Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum. I've come here asking for some advice.

I have had this old Raleigh mountain bike that fit me well for almost 6 years but is now pretty messed up. So many problems in fact, that I will have to basically reassemble a new bike or buy a new bike.

I want to see what parts I can salvage...I am confident the tires and rear brake are in good condition...but I'm not sure how "bad" the rust on the frame is. Please give me your opinion on whether I can keep the frame/spokes.

that bike...is pretty much stuffed.

IMO the components are not worth salvaging

I say, if the rust isnt too bad, fix the front brake, take off the multi speed freewheel, shifters, derailer, and threow on a bmx freewheel and have yourself a singlespeed beater

No point in salvaging.

yup thats what I would do with that....I dont think there is much sense in doing anything more although some would probably say that there isn't much sense in doing anything with it

I could totally salvage that bike and have it looking new again.
Of course I have access to a TIG welder, sand blaster, laser, press, bending dept, e-coating system, etc..
I love working in a machine shop

I vote for turning it into a bad weather single spead beater myself.

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate it!

I'd say rent a asphalt roller (like Hal in Malcolm in the Middle) and have fun squishing it. Then hang it on your wall as an object d'art

front quick release and the reflector?

i don't like to see bikes thrown out. if you're into projects, i would say fix it up a bit. but don't put too much money into it. i would hand sand it and give it a go with some spray paint. i think you will be pleasantly surprised. if the headset bearing are bad pop in a new hed set too.

here is what you do

take it to the nearest cliff. . .and throw it off

no i am not one to waste things like that. i would say fix up the frame and you can have yourself a nice lil rigid singlespeeed.

+1 for the singlespeed beater idea

you should sand off all the rust and spray paint the frame to let it last a little longer and look nicer.

but i suggest that if possible, reassemble as much of the bearings as you can and regrease them, but don't bother if it still rides smooth to you... or you have to pay someone a lot to do it for you.

first thing is not to sand the rust off but to get a new working chain!!! that chain in the picture looks like it was soaked in the sea water for 2million years.

hmm, buy a new bike, that's screwed in my opinion. Depends if you are looking for a new bike or if you don't have a budget and can only upgrade bits, but what type of riding do you do?

yeah that's a pretty fossilized chain... now that i see it... tied to the toptube

I think Pheard will give you $50 or so for it.

i would unscrew every nuts and bolts and totally disasemble it, box it, and give it to a friend as a puzzle gift at xmas or something!!!

You could give it to me! I would totally make it rideable, then sell a decent bike to someone for cheap! Of course, I have parts out the wahzoo in the shed.
BTW, I love the look of the bike.

Rattle can single speed, go fer it!

That CroMo frame could be stripped and rattle can painted, remove all gear related parts and make it a single speed.

Take the frame and fork for powder coating and then single speed that Raleigh