Giant Acapulco - any good?
 

Hey, just happened to see this bike on my local craigslist... they say it's a mtb but upon further research theres a 1/3 chance it's a hybrid - apparently there were 3 acapulco's and depending on the year it could be a hybrid... anyways....

2 questions...

Is the giant acapulco a respected brand/bike?

How can you tell from looking whether something is a hybrid or not? (if I go look at the bike.)

Jugglingtye

Here's the link - http://lincoln.craigslist.org/bik/693277574.html
(it's only 45$)

Giant is definitely a respected brand, I don't know about that particular model. It looks nice in the picture. Plan on $35-50 dollars for new tires and tubes. If you are not "bike handy" you should also factor in the cost of a tune up which could range from 50-150+ dollars depending on level of service and parts needed.

As for hybrid vs mountain bike, the geometry and stock tires are the giveaways. A more upright geometry with smooth tires would make me think hybrid. If it's got knobbies, it's probably a moutain bike. These are generalizations.


What are you planning on using the bike for?

That's a mid 90's hardtail, relatively early Mountain Bike with a rigid fork. It'll have a similar frame geometry to a touring bike, and would be a good rider. ;) I'd buy it if I were looking and in the area.

Look at Geax Evolutions for the tires.
http://aebike.com/images/library/cat...50m/TR3572.jpg

Good commuting tire, does well on multiple surfaces from Gravel to hardpack dirt as well as pavement, and bulletproof.

Well, i have a 1990 hard rock specialized mtb that I just got "restored" to a decent level. But, a hybrid for 45$ would be a good deal i would think. heh.

I'm keeping my eyes open for cheap road and hybrid bikes because 99.9% of my riding is paved. The mountain bike is good and all but, I'm looking for efficiency on the road.

I guess I was just curious. :) Thanks for the reply.
Jugglingtye

The proper number of bikes for a person to own is the number you currently have......+1. ;)

Snag it if it fits you. :D

Well, called em, still not sold, I guess i'm going to go take a look at it a little later this afternoon when he has time. Time to clear out the car and make room for a new bike in the shed, eh? :P

lol! Good find, my man. Also, go run by Bike Pedalers. They usually have a good selection of used, I noticed quite a few the other day when I was there. It's over on 33rd, just north of Normal.

Well, hopefully it's a good find. :)

I will stop by bike peddlers when i have some more moneys.... Being jobless really limits the amount of free money you have. But, a more modern potentially less problematic bike for 45$ when a tune-up + fixing the front derailleur = at least 70+ dollars.... = a good bargain that cannot be passed up. Even if it means eating ramen til I find some business kind enough to hire me. hah.

Well, the acapulco is mine! Hard tails sure are heavy compared to non! :P And, it's got weird handle-bar integrated twist-action shifters. heh Are those better/worse than trigger-shifters or is it simply a matter of preference. I lucked out again, it seems this one has been left to rot in storage and is devoid of rust/dents.... it just needs a good scrubbing/degreasing/regreasing. Nothing a good ol sunday morning can't fix.

Thanks for telling me to buy it Stormcrowe, heh. There was another phone call while i was picking it up from someone wanting to purchase the bike. :P

JugglingTye

I had grip shifters on the Raleigh that started me riding, and honestly, I loved 'em. Some others hate them, but I really liked them. If/when I replace the shifters on my Hardrock, I'll put some SRAM X.0 grip shifters which are both awesome and very affordable on ebay.

Anyway, awesome score! I just gave away some 26in tires that I had doing nothing, or else I'd offer them to ya. Enjoy it!

BTW - if you want some fun, go climb "Indian hill" at Pioneers Park. I did about four laps of it today (in addition to the other 20 miles) and man.. it's a beast!

Giant Acapulco MTB
 

Q 1. Yes it was becoming respected then and more now.It is probably a late 1980s or very early MTB you have or looking at.I have one at home. It is bottom end mtb. Mine is gunmetal blue met with lilac purple graphics. There is a women's one in teal paint chained up for about 3 months less a wheel in the CBD where I live. Short steel H/Bar stems usually and narrow straight bars[ slightly deviated]. Mine has not got it's orig wheels so it is 18 speed. May have been 21 speed.Older shifters on the h/bar. Cantilever brakes, 26 " wheels.QD seat release.Another similar is the Giant Butte and there is one of those mtb with 26" wheels getting around town now. I have one but it is like a cross bike 56cm frame with vertical dropouts and takes larger 27" type wheels.
At $45US it is ok...Its all you need. We have Rail Trail Ride here in New Zealand and everyone buys a bike for it. Husband and wife teams with brand new 24 speed bikes and it is only a railway loco incline at best to deal with. You could ride an old ten speed over it easily.Teh Acapulco shoud be able to deal with anyhting..get all the cables working etc.Set the tyre pressures for what type of ride you want too.

Restoring a Giant---How much is suggested?
 

This was the only post I could find on the bike I currently am restoring. Mine is a Woman's Size 18, Acapulco Giant. I'm gonna try and post a few pics, can anyone tell me what this bike is worth, as is and restored. Also, can anyone tell me approximately how much you would put into restoring it, money and time? Can anyone suggest Can anyone suggest what kind of tires to put on it? Also, should I have a bike shop to the tuneup or is it something that I may be able to do by myself? What kind of tires should I put on it? Also, should I have a bike shop do the tuneup or is it something that I may be able to do by myself?