is it worth it to build up an old frame?
09-07-08, 05:34 PM
#1
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
is it worth it to build up an old frame?
I have an 70's schwinn worldsport single speed. It needs a whole lot of work done, and basically it needs new EVERYTHING. to fix it up how i like it, it would cost me upwards of $400. At this point, would it be better to invest in a new bike? Also, I'm really short woman, I'm not a huge fan of most women's frames within my price range, and bike shops pretty much never have anything else small enough for me to test ride. Any thoughts or suggestions from those wiser than myself on these matters?
09-07-08, 05:55 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SE, Michigan
Posts: 518
Bikes: k2 Zed 3.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
1 Post
Make upgrades which will work on a new bike. I have an 84 Trek 760 and here are my upgrades (most have been purchased, some are in the process of being purchased), which are compatible with modern bikes.
Seat
Clipless pedals
Seat Post
Stem
Handle bars
brakes /w new shoes
brake levers
wheelset (modern spacing, but will have an only an 8 speed cassette)
8 speed rear dérailleur
Seat
Clipless pedals
Seat Post
Stem
Handle bars
brakes /w new shoes
brake levers
wheelset (modern spacing, but will have an only an 8 speed cassette)
8 speed rear dérailleur
09-07-08, 07:16 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 273
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yeah, there are so many variables to answering such a question. One viewpoint I have come across is: If an old bike has sentimental value or is a frame-size that is hard to find then it might be worth fixing/restoring...otherwise going modern is probably better.
If weight is an issue, a 70's Schwinn might be relatively heavy compared to more-modern bikes (I have an '86 Schwinn Traveler roadbike with a chromoly-steel frame, it weighs around 28 lbs.)
It seems that most starter roadbikes in regular bike shops are at least $600, while new hybrid-type bikes can be bought for hundreds less. I'm not sure what a new single-speed (that's what you have now) would cost. Some get good deals on craigslist, ebay, and at yardsales, ect., and some go the online-retail route, of course without the services of a bike shop to take care of initial fit and repair issues, it falls heavier on the buyer to make these decisions.
If weight is an issue, a 70's Schwinn might be relatively heavy compared to more-modern bikes (I have an '86 Schwinn Traveler roadbike with a chromoly-steel frame, it weighs around 28 lbs.)
It seems that most starter roadbikes in regular bike shops are at least $600, while new hybrid-type bikes can be bought for hundreds less. I'm not sure what a new single-speed (that's what you have now) would cost. Some get good deals on craigslist, ebay, and at yardsales, ect., and some go the online-retail route, of course without the services of a bike shop to take care of initial fit and repair issues, it falls heavier on the buyer to make these decisions.
Last edited by mawtangent; 09-07-08 at 07:28 PM.
09-07-08, 09:20 PM
#5
Twilight Requiem
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Lonely Mountain
Posts: 461
Bikes: TrekFX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It depends on the sentimental value.
If someone buys a vintage bike off Ebay that needs plenty of upgrades then the person got ripped off on the shipping charges alone.
If someone buys a vintage bike off Ebay that needs plenty of upgrades then the person got ripped off on the shipping charges alone.
09-07-08, 09:35 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Northern Nevada
Posts: 3,811
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've rebuilt three or four old frames, and ride one of them regularly now, five years after I bought it (I also have an Atlanttis and a Rambouillet, so it's not for lack of alternatives--I just like it).
I'd be surprised, though, if you couldn't do it for MUCH less than $400. If you're a good enough wrench to take it apart and put it back together, you can surely check thrift shops and garage sales for old bikes you can cannibalize.
Just as an example, when my wife wanted a rain bike/beater, I bought her a lightly used Specialized Hard Rock at the Salvation Army for $12.50. It came with a $40 Blackburn rack, Avocet saddle, $35 Cateye computer and expensive pedals. I tuned it up (it didn't really need it) and put on fenders and road tires, and she rides it 22 miles to work three or four days a week. The same bike could have been stripped to rebuild another one, if necessary. Keep your eyes open and check places like that, and you may come upon a parts bike for super cheap.
I'd be surprised, though, if you couldn't do it for MUCH less than $400. If you're a good enough wrench to take it apart and put it back together, you can surely check thrift shops and garage sales for old bikes you can cannibalize.
Just as an example, when my wife wanted a rain bike/beater, I bought her a lightly used Specialized Hard Rock at the Salvation Army for $12.50. It came with a $40 Blackburn rack, Avocet saddle, $35 Cateye computer and expensive pedals. I tuned it up (it didn't really need it) and put on fenders and road tires, and she rides it 22 miles to work three or four days a week. The same bike could have been stripped to rebuild another one, if necessary. Keep your eyes open and check places like that, and you may come upon a parts bike for super cheap.
