Giant Doofus

Okay, I'm sold on keeping the old bike. I'll have some minimal work done to make it ridable, plus add a rack so that I can use it as a backup if needed. I might start using it for my weekend recreational rides so it doesn't get jealous of the commuter. I actually like the appearance of the old bike better. I think it has something to do with the slender steel tubes vs. the fat aluminum ones on the newer bike. Thanks all!

cyka37

I can agree with this. I've been without fenders and will be buying some this week. As a daily commuter, it sucks to have to scrub and relube after ridng home in muddy, sandy, wet roads. I have to do it 2-3 times a week.

o.k. I thought I had quoted harsbarj's previous post about fenders but it didnt take.

justme23

Fenders and racks can be put on a new bike.So it wouldn't be a wasted investment if you buy another one later.

Giant Doofus

Oops - I made a mistake above. It's a 21-speed bike with a thumb shifter. When I answered I was thinking of the Cypress I ride now. At this point on a thread that has reached its conclusion, no one probably cares, but it drives me crazy to leave an error standing.

Thanks, once more, for all of the generous advice above.

Bill Kapaun

I think your "quality" 20 year old bike is likely better than the new entry level "bike shop" bikes. They tend to have lower level components in order to reach price points.
My "grocery getter" is an 86 Rockhopper. I've upgraded it to a 3X9 gear train and added a rack, folding baskets and fenders. Works great for groceries or wet streets. To get a modern equivalent, I'm sure I'd be into $600+ the accessories.

bikemig 

Good call on fixing up your old bike as a backup commuter. Both my commuters are pretty old: a 1993 Bridgestone XO-2 and a 1989 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp. The Comp is down because I'm having some BB issues but it's no big deal because I have a back up commuter.