Kimbo27

Hi!
I'm absolutey new here. Covid19 has me finally looking at roadbikes and I came across this one...that apparently I cant post pictures of because I'm too new. Is the rust on the chain and gears easily dealt with? It's a trek1220...please help?

alo

Is it rust where it has actually corroded the parts, or is it just surface rust, and the parts remain structurally sound?

If it is just surface rust, and the parts remain structurally sound, you can use these parts.

Then are you concerned about the functionality of the bike, or the appearance? Do you want to make it look like new?

Chain joints may seize, but if it is only surface rust they can come free. Try oiling the chain and riding the bike. What do you notice?

Do you have the bike already, or is it one you are considering buying?

Kimbo27

it's one im considering buying.

The seller says it's winter rust, I haven't seen the bike yet- it's about an hour's drive away. Mostly i want it to be functional- the picture is in my gallery but I cant post it here as Im not at 10 posts yet. Can be found at the forum ip address/g/picture/17475208
​​​​​​I actually have no idea how to tell if it's surface rust or full on corrosion.

Im definitely looking for functionality first, but if I can restore the parts myself, that would be pretty amazing- google suggests wd40 and a wirebrush!

Thanks so much for your time and help!

T-Mar

Picture assist;

randyjawa 

Rust on the rear gear cluster is not a big issue from a function point of view. A vigorous wire brushing, coupled with some WD30 will clean it up fairly good and make it perfectly usable...


This freewheel cluster looked pretty bad before I cleaned it up...


If you chain looks like this or is stiff in the pivots, it is probably shot but might clean up and be usable, however; if the chain is stiff and kinked then itshould be replaced but use the old one to define the length you need...


For my five, six, seven and eight cog rear clusters, I use SRAM eight speed chain. These are lighter and easier to install and/or remove...

alo

If a bike has rust like that, I would not drive an hour to see it. If I did buy a bike like that, it would want to be very very cheap. Like $5. If I was you, I would be looking for others closer. I have picked up better bikes in the trash.

wrk101

I would not consider it functional at this point. And anyone who neglects a bike to this point I would assume cables, housings, rusty springs on brake calipers, BB, HS, wheel hubs, all will need attention. As long as you can do the work, OK. If not, move on.

Can all this be dealt with easily? By someone who has the time/tools/aptitude/workspace/parts, sure. For you, I do not know. Its not going to be just a "tune up".

seiben

This would be my concern - if the chain looks that bad, what are all the other moving parts like? Looks like it has been sat outside for some time. For a cheap purchase you could well end up chasing corrodes/seized parts around the bike and end up spending more than if you'd bought something half decent in the first place.

Phil_gretz

The 1997 Trek 1220 came with RSX 3x7 brifters, which I really have come to like. If they're functional and the rims are not shot, this will come out fine. You'd be replacing the chain anyway, it's a $9 item. New cabling, new tires, new brake pads, handlebar tape for materials as well. If the frame is in your size, and the price is below $100 US, I'd get in the car and drive today.

Kimbo27

Let's see if I can do this now...


Looks like there's rust on the dipstick? on the handlebars. Rust on the accessories screws...rust on the seat post clamp?



They're asking for $110usd!

alo

I am surprised how much people pay for used bikes in the US. In Australia they could not give this away without fixing it first.

It has been left in the rain. The freewheel / freehub may or may not work properly. The saddle needs replacing. The cables may or may not be seized.

I suggest look for others closer to where you live.

If you really want it, tell him you will pay $10. If he wont take that, don't waste the effort going there.

I got this one from the trash. Free. It has never been left in the rain. It has not been cleaned. It is as new.

alo

I wrote this so those who don't know may get an idea.

Home dealers push second hand bike prices up

alo

Think about what it may actually cost once you have fixed everything that may need fixing.

Kimbo27

Actually, the one owner with raleigh mixte I've been waiting on finally contacted me!! I'll be picking it up today! I'll be paying quite a sum, but it's been tuned up and is ready to go!🥰🥰

alo

I have not seen the bike, and don't know how much you will be paying, but you may be able to negotiate on the price.

I hope you get a good bike at a good price.