NealJ

Hello:

I am not a bike expert and I could really use some advice.


I have two bikes. Bike #1 is a Bianchi Timber Wolf and Bike #2 is a Shogun 10-speed regular road bike (not sure of exact model name). I have not ridden in over 12 years. Yes, very sad, but true. The Shogun hasn't been ridden in probably 20 years. The Bianchi hasn't been ridden in about 12 years. I currently have the Bianchi at a local shop for a tune-up and it will cost me about $75 (tune-up, parts, labor, etc...). I was going to bring up the Shogun, but I know that it would probably cost me more than $75 (I know it needs new tires).

It is my intention to ride more often (don't ask why I stopped riding, because I really don't know). My neighborhood has expanded and there are good places to ride around the neighborhood (not off-road, just on the road, asphalt).

I would like your honest opinion on what to do. I don't really see the need to keep both bikes. I am 39 years old, married, and have three kids (8 and under) and I really won't be mountain riding. I got the Bianchi when I lived in Colorado.

I would like the bike to be easily transported. The Bianchi has a quick release on the front wheel, the Shogun does not. I do not have a bike rack for the car, nor do I plan on getting one. Right now I just put the Bianchi in the trunk of the car (Honda Civic with the back seat folded down).

Are the bikes worth anything? Should I hold on to them? Keep one and sell the other? Sell both and move up to a newer bike?

Funds are limited (as in not much there) and I already have to pay $75 for the Bianchi.

Thank you in advance for your advice and assistance.

-Neal

badmother

Maybe start riding what you`ve got and see if you can ride more often first? Spend some time in this forum and read up on bike maintenance. The Park Tools website is one place to learn about it. Maybe do the work needed on the ten speed yourself while riding your other bike. Best place to learn about the 10 speed is in the Classic & Vintage forum.

Maybe later the rest of the family want to join you on some rides and then there is going to be big bucks to save on buying used bikes andfixing them up your self.

Machka 

#1. You always need at least two bicycles. What if you're in the middle of working on one and can't ride it one day?

#2. Yes, start riding them, and see what you like and dislike about each of them.

#3. You don't need mountains to ride a mountain bike. I found mine very good for commuting year round on paved roads, but with a lot of debris and potholes, and in less than ideal weather conditions.

old and new

Just a brief overview here. Off the Shogun, the absense of quick-release indicates a lesser bike, you could get a hundred or so on CL, then the buyer can come here for evaluation most likely. Fixing the Shogun won't fetch you a longer dollar so leave it be. The Timberwolf is as good for the road for all your intents and purposes. Pics. are not needed for that Shogun but if so inclined, niether is a serial # thankyou; right here, right now simply state the crank model, frame stickers,incl. material. The value/ any sort of worth can be determined. It's probably not worth the effort or money. I find it's just as easy to store 2 bikes as 1.. but it's not about me.

Machka 

Rowan converted an old Shogun he picked up at the tip for $5 into a fixed gear, and used it to ride brevets, start the PBP, and tour Europe in 2007.

AcornMan

Wow, the original poster and I could practically be twins. I'm about the same age, have about the same size family, and I too own a Bianchi Timberwolf that sat in my garage for about 12 years. I just started riding it a lot over the summer after a tune-up and replacing a part here and a part there. It's a great bike, so if you plan on doing more riding, I would highly recommend using it. If you won't be riding on rugged trails, you can buy smoother tires that are better suited for pavement or hard packed surfaces such as crushed rock or gravel paths. I put several hundred miles on my Timberwolf in the matter of a couple months and enjoyed every minute of it.

Jude

Want to take up a collection to get me a second one?

NealJ

Thank you very much for the feedback. I think for now (since it is the end of September) I am going to hold on to both and ride both for a while. I might be able to convince my wife to take the Shogun.

geo8rge

No point in owning a bike you will not ride. See if the little lady likes one of them.

I would like the bike to be easily transported. = folding bike.

Luddite

You already have a 2nd bike, get it assessed at the bike shop, tires can be had for fairly cheap.

velocycling

Well Neal the Deal,

take some pics of you riding your bikes and POST THEM

CCrew

It's a 20 + year old bike. Just means it's older.

CCrew

Bet that's from a folding bike owner All we need is the recumbent crew now.

badmother

Must be. The man is smart and folder owners are smart.

Imagine this man and his family some years from now wanting to ride bikes somewhere not near the house. How do you load all the bikes on a bike rack (that he does not want). Question asked all the time both in recreational&family and general forums.

Answer= folders.

Kimmitt 

Co-op?