Worth fixing up?
 

Hi there, I don't know much about bikes and would like to ask for your advice.

I'm looking at two used bikes: a GT Airstream and a GT Streamline, both from about 1999 or 2000. Both would need a bit of work, like a new chain and cables. Basically my question is, what should someone spend for both the bike and the labor to get it into good shape? And at what point would these particular bikes not be worth it?

I don't know enough about bikes to know if the quality of the components are such that it would justify fixing up or if I would be better off getting a newer used bike. So can you tell me how good the components standard on these bikes are compared to today's components on an entry-level hybrid? Thank you!

Specs for Airstream from Bicycle Blue book:
Wheels and Tires
Hubs: Shimano Altus
Rims: Araya PX-645, 36-hole
Tires: 700 x 40c multi-terrain
Spoke Brand: Stainless steel, 2.0mm straight gauge
Components
Brakeset: Shimano Altus brakes, alloy levers
Shift Levers: Grip Shift MRX
Crankset: Shimano Altus, 24/34/42 teeth
Pedals: Resin
Bottom Bracket: Shimano BB-CT91
Rear Cogs: 7-speed, 11 - 28 teeth
Seatpost: Kalloy aluminum suspension, adjustable
Saddle: GT
Handlebar: High-rise steel
Headset: 1inch sealed mechanism

Specs for Streamline from Bicycle Blue Book:
Wheels and Tires
Hubs: Aluminum, Q/R
Rims: Alloy, 36-hole
Tires: 700 x 42c GT Streamline Sport
Spoke Brand: Stainless steel, 2.0mm straight gauge
Spoke Nipples: Brass nipples
Components
Brakeset: ProMax linear-pull brakes, GT Streamline levers
Shift Levers: SRAM MRX
Crankset: Shimano C-201, 24/34/42 teeth
Pedals: GT Streamline Sure Grip
Bottom Bracket: Shimano cartridge
Rear Cogs: 7-speed, 13 - 28 teeth
Seatpost: Kalloy aluminum suspension, adjustable
Saddle: GT Streamline
Handlebar: GT Streamline
Handlebar Stem: Aluminum, high rise
Headset: 1inch sealed mechanism

Fixing up older bikes is very rarely a good financial decision. I do it all the time, but I do it for the enjoyment and satisfaction of "making something mine". You'll very quickly exceed the street value of the bike with a few new parts, especially if you're also paying for the labor. If your question regarding the bikes "not being worth it" is a financial one, you're pretty much there already as soon as you buy the bikes used (unless you get some sort of remarkable deal on them, or they're free).

In terms of components, the Airstream has a number of stated Shimano Altus components, plus Sram Gripshift twist shifters. It doesn't say what the derailleurs are, but they're probably Shimano Altus/Alivio type derailleurs, which is not unlike what you'll find on an entry level hybrid today. '90s components are pretty durable, and this stuff seems to last forever. I have a '95 Motiv mountain bike with Alivio components and it runs great. I have a '97 Trek 750 with STX components and it, too, runs great. Keep things in adjustment, and they'll last a long time. It doesn't say what the Streamline has for components, but it should be similar. It's a GT, so it probably won't have junk on it.

I think you have to plan on a new cassette, a new chain, and new cables from the get-go. At least new inner cables (the cables themselves). You could probably continue to use the outer cables (the housings) if you need to. All that is probably $35-40's worth in parts if you bought on Amazon, and maybe $50 retail at a bike shop. Add an hour labor at a bike shop and I think you're looking at $100, minimum, to get the bike back in order. The bike shop will also recommend a complete tune-up (adjusting brakes, bearings, etc), which will be more money. You might need to replace grips, etc. Doing the work yourself, you could probably do it all for $50, but you'll be at $100-150 at a bike shop. Obviously, you'll need to add a buffer for other unexpected expenses (like if the wheels need to be trued, etc).

Used bikes can be a great value, but you'll be money behind if you have to pay out for a bike that you already know needs work.

The old saying of putting lipstick on a pig comes to mind...But if all that's required is minor repairs--new cables, brake pads, perhaps new chain, then it's worthwhile. Won't cost you much, as @hokiefyd said.

The components on that bike are very entry level, as is the frame. Ride it if there's nothing major wrong with it. Save your money for your next bike.

Here's an intersting post on the GT Airstream:

http://www.bikeforums.net/hybrid-bic...-opinions.html

Note the warning about the wheel size.

This Streamline is kind of cool:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/deanlung/1539685433

It looks like she might have put a carbon fork and a flat bar on it.

Thank you everyone for your input and thanks hokiefyd for the price estimates!

My total budget is pretty low, so basically it's between a fixer upper like this or a department store bike. Would this one, once it has some minor repairs, be of better quality than that? It's down to just the Airstream now, though it does have a non-standard flat bar on it. I'm not sure if that would be good or not, since I prefer an upright position.

Also I'm assuming there's nothing majorly wrong, but if I find that to be untrue, I probably just wouldn't buy it. The owner said the brakes and shifters worked last year, but that it's been sitting outside for a year now.

If the bike has been sitting outside for a year, it's a sure bet that it'll need quite a bit of work to get it right again. If you are in the United States, what is your closest Craigslist region, and what is your market? Perhaps we can suggest a couple of listings to check out.

Sure, if you want to look through the listings that'd be great. I need a women's 16" frame and am wanting to spend about $200. The Craigslist areas of Greensboro, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, and Hickory, NC are all close enough.
There are a couple on there I've already inquired about and they wouldn't work, such as the Diamondback in Mt. Airy and the Raleigh Route in Carrboro.

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/6197903545.html
Here's a GT Slipstream for $160.

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bid/6198003391.html
Schwinn Trailway for $150. High on price, but could be the perfect fit.

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bid/6193225778.html
Same seller as above. $150 Nishiki. High on price.

https://raleigh.craigslist.org/bik/6191063129.html
17" Nishiki for 100 bucks.

All of these bikes look ready to roll, with little-to-nothing required to get them in good shape. The GT looks the best in terms of value to me, or the $100 Nishiki. It says 17" frame, but it could fit you very well. Frame sizing is more of an art than a science.

Good luck!

Love dem 99-01 GT Streamline series
 

I love my 99 Airstream. I own 6 bikes and that one is my fav (cuz I'm 62 and the roadies are rough on me).
+1 on the cost estimate of $150-$200 to rebuild an old bike ($50-80 parts).
LEARN to do it yourself! That's what YouTube is for.
Cheers

I agree with hokiefyd here. The parts are far more expensive than the sum. Unless you have a lot of time on your hands, and the proper tools (crank pullers, various wrenches (torque), etc.) it's probably not worth it. However, buying a used model with good specs is worth it, IMHO. Some good rec's above from hokiefyd.

I also don't believe you would do better with an entry level bike. You'll probably find yourself dissatisfied with the shifting at a minimum, and wondering if you had spent just 200 more for that next step up or bought a better used model, if you'd be happier.