jay_r69

I'm just starting to get into biking. I have over the years collected and never really rode these 2 bikes. Neither has been abused but they have been neglected. Which should I refurbish or am I better off buying something new? My budget would be under $200. I'm not very handy by the way, so any refurbishing or repairs would be done by a local bike shop.

First is a Univega Rover 100 that I bought new and never rode, just moved it around from garage to shed and back again. Then there's a Bridgestone MB-6 that I bought at a yard sale a while back for about $50.

Suppose I don't keep one or both, are either of hem worth anything?

mparker326

Neither are worth much. I'd keep the MB-6.

oddjob2

They are both quality MTBS. A half hour with a brush, bucket, and garden hose and they will clean up nicely. If you don't intend to ride long distances, just switching out to narrow road slicks will make the bikes ride without knob tire buzz and roll down the roads easier. Tubes and tires can be had for $30.

Depending on where you are in AZ, there are members on BF who might do a full overhaul for you, which includes new cables, cable housing, brake adjustment, and regreasing the moving parts and bearings. Typically, these services are about $175 + parts at a local bike shop.

You might give the BF member the bike you choose not to keep as 1/3-1/2 the monetary consideration.

Keep the one that fits best and get a decent saddle too.

jay_r69

Thanks. Good to know.

wrk101

Stop buying project bikes unless you have the time/tools/aptitude/pile of parts, particularly mountain bike projects. Projects really only make sense if you do the work yourself, and road bikes much more so than mtbs.

+1 Partner with a BF member, trade a bike for work. That's my standing "price" from neighbors. They cover out of pocket expenses (tires, whatever) and trade bikes for labor. I am not talking anything special bike wise. Just something where I can grab a few parts, or whatever. Often, the work I do for neighbors have no out of pocket expenses (I have a lot of donor parts that I give them). Even the favored beverage of my choice works just fine.

T-Mar

If you haven't ridden either by now, that's a sign to get rid of both of them .

zukahn1 

These are both nice classic MTB's and would be worth some time and effort to fix up if you intend to keep and ride them and are willing to do some work yourself. As for current value they are aren't worth much both are close to underwater as they sit to properly fix them up into good condition as said a full overhaul which both likely need would cost more than the bike are worth. If you decide to sell a good cleaning and a little work to make them rideable you should be able to get about $100 for each.