Salvor

While cruising garage sales today I asked everyone if they had any scrap bikes to haul away. One fellow asked if I restored them or not. I told him I restore everything I possibly can. He then went out back and fished out a sorry looking Mongoose frame with a totally seized up chain. Given that he was trying to be helpful I accepted the bike frame with a jubilant thank you despite the feeling that I was going to add the remnants to my scrap metal pile when I got home. When I got home I grabbed the frame and almost threw it on the scrap heap. I was pretty stunned at the site of the Deore XT derailers hanging off that rock hard mass of rusty chain.

I checked the reviews on the bike and found that in 1993 it sold for between $150.00 and $500.00 depending where you bought it. Some relatively current reviews show very happy users buying them for $1000.00 used. Now I don't know what to do with it. The frame is damage free other than a small crack from overtightening the seat post bolt. Half the paint is missing and all the decals decals are shredded.

I'm thinking of using the Deore Xt stuff on some of my keeper bikes and selling the frame to someone that is into that kind of thing.

Given that the Bike seems to be selling in some locales for $1000.00 , what would a cosmetically rough looking frame be worth?

On a side note I also had another super score this weekend. I picked up a very good condition 1993 Marin Palisades Trail for $20.00 . The wheels and all other equipment , including the Deore XT components are mint. The bike even has Marin Logoed tires on it. The only thing wrong with the bike is about 50 minor scratches . This bike is headed to my keeper stable unless I find someone to trade me a serious downhill bike for it.