Draconiator

Or is my bike beyond help? Ever since I basically wrecked it, it's been left outside for 2 years, and I was too pissed to even LOOK at it, but since I found this place, well, I figured that people here could advise me on what to do. We have another junker ( https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82...r/IMAG0123.jpg - I know, this thing is "wouldn't be caught dead on" material ) that I could cannibalize parts from if you guys think that would work. What I thought of doing is taking the rims from that one, and convert my MTB into a roadie, but I don't know if I can do that...

Anyway, here's my very sick patient: (Took these pictures about 30 minutes ago)

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82...r/IMAG0122.jpg

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82...r/IMAG0121.jpg

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82...r/IMAG0120.jpg (Note the 4-wheeler, I have way too many things I like to do...)

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82...r/IMAG0119.jpg

https://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y82...r/IMAG0118.jpg

So should I focus on fixing it either by bringing it to the local bike shop or cannibalising the other one, or just get a new bike?

sjs731

You would be way farther ahead to get yourself a new bike.

wroomwroomoops

I was going to suggest that you buy a new bike, too. But then I thought "why did he leave it outside for 2 years?". So, instead of buying a new bike, fix this one - for punishment. It will take you quite a long time, first of all to learn the stuff you need to know (and we'll gladly help with that) and then to implement what you have learnt, correctly. At the end you will have a well-working bicycle, and you have learned a LOT. And, you will have built up character, perhaps the most valuable outcome.

DMF 

Good answer!

tellyho

New bike. Make some rusty art out of that one.

Mr. Underbridge

Other than wroom's advice that you should be forced to restore it to rideable condition as some sort of penance...it's toast. Looks like it might have more than just surface rust on some parts of the frame where you don't want weakness. Many/most of the components would need to be replaced, although some might be saved with sanding and some lube...maybe.

For what it's worth, your other junker actually looks a lot better to me, though it has issues too.

bkaapcke

As a former street rodder, I can tell you it definitely can be restored to better than new condition. It's only a question of money. You could buy several bikes of your liking for what the fix would cost. Get a new bike, and for punishment, get an expensive one you really want. Then take care of it. bk

WNG

It's dead, Jim!

Time to recycle it (pun intended).

A better penance is to must buy another bike in order to ride. Or go bikeless since your negligence has denied you a repairable ride. A waste of $ bottom line, that could have been cheap fix of a new rim.

JeanCoutu

Let's see...

1. remove both derailleurs, shifters & cables/rear wheel/rear brake + lever & also the chain off from the mtb
2. get a new bmx chain (and a chain tool)
3. salvage back wheel off the roadster, plop it in the mtb.
4. ???
5. Profit!

Or, for the price of new chain + chain tool, get a reasonable used mtb at flea market/salvation army/garage sale.

ad6mj

Ditch the MTB. If you want to put some effort into the roadster that might be worthwhile.

Retro Grouch 

You could buy a brand spanking new bike shop bike, with every single part brand new, every single part designed to work with every other part, and with a new bike warranty, for less than what it will cost you to fix this one.

Draconiator

Right, then. I asked because my dad was a mechanic, and I kind of inherited the mechanic gene from him (I successfully replaced the back tire with another old 4-year-old bike I took care of, but I only had one low gear. I think the derailer wasn't changing gears on the cassette in back.), so, looks like I'm going to buy one. And hmmm...that roadster might be a fun project too, so thanks you guys.

Oh, and this bike was the one I got at a garage sale for $20, so I didn't lose out THAT hard, yeah, maybe I'll get a roadie, since I never go off-road anyway.

JanMM

dig a hole and bury it. remove any petroleum-based grease or lube first.

2372ighost

The bike is DOA. Buy a new bike and ride. If the bike bug bites you, then strip it clean the usable parts and build a frankin bike.

dirtbag214

this is a joke....right?? you walk into any bicycle shop with that and they'll tell you to turn around and walk back out with it. trust me on this.

Deanster04

If you want to learn about bike parts dissect this one carefully piece by piece and contemplate the functionality of the parts. Give it a proper burial. Then buy another bike and take abetter care of it. Amen.

DDYTDY

Not trying to hate on your bike but........

It was not worth much when it was new. Its worth less then the scrap metal where it sits now.

Sorry dude.

Joshua A.C. New

Yeah, don't miss the opportunity to take it apart and see what's in the mystery bits. Most of the parts will be different on a newer and better bike, but they still do the same thing.

Craigslist or a flea market will definitely get you a better bike for the cost of a new derailleur and chain.

I recently built a bike for about $100. Lots of parts came out of the trash, and some I bought used. There were no new parts except the brakes, which I wanted to make sure were good. It's a 90% good bike now, and putting $50 into building a new rear wheel and straightening the fork will make it all that I wanted it to be. If you don't mind taking some time, buying some tools, and doing things over again, you'll be able to find lots of bikes of similar or better quality in dumpsters. Pick parts off one and put it on another. If you don't know what something does, come here and ask! Er, once you've hit up Sheldon.

Building bikes is a blast. It's like Legos that you get to ride on. Satisfy that mechanic gene!

If you want to see what you can do, hit up Velospace, too. There's a little bit of "Look how much I spent!" but also a lot of earnest and personal creativity.

Bikedued

I say hit a flea market/thrift store/pawn shop, and get a better name brand older MTB in decent condition. You will be SHOCKED at the difference from your old bike. The price will be great too. New bikes are nice and all, but $650 seems to be the entry level these days. In my book that is outrageous, lol. I routinely find old RockHoppers and Hard Rocks for $50 and under. I pass them up now, since I am full up on vintage MTB's at the moment.

Look for quick release wheels, forged drops, CrMo at the least on frame construction, and you should be good. Watch out for chewed up chain stays, bent wheels, broken or nonfuntional shifters, cracked frame tubes, etc. Even after you replace all the cables, brakes, tires, relube it, grips etc etc etc, you will come out hundreds below an entry level bike at your local bike shop. If you're mechanically inclined, spend the effort on a more worthy bike. The satisfaction level will make all the work worthwhile.,,,,BD

Here's a couple from the pawn shop and thrift store circuit, and price paid..... I have less than $150 in each and they are very nice riding machines. Some are before pics, and others after. Pretty easy to tell I imagine.

$40


$20


$15


$35 I think? not much more?

Lurch

The scenery behind your bike is very nice. You live in a pretty place.

GeoLes

I think you should invest the time and labor into fixing up the old bike. That way you will develop appreciation for a smooth running bike. Maybe then you will stop neglecting your bike.

alicestrong

Even I wouldn't touch this one...

wroomwroomoops

You are a lucky bas*ard.

bobn

Looks like it is beginning to break down into its primary elements. fugget aboudit

seans_potato_business

I say buy a new rim, replace it and ride around on it as though the last two years never happened.