Just picked up a Rampar R-1 from the thrift store...what now?
12-19-09, 02:01 AM
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Just picked up a Rampar R-1 from the thrift store...what now?
I just picked up a Rampar R-1 from a local thrift store today. Been looking around lately for a road bike to get started on. I've mainly had mountain bikes and want to get started on road bikes. But, I am 6'2" and 275...so looking to find a good used road bike that I wouldn't have to spend too much on for now. So I got this bike , and I would like to know what guys think I should do with to get it up to par. I believe it has steel rims, and cotterless crank on it. I have to replace the handlebar tape. The bike is a big one and measure 23 1/2. I feel like this bike is almost too tall for me though. I can ride it fine, but I have to lean the bike to get off. Thinking of selling it off and hopefully making some money to buy another road bike.
12-19-09, 07:16 AM
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I hope I'm wrong but it appears the fork is bent. The line of paint knocked off the downtube and that piece of electrical tape on the top tube reinforce my opinion. Rampar was the lowest of the line so even if the frame isn't messed up I would just disassemble, clean and reinstall everything. Make sure the spokes have even tension. Then go riding.
12-19-09, 07:19 AM
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Ive never had any luck using a bike i found at thrift store for anything but parts.
12-19-09, 07:28 AM
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In the case of the bike on this thread, it doesn't have much value. I would do the basic maintenance on it: bearings, grease, cables, and ride it for a while. One thing about those low end bikes, they usually could handle quite a bit of weight.
+1 Check closely for buckling on the top tube and down tube. If the frame is damaged, at that point, the bike either is a donor (for parts), or donate it back.
12-19-09, 07:37 AM
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I am pretty sure its bent, fork and probably frame.
12-19-09, 10:21 AM
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i tend to agree... the thing looks bent. it could be an illusion produced by the picture but i think the frame is bent, bot top and down tubes.
12-19-09, 10:37 AM
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I think that electrical tape is for protecting the center pull cable stop from hitting the top tube.
I also think it looks like it has been bent.
I also think it looks like it has been bent.
12-19-09, 10:56 AM
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You gonna eat that?
I hope I'm wrong but it appears the fork is bent. The line of paint knocked off the downtube and that piece of electrical tape on the top tube reinforce my opinion. Rampar was the lowest of the line so even if the frame isn't messed up I would just disassemble, clean and reinstall everything. Make sure the spokes have even tension. Then go riding.
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12-19-09, 12:31 PM
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its bent, thats sucks. =0(
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You see, their morals, their code...it's a bad joke, dropped at the first sign of trouble. They're only as good as the world allows them to be. I'll show you. When the chips are down, these...These "civilized" people...they'll eat each other. See, I'm not a monster. I'm just ahead of the curve
12-19-09, 08:26 PM
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Well I am trying to sell the bike off or at least considering to keep it around for parts. But, since I can't find too many road bikes out here, you guys think I would be ok with the bike and weight as long as I watch the top tube and down tube? Thanks for all the replies.
12-19-09, 08:34 PM
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The best deal for a heavier rider on a limited budget is a rigid frame mountain bike. You can find the good brands for under $100 (Trek, Specialized, etc), add slick tires, and you are good to go on the street. At some point, you will want a road bike, but it is a good bridge to that point. I have set up several rigid MTBs in this fashion. The black bike is mine, the blue bike is my wifes. They are both Trek 950s, I have less than $100 in one, and less than $75 in the other bike. The 950 was at the higher end of the Trek model line.
The 26 inch wheels on MTBs are super tough, and the steel frames are just about bullet proof.
As far as not finding any road bikes, I do not know where you live, but I find them all of the time. But a decent road bike is going to cost about 2X a similar MTB, could be 3X difference. The last two MTBs I bought (a Specialized and a Fuji) cost $20 each at a garage sale. Not as sweet as these two Treks, but still pretty decent bikes.
The 26 inch wheels on MTBs are super tough, and the steel frames are just about bullet proof.
As far as not finding any road bikes, I do not know where you live, but I find them all of the time. But a decent road bike is going to cost about 2X a similar MTB, could be 3X difference. The last two MTBs I bought (a Specialized and a Fuji) cost $20 each at a garage sale. Not as sweet as these two Treks, but still pretty decent bikes.
12-19-09, 09:39 PM
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Well I am trying to sell the bike off or at least considering to keep it around for parts. But, since I can't find too many road bikes out here, you guys think I would be ok with the bike and weight as long as I watch the top tube and down tube? Thanks for all the replies.
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12-20-09, 05:44 AM
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1st ... how much did they charge you for it?
2nd ... if you didn't pay much for it, you can probably salvage some stuff off it, and get $20 on CL for the bare wheel set alone. You could probably also salvage the tires and tubes if they are in good shape.
3rd ... if they charged you alot of money for this bike ($40+), try to return it. The fork and frame damage (top tube and down tube buckling by the head tube) makes it "dicey" at best to ride...tell them the guys on Bike Forum advised you on this matter.
2nd ... if you didn't pay much for it, you can probably salvage some stuff off it, and get $20 on CL for the bare wheel set alone. You could probably also salvage the tires and tubes if they are in good shape.
3rd ... if they charged you alot of money for this bike ($40+), try to return it. The fork and frame damage (top tube and down tube buckling by the head tube) makes it "dicey" at best to ride...tell them the guys on Bike Forum advised you on this matter.
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