globe9

I need an opinion on this. I was going to buy a new MTN bike but someone recently told me they'd give me a 1995 or 1996 Trek 800 Sport. This bike has about 50 miles on it TOPS and thats an overestimate. The only thing is that it's been sitting under a porch for almost 9 years and the parts are very dusty, the chain looks rusted etc. The frame is in EXCELLENT condition. I just took a wet rag to it and it looks brand new. I am having the frame painted by a friend of mine who owns a body shop(only b/c I want yellow and its currently black) and he's an awesome mechanic, so I was thinking about upgrading some of the parts. I've noticed some Shimano Deore deraillurs for about $40 on sale etc. Would I be wasting my money on some of these "upgrades?" Also needs new tires, was thinking about a new chain(even though my friend told me since the old chain isn't completely rusted, he can just oil that one up and it'll be as good as new.) Some of the wires(I'm a newbie and not sure what to call these things...cables maybe) look a little worn, I guess from being out in the elements(RAIN, HUMIDITY, EXTREME HEAT) for 9 years. Was also thinking about new brakes(not disc, just replacing the old ones etc.) Is it worth it or should I just go buy a new bike for about $300? Can't afford much more than that. I live in New Orleans, so there are no hills even. This would mainly be for paved paths along the lake and an old ATV trail in the Spillway. So basically what I'm saying is that I don't need the best best. I just want the 800 to hold up to an occasional minor beating(by most of yall's standards, this would probably be the equivalent of riding in the park). Thanks again for any and all advice, opinions etc.

crashnburn

Lube that chain with proper chain lube, wouldnt want to tear into it too much for a paint job - that will require massive disassembly or I suppose you could mask away beforehand. I wouldn't upgrade that bike rather run it into the ground with what it has on it, the money saved on the upgrades could be used for a last years model clearnace with a good price when the time comes to buy.

enduro

If you want a fun project, upgrade the 800. It sounds like a great bike for what you want to do. $300 will make the bike awesome.

If you want to put down your money and walk away with a complete bike, buy a new one. $300 won't get you as nice a bike as the 800 w/upgrades.

Personal preference.

Labarum

I have a Trek 800 in almost new condition. Fitted smooth road tyres and had a local shop give it a a complete service - new cables and a new front shifter were needed. The £95 I spent would not have bought me such quality. A dealer told me they sold when the latest thing for £200 - how much is that now after allowing for all those years inflation?

As I get fitter and if I sustain my interest I will go for a much lighter road bike. That will give me a choise of what to ride.

monkey69

you got a pm globe!

crashnburn

What??

On second thought
800 sitting outside for 9 years ( being out in the elements(RAIN, HUMIDITY, EXTREME HEAT) )and you want to build off of that frame? I riterate, do minimal maintence to make it run and save your money. If it was stored inside the story would be different but given the case you DO NOT want to sink much money in it. Save yourself the headache

handlebarsfsr

i wouldnt bother. the 800 was treks bargain basement bike, and all of the compenets sucked 10 years ago, and after 10 years sitting in the elements, they are all proabably useless. 300 bucks today buys a hell of a lot more bike than 300 bucks did 10 years ago.

Stubacca

Get it running and ride it as it is for a while. I wouldn't bother upgrading it, particularly given that it's been stored outside for so long. Once you've ridden for a while, you may find that you enjoy it so much that you'd like to get a different style of bike and will understand morea bout what to look for when purchasing new. The old 800 will be a great way to get started.

Raiyn

A lot can happen in 9 years in the elements. Personally I'd walk away as getting that one running again isn't worth the cash.
You don't grease chains Sparky that will just turn that chain into a sanding belt. Use a proper chain lube like ProLink Gold.

crashnburn

I prefer bacon grease myself, gives the sweet aroma of dead pork as I pedal, in addition I get chased by dogs for free :-). Was a figure of speach.

Raiyn

Some newbie would be dumb enough to try it. I've seen it happen before

nirvanaschains

Ah, the 800, i had...actually still have one, thats sitting alone in a trailer.
Since you don't seemed worried/intersted in having a 'sweet' bike, then its up to what is more important saving an extra $100, or getting a bike that will last you 2 or 3 extra years atleast.
You also should check the wheels, if they're not true/straight thats some more cash to drop.