Is it worth saving?
07-16-10, 03:17 AM
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Bikes: 57cm VO Polyvalent,2008 Giant Boulder SE, 1996 Trek 720 Multitrack
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Is it worth saving?
I'm posting this thread to pose this question to you Framebuilders out there, that is, is it worth saving?
I am begining this thread to not only ask and find out about my own paticular instance but, to also find out if this type question is on the minds of other cyclists and, if it is, then is there support for those who look at their frame and ask: Should I dump it or, is it worth saving?
Just one thing,
I ask that questions please be limited to steel frames only, CF and Al please do not apply here(seeing as they can't be repaired like steel can). Steel was the best material for decades before CF and Al came along and, it is still the only and best frame material in the minds of many out there.
Back in April, I found a mid or early ninties Trek 720 MT. The whip was ridable, the frame looked to be in pretty good shape. the finish on it looked to be well, finished. Lots of scratches on the tubes, chucks of paint missing. Components on it were well wore and would not last much longer. But, I looked at the frame and saw a potential to make a nice restored commuter for my growing stable. Perhaps I bought it too impulsively...
Right now that Trek is in my kitchen with most of it's components removed. The scratches and chunks of the finish are nothing serious ( I want to have it painted anyway). But, I have found rust inside the frame. Not a lot of mind you, it's not caked and thick but, it is still there. I found rust in the steerer tube. I have removed most of it but it seems that I cannot removed the spot of rust where the wedge nut was nested at. There is also rust inside the seat tube at the bottom on the BB tube. I have also check the drain holes of the fork and the seat and chain stays, again there is not alot but there is a faint layer of rust present there. There is also small dents on the seat stays and top tube. These pictures here are the best I provide at this time. I ask to any framebuilders out there to consider these conditions and give an honest response and advice.
Thx.
https://img34.imageshack.us/slideshow...=p5020019i.jpg
I am begining this thread to not only ask and find out about my own paticular instance but, to also find out if this type question is on the minds of other cyclists and, if it is, then is there support for those who look at their frame and ask: Should I dump it or, is it worth saving?
Just one thing,
I ask that questions please be limited to steel frames only, CF and Al please do not apply here(seeing as they can't be repaired like steel can). Steel was the best material for decades before CF and Al came along and, it is still the only and best frame material in the minds of many out there.
Back in April, I found a mid or early ninties Trek 720 MT. The whip was ridable, the frame looked to be in pretty good shape. the finish on it looked to be well, finished. Lots of scratches on the tubes, chucks of paint missing. Components on it were well wore and would not last much longer. But, I looked at the frame and saw a potential to make a nice restored commuter for my growing stable. Perhaps I bought it too impulsively...
Right now that Trek is in my kitchen with most of it's components removed. The scratches and chunks of the finish are nothing serious ( I want to have it painted anyway). But, I have found rust inside the frame. Not a lot of mind you, it's not caked and thick but, it is still there. I found rust in the steerer tube. I have removed most of it but it seems that I cannot removed the spot of rust where the wedge nut was nested at. There is also rust inside the seat tube at the bottom on the BB tube. I have also check the drain holes of the fork and the seat and chain stays, again there is not alot but there is a faint layer of rust present there. There is also small dents on the seat stays and top tube. These pictures here are the best I provide at this time. I ask to any framebuilders out there to consider these conditions and give an honest response and advice.
Thx.
https://img34.imageshack.us/slideshow...=p5020019i.jpg
07-16-10, 08:53 AM
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Not really a framebuilding question, and who can say about condition based on what we have to go on. Your main concern appears to be rust and dents. Since you seem to think the rust is not heavy, it more or less comes down to the idea "is any rust acceptable". Structurally sure. Light rust is not much of an issue. Small dents ditto. Framebuilding at the level you see out there somewhat surpases the average Trek. 
Would I spend my time on this bike, probably not, but any restoration is driven by the individual paying the bills and doing the work.
Would I spend my time on this bike, probably not, but any restoration is driven by the individual paying the bills and doing the work.
