okane

If the bike is basically sound, or has usable parts like tires, I occasionally purchase wally world bikes to rehab and resell. I don't make a lot but can use this money to keep my cycling habit from breaking the bank and I do enjoy wrenching. I know they are basically bso's, but for someone like my neighbor, who rides about a mile or two twice a year, it doesn't matter.

I do, however make sure everything is safe and working properly.

I recently purchased 3 Mongoose fully suspension bikes for $5......all with good paint, tires, wheels, etc but needing some cleanup and tweaking, EXCEPT the suspension forks which are frozen solid.

I'm assuming they are rusted but don't know for sure because the rest of the bikes show very little or no rust.

Can you suggest any methods of getting them back into working order? Heat the tubes? Remove the caps and pour in some type of rust "eater?" Remove the forks, spray in some blaster, and try hitting one end or the other on wood to break them free?

I could sell the tires on cl for more than I paid for the bikes because they are almost brand new, but I would like to put the bikes back into service for the occasional or low budget rider (I would sell them for $40 each when finished.) Not everyone wants or needs a $300 or more bike.

Plus I like the idea of 3 less bikes for the landfill.

Suggestions, if any, appreciated.

dsbrantjr

Just leave them as-is? Those cheesy suspension forks don't really do much anyway, and if the bike is otherwise OK the new owner may not even notice.

Jeff Neese

I took a friend's old and neglected Walmart Schwinn and spent some time with it. It was a pretty crude machine but yes, I was able to turn it into a very rideable basic bicycle for him - the occasional recreational rider. Knowing that I was somewhat serious and seeing all my bikes in the garage, he asked me if he should get a better bike. I said no, just ride the one you have - it works fine.

Andrew R Stewart 

Some might suggest that a rusted tight cheap suspension fork is actually a good thing. Less twist and wallowing during riding. Andy.

okane

I agree with posts above, but it just doesn't sit right well with me unless everything is in working condition.

maddog34

put them out with the frozen forks, and THEY WON'T SELL... the FIRST thing a kid does is MASH THE SUSPENSION when they walk up to a bike for sale... no movement, no SALE.

fietsbob

Old 80s Mongoose or the recent devalued Wal*Goose that comes out of Wallyworld?

AlexCyclistRoch

Maybe somebody modified it when the spring broke? Open it up to be certain somebody didn't cut down a broom handle and insert it!

okane

Agreed....plus I don't want a reputation of selling bikes not fully functioning

I believe these to be bso's sold by wallyworld

Looked in the hole under the cap and saw no such "upgrade."

My thoughts at this time are to flood the hole with penetrating oil, place a piece of pine on the grass, and jam the fork hard into the pine board. I think the soft wood and sod would prevent damage or a least minimize the chance of damage, and possibly break free what ever is frozen.

IF it doesn't work, instant parts supply and I would take a cut off wheel to the fork just to see what's inside and causing the problem to satisfy my own curiosity and for future reference.