The Prodigal Bike Returns
12-12-16, 05:59 PM
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The Prodigal Bike Returns
In the spring of 2007 I bought a GT Timberline to give commuting a try. A few years later I gave it to my nephew, who was looking for cheap transportation. This weekend, he brought the Timberline back to me for a tune-up. Apparently it's seen some hard miles in the past six years or so.
I'm not sure I even want to ask him about the seatpost. I'm really hoping this was just a quick and dirty effort to keep all the parts together before bringing it to me.
Overall it was in surprisingly good shape. The right brake lever and shifter are broken, but both are still functional. The rear wheel is badly in need of truing. The bearings on the wheels feel bone dry. At some point he replaced the front tire and lost the front fender.
Honestly, when I gave it to him I expected either (a) he wouldn't end up riding it, or (b) it would be stolen within a month. I'm quite impressed that neither of those happened.
Now I get to plan a bit of restoration.
I'm not sure I even want to ask him about the seatpost. I'm really hoping this was just a quick and dirty effort to keep all the parts together before bringing it to me.
Overall it was in surprisingly good shape. The right brake lever and shifter are broken, but both are still functional. The rear wheel is badly in need of truing. The bearings on the wheels feel bone dry. At some point he replaced the front tire and lost the front fender.
Honestly, when I gave it to him I expected either (a) he wouldn't end up riding it, or (b) it would be stolen within a month. I'm quite impressed that neither of those happened.
Now I get to plan a bit of restoration.
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12-13-16, 10:07 AM
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That's gratifying to know that it was ridden!
What's the deal with the seat post? I can't see what's wrong. That's an interesting clamp (or is that what you're talking about?)
What's the deal with the seat post? I can't see what's wrong. That's an interesting clamp (or is that what you're talking about?)
12-13-16, 01:34 PM
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My Hardrock was purchased from a guy that refurbished it for his son after his son told him he didn't want to ride it. It looked kind of rough, but was in great shape mechanically. I wonder what he would think of it if he could see it now?
12-13-16, 01:44 PM
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12-14-16, 01:17 AM
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No, the seatpost is completely straight, but it is on backward with the saddle mounted at a 90 degree angle. Also, the threaded cylinder that should be above the rails is at the bottom of the clamp bolt, and it's not the original bolt.
I'm going to have to ask him about it. My curiosity demands it. Maybe he rides it like it's a BMX bike?
I'm going to have to ask him about it. My curiosity demands it. Maybe he rides it like it's a BMX bike?
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