Should I buy a new cheap bike for parts?
#1
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Should I buy a new cheap bike for parts?
I have a 15 year old Dawes mountain bike that I can't scrap due to foolish sentiment and also it's superbly built, but unfortunately it now skips gears. I believe that a new cassette and chain will be required to fix this. Having priced up these parts they seem to cost more than buying a cheap £99 bike will provide all that I need (plus extras).
The obviously thought that comes to mind is why not just ride the cheap bike, but I believe that the Dawes is a better construction and old enough to have the thin shape that has only just come into fashion with 'hybrids'
Is this a sensible option?
The obviously thought that comes to mind is why not just ride the cheap bike, but I believe that the Dawes is a better construction and old enough to have the thin shape that has only just come into fashion with 'hybrids'
Is this a sensible option?
#2
kipuka explorer
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The nice thing about rebuilding your old bike is that you can put EXACTLY the components YOU want on it, and learn how to do your own maintenance at the same time. I'd think the parts on a L99 (I got no squiggly-L) bike would be pretty junky, though.
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#3
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The issue is quality. Shimano has so many component groups that they slice the quality pie prety thinly. If I move up or down one component group I can't sense any difference. If I move up or down two groups, I definitely notice a difference in how crisply they operate.
The quality of your Dawes seems to be what appeals to you. I think it would be a shame to put components on it that aren't of similar quality.
The quality of your Dawes seems to be what appeals to you. I think it would be a shame to put components on it that aren't of similar quality.
#4
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I think this is a poor idea if all you need is a cassette and chain. The parts on a cheap bike would be crap I would think. I found a good used cassette at a local LBS for $5.00 USD.
Maybe a cheap used, older bike with the good bits you require would be more cost-effective.
Cheers
Maybe a cheap used, older bike with the good bits you require would be more cost-effective.
Cheers
#5
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A new cassette and chain couldn't cost more than $40. More likely than not a cheap bike will either have components that don't fit, or components so crappy you won't even want to use them.