Bike has been in a garage for 2 years
06-25-12, 08:10 AM
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Bike has been in a garage for 2 years
As I am just getting into cycling some one gave me a bike that has been in the garage for 2 years. What sort of things should I look for?
06-25-12, 08:13 AM
#2
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If "some one" tells you it worked fine before being stored you could pump up the tires and if they hold air try it out. But I'd recommend you take it to a shop, tell them the above and ask what it needs, unless you have a knowledgable friend you trust. There is no way for us to know what condition it was in beforehand or what happened to it in the garage during those two years.
06-25-12, 08:21 AM
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At minimum, it will need a cleanup, tune-up, and lubrication as well as proper adjustment to fit the intended rider. Past that, there is no way from your description for us to know if you have a diamond or a lump of coal. Make, model, and year (even approximate) and a few pictures would help. An overall shot from the chain side and closeups of the front and rear drivetrain would be a big help. As mentioned above, if you have a knowledgeable cycling friend who does at least some of their own wrenching, they may be able to help. Most LBSs offer basic inspections for little or nothing and basic tune-up and lube at a decent price.
06-25-12, 08:29 AM
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Ok, its nothing special just a basic bike purchased at the PX. Shopping for a new bike now this was just to get me started.
06-25-12, 09:30 AM
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If it came from the PX it was likely built by a contractor and may or may not have been quality work. I like the others have said a basic tuneup is certainly in order. Any one else in your unit bicycle? I bet they would be glad to help.
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
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“One morning you wake up, the girl is gone, the bikes are gone, all that's left behind is a pair of old tires and a tube of tubular glue, all squeezed out"
Sugar "Kane" Kowalczyk
06-25-12, 10:06 AM
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Buy a good floor pump - you'll never regret it. If your tires hold air and the rubber isn't all cracked and the brake are in working condition - it's ready to be ridden. All the other stuff will make itself apparent after a while.
In general though, people place a little too much emotional worth in something that was given to them as a gift - you likely don't have anything worth putting much time or money into - so have fun with it for now and save the coin for a bike shop bike.
In general though, people place a little too much emotional worth in something that was given to them as a gift - you likely don't have anything worth putting much time or money into - so have fun with it for now and save the coin for a bike shop bike.
06-25-12, 10:12 AM
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You need to find out if it is the right size for you, before anything else. It the size is way off nothing else matters. Bike frames are different sizes for different size riders.
Take it to a shop, or someone who knows how to fit you.
Take it to a shop, or someone who knows how to fit you.
06-25-12, 10:15 AM
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PX? don't here that everyday here. Thanks for your service!!
If it came from the PX it was likely built by a contractor and may or may not have been quality work. I like the others have said a basic tuneup is certainly in order. Any one else in your unit bicycle? I bet they would be glad to help.
If it came from the PX it was likely built by a contractor and may or may not have been quality work. I like the others have said a basic tuneup is certainly in order. Any one else in your unit bicycle? I bet they would be glad to help.
Oh, I did not intend to misrepresent myself. My Dad gave me the bike he was in the Air Force for 22 years and purchased the bike at Ft Bragg. Brought it home put it in the garage and there it sat untill he gave it to me. I will thank him for you though for his service
06-25-12, 10:25 AM
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With that history, it's probably ready to ride. Enjoy!
06-25-12, 10:50 AM
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https://sheldonbrown.com/frame-sizing.html
If the bike isn't a perfect fit(few are if they're not custom frames built for the rider) you can certainly still ride it, it just won't be the most comfortable/efficient bike for you.
good luck and have fun,
Brian
Last edited by calstar; 06-25-12 at 10:55 AM.
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