as I've been out of the loop for some time.

The first pic is of the bike and you can see I need a new derailleur cable.
http://2k2s4.portfolioland.com/cycling/images/mtn_bike.jpg

Now comes the nasty stuff.

The cable guide into the rear derailleur broke off a while back so I'm planning on replacing the Shimano STX derailleur, the rusty chain, and the rusty cassette.
http://2k2s4.portfolioland.com/cycling/images/mtn_rear.jpg

The crank, chain rings and front derailleur are in rough shape, but I think I can salvage them with some metal polish as they are badly pitted. I might replace the front derailleur since the movement is pretty rusty. I'm guessing that the bottom bracket is also shot since it was sitting in standing water for a little while.
http://2k2s4.portfolioland.com/cycling/images/mtn_crank.jpg

I tried to clean up a bit of the crank and chain ring, I think it will work out ok.
http://2k2s4.portfolioland.com/cycling/images/mtn_crank_clean.jpg

The stem and handlebars are also in pretty bad shape:
http://2k2s4.portfolioland.com/cycling/images/mtn_stem.jpg

But again, I think it just needs a bit of polish:
http://2k2s4.portfolioland.com/cycling/images/mtn_stem_clean.jpg

So, as it stands right now, here is what I'm going to replace:

Chain, cassette, rear derailleur, all cables, maybe the stem if I can't get the rust off the bolt, bottom bracket, and pedals. Can anyone recommend anything that a neglected but otherwise sturdy bike could use after hibernating for a few years?

Thanks in advance for any help! Hope to see some of you on the trail. :)

Yes rip the bike down completely clean al bearing surfaces install new bearings in the wheels and headset with new grease. Check your tires and tubes for dry rot. Replace your brake pads. Replace any components in question since they were subjected to harsh conditions. In the future may I reccomend that this not be done again. If this begins to cost more than the bike is worth than procure a new bike ad donate this one to a less fortunate person.

Since basicaly you can salvage the frame, fork, crank, handlebar and wheels. Front derailleur are one of the least expensive parts on the drivetrain so just replace it, a low end one is under $20.

YOu might just look at getting a new bike, you are almost going to build one this way, but you will learn alot rebuilding this one.

Originally posted by Hunter
Check your tires and tubes for dry rot.

Thanks for all the advice. I actually just pumped up the tires and I found a torn sidewall in the rear...I guess I'll add new tires to the list. I'm wondering how much this is all going to cost now. I'm hoping to do it for under $300, do you think that is reasonable? I only paid $500 or $600 back in '94, but I've been looking around and most of the bikes I want are near or over $1000. For now, this just seems like a better financial decision. I'd hate to drop a lot of money for a new bike and then realize I don't really want to ride it. Thanks again.

- Matt

Originally posted by Kev
Since basicaly you can salvage the frame, fork, crank, handlebar and wheels. Front derailleur are one of the least expensive parts on the drivetrain so just replace it, a low end one is under $20.

YOu might just look at getting a new bike, you are almost going to build one this way, but you will learn alot rebuilding this one.

Thanks for the advice Kev, and for the advice in my road bike post yesterday. As you can see I've got my work cut out for me. I do like doing things myself and just starting fresh sort of seems like the easy way out (I guess I'm a glutton for punishment :)).

This is more of a personal challenge since I bought this bike very shortly before I got my drivers license and, unlike the road bike, never really rode it. I would seem like such a waste to me to toss it now. I'll keep you guys updated on my decision and progress. Thanks again.

- Matt

It can be alot of fun to fix you're old bike up. I'm decided to fix up my old steel road bike, check out the painting thread. Hopefuly will have it done in 2 weeks. Cost wise was not a smart move but, I'm still doing it.

Basicaly if you are in doubt about anything replace it :)
Really should not be to expensive, might have a harder time finding some 7sp stuff. I know nashbar still carries qutie a bit of 7sp stuff and with 10% off coupon.

Originally posted by Kev
It can be alot of fun to fix you're old bike up. I'm decided to fix up my old steel road bike, check out the painting thread. Hopefuly will have it done in 2 weeks. Cost wise was not a smart move but, I'm still doing it.

Basicaly if you are in doubt about anything replace it :)
Really should not be to expensive, might have a harder time finding some 7sp stuff. I know nashbar still carries qutie a bit of 7sp stuff and with 10% off coupon.

Cool! Thanks for the Nashbar tip...been a long time since I shopped there. I'm actually looking forward to this project. Thanks again.

- Matt

Convert it to a single speed and the only thing you'll probably have to buy is a pair of tires, brake cables and pads and a chain. $50 - $75 investment, unlimited smiles.

I was going to second the single speed suggestion.

Like you mentioned, the bottom bracket is probably toast. I'd definately rebuild and regrease the hubs and headset.

I suggest you look into a product called PB Blaster. It's a strong solvent (like WD-40, but better!), that will help tremendously in the dissassembly portion of your work. Spray down the affected areas and soak them thoroughly overnight to help loosen stuck bolts and nuts. I will add, this is NOT a lubricant, but a solvent! Good for freeing stuck parts, but not good for reassembly purposes.

The other thing I'll mention, you can get a cheap suspension fork for under $100, some as cheap as $69. The issue will be that they're threadless, and you have a quill stem. But, if you're planning on getting a new stem anyways, then the only thing you'd need is a new headset. Some as cheap as $15, and the condition of your might necessitate a new one regardless.

Think about it, a new fork ($70), new headset ($15), new stem ($25 some I've seen for $5), and convert to a single speed.

Sweeeeeeeeettttt!