Free mountain bikes are the best.
 

Hello, it seems I may be taking a step into mtb riding a lot sooner than I originally planned! After a talk over some beers with a friend's soon to be husband, I have recieved a Trek Y-3 (at least thats my best guess, most of the standard equip pictured here looks to be what is on my bike, plus some other goodies) that seems alittle beat up and used.

He doesn't know much about mountain bikes (he was also given the bike), but provided me with his last ride (couple year's ago) experiences.

He stated that the front shocks are shot, and need to be replaced. I imagine that these, with proper maintence, should work fine. They appear to be working, just maybe not tight enough or whatnot. I'm not to sure on how they should be, but I will read up tonight on them.

Now this is wierd; when he got the bike, they came with a pair of carbon fiber wheels. They have three large "spokes", and are rounded at the joints (think Mercedes symbol). The owner before him painted them, so I don't know who made them. Anyway, he replaced the back wheel because he said that he was exp wooble, and thought he had bent the back wheel (don't they normally shatter?). Anyway, he seems to think that there is some lifetime warrenty on them, but that he painting them may have voided it, and not knowing the company, never bothered to find out. My guess with this one would be to strip them, get a name and get in contact with them about it. Any leads would be deeply appreciated.

Anyway, my big question is, will this project and or bike be worth it?

Cheers, and I'll keep you up to date when I start to tinker with things.

If it seems to be in good shape, heck ya I would go for it. Its FREE!!! Fix that fork, or replace it and go scootn' down some trails. As far as "those" wheels... I'm pretty sure that they're for road use. Once they're bent, or cracked.... Garbage disposal!

This is just MY opinion, of course ;)

Spinergy wheels were worth more than the bike, if that's what they were....

One of my friends still rides his Y-frame Trek.... about once every other month.

these are the wheels, I'm sure of it. http://i3.ebayimg.com/03/i/04/38/66/3c_1_b.JPG .

Spin wheels, tri-spoke, is what I think they are. Anyway to get in contact with the company?

I believe Spin is no longer.

The bike isn't the greatest suspension design, but FREE is good! Chances are the fork needs some attention. I'm guessing you'll probably have to replace the elastomer stack inside the fork. Those will be hard to find. You'd probably be better off, spending $75 on a cheap fork and get you out riding. However, I wouldn't spend much more than $100 to get that bike rideable again.

Yes...free bikes are the best! Got a free Giant Iguana 650 a couple of days ago. Everything's in good condition, but the steering seems sort of twitchy (sompared to my other bike), especially when i stand up and pedal. Any suggestions on fixing this problem?

Spinergy no longer exists.... I'm sure of it.... Period.