MIRJ64

So, is it worth the time and effort to restore a bike to its original colour and to try and find the original decals from the company? I am hoping so! Let me know, thanks

Mike

realestvin7

Depends on the bike. Also depends on monetary and sentimental value. What is it?

MIRJ64

It is an '88 Miyata Valley Runner. Converting it to a road bike from an MTB

realestvin7

Screw it. I'm down for repainting frames. Unless it's near perfect, or has an awesome patina from a collector's view. If it's going to get used and abused, who cares.

due ruote 

Does it look like this? How bad is the paint? You can get it powdercoated or rattle can it yourself. Repro. decals can be obtained; it's all a matter of how important it is to you to have it "restored" vs. fixed up. It will ride the same either way.

Funny; I'm just now converting a garage sale find Miyata Terra Runner to single speed.

realestvin7

If it looks as sweet as that, and is in decent shape, just leave it alone. Unless you just want a change. Do what you want. No judgment here.

randyjawa 

Of course it is, if that is what you want to do. It is fun to find an old bicycle. It is fun to research it. It is fun to clean it up and watch the shine reappear. It is fun to watch the bicycle come together as the build progresses. It is fun to seek out that last elusive component needed to complete the task. And these old bikes are fun to ride.

To all of that fun, include that an old road bicycle will likely increase in value with the passing of time and careful use.

So, is it worth the time, effort, energy and cash to restore an old bicycle. I think so and I try to help others understand this and save money as they attempt to do just that. How do I try to help? Visit MY "TEN SPEEDS" and see if you learn a thing or two.

roccobike

IS it worth it? To me, no. But then I wouldn't convert an MTB to road use. Is it worth it if you want to flip the bike? No.
However, if you plan on riding the bike and this is the bike you really want, then repainting/preserving the bike is worth it. I'm about to put frame saver into a 88 Nishiki MTB that's not the top model for that year. It's second from the top and only in good condition, not pristine and it doesn't handle all that well. So why am I investing in it, its got a ton of sentimental value. So if you approach your project from the standpoint that you are doing this to get the bike you want, not to re-sell then invest.

cudak888 

MTB? No, definitely not worth it.

-Kurt

Bianchigirll 

I believe you are talking about two different things. in your first post you say you want to restore the bike. however cleaning up and repainting the then turning from a MTB to a Road bike is not restoring.

to answer your question in general restoring a bike does not always increase it's value. sometimes it may even decrease it.

there is absolutly nothing wrong with doing what you propose.