Originally Posted by
no1mad
Do stop by the LBS. It'll probably be more economical to fix what you have, even if they do it for you, than buying a new bike.
And without knowing what model of bike you have, it sounds like a solid foundation to build a commuter on. Plenty of us prefer the older, rigid mtbs with slick tires. The one in my avatar is an '06 Kona Smoke, technically a hybrid, but is akin to an older rigid mtb. I have 26"x1.5" tires on it- with fenders.
It is a Motiv Stonegrinder. Nothing special by any means but it is a surprisingly good bike imo. Leaps better than say the mongoose mountain bike i had as a kid. All i know about it is that my dad bought it probably 10 years ago give or take and he bought it used to replace a bike he had from the 80's. My guess is the bike is from the 90's. My dad has no idea and didn't even remember it having issues with shifting. It is a 21-speed. All the components are Shimano Altus. The frame is 4130 Chromoly which i know from being an engineering student and engineering intern is quite strong and light, but not as resistant to corrosion. The frame right now appears to be in excellent shape, though. 26" tires. Completely rigid. I can take pictures tomorrow when it is light again if that would help me better identify what i am dealing with here. With record high temperatures here in SE Michigan (86 degrees tomorrow, average is high 40's) i will most certainly be riding the bike to school tomorrow.
I have no problem investing a little into this bike if i can make it suit my needs.