Re-Furbishing Old 10 Speed

[wannaduacentury]

Hi all, I'm new here and I have dh's old 10 speed bike. It's been in storage, very dusty and could use an overhaul. IS it worth it? My LBS said they'd look at it(I haven't made it there yet-been busy) and I wonder $$ what the damage would be? Anyone else do anything similiar?

p.s. I also have an old 3 speed that only needs new brake pads and brake cables, so that's a quick fix, everyting is functional on it.

[stella]

Hi all, I'm new here and I have dh's old 10 speed bike. It's been in storage, very dusty and could use an overhaul. IS it worth it? My LBS said they'd look at it(I haven't made it there yet-been busy) and I wonder $$ what the damage would be? Anyone else do anything similiar?

p.s. I also have an old 3 speed that only needs new brake pads and brake cables, so that's a quick fix, everyting is functional on it.

tough to answer without more data. what brand name and model bike? also, if this is for you to ride, you want to make sure it fits you before putting money into it. but, a good used bike is great to start riding on, as long as it fits!

here's some things to look at on your hubby's bike (it will give you an idea what needs to be replaced). this is an incomplete list, but a start.
if you have the chance, go look at the tires: are they cracked? dry? if so, they will need to be replaced. (you can get cheap ones from the bike shop, figure--at least around where I live, around $30.00 total for both)

then, look at the brake cables and shifter cables: is there rust evident? are they frayed? if so, will need to be replaced. (charge is more labor. cable can be pretty cheap. I just replaced brake cable on my beater--the cable cost me $3.00, then there is the cable housing--unsure of the cost--I had some laying about).

look at the brake pads: what shape are they in?

I hope I gave you useful info (and not too much!).

It is good to see your enthusiasm and interest!

[wannaduacentury]

Yes Stella, the tires, brake cables, br pads, chain etc need to be repl. The gears need cleaning and such. I've sat on the bike and w/ the seat lowered it would fit me( I'm 5 ft 8) . It's a 10 speed Spalding I think, black atleast 20 -25 yrs old. I can't see it go to waste it it can be fixed up. I do have 3 other bikes,one's a 25 yrold 3-speed I've had since I was 9, a Schwinn mtn bike for dd and I have a 2005 Trek Hybrid. I just love bikes, no matter what their age :)

[DebW]

I think the bottom line would be the quality of the crankset. If it's got cotter pins or a department-store variety one-piece crank, I would be reluctant to invest much in it. If a quality 3 piece cotterless crank with alloy arms and rings then it would be worth it. Five-speed freewheels are still obtainable in a few places, but mainly with a 14-28 range. Make sure you have or can get the freewheel puller.

[stella]

Yes Stella, the tires, brake cables, br pads, chain etc need to be repl. The gears need cleaning and such. I've sat on the bike and w/ the seat lowered it would fit me( I'm 5 ft 8) . It's a 10 speed Spalding I think, black atleast 20 -25 yrs old. I can't see it go to waste it it can be fixed up. I do have 3 other bikes,one's a 25 yrold 3-speed I've had since I was 9, a Schwinn mtn bike for dd and I have a 2005 Trek Hybrid. I just love bikes, no matter what their age :)

re: loving bikes regardless of age: I hear that one! My beater bike is an old batavus from 1970. I rehabbed much of it myself. the wheels are fine, the frame is fine. brought the cheapest tires, cheap (but safe) brake pads. cost me about $30 total to fix it up so that it is in safe/usable condition.

If you trust your lbs, they will tell you whether it is worth fixing up or not. the shop I go to, they are honest and not trying to sell me new. I hope your lbs is like this, as well.

It can't hurt to get an assessment.

Debw brings up a good point, as well re: dept store bikes and cranksets.

[wannaduacentury]

Those are great ideas ladies. I probably going to let it slide b/c dh doesn't want to fool w/it. He said fix up the 3 speed instead, which I'll do next week. All it needs is brake cables and new pads. My mom wants to ride it, it was my old bike I got for Christmas when I was 9 :) The old 10 speed is most likely a dept store variety. Like the mtn bike I bought for my dd, I'll get her a nice one when she's older and can take care of it properly, in the meantime this will do.