Bike Dilemma

I have a bike dilemma that I would like some advice on. Here's the background:

My winter bike is an almost 10-year-old Specialized Hard Rock. I paid $500 for her new. I love her dearly although she's covered in rust and stickers. After this winter -- it was a hard winter in New England -- I took her to the bike shop for an estimate of the damages. Well, knock me over with a feather: It would cost $620 to get her back into good working order. I'd have to replace virtually everything but the frame and the wheels.

Should I fix her up, or should I buy a new winter bike? (I'll be moving to Seattle, hopefully before winter, so the extreme snow/salt thing won't be as much of an issue in the future.)

moving to Seattle!
kiss that salt and snow good bye!

buy a new bike!
when are you moving? you might consider waiting until you get here to buy a new bike...
or just shop and shop until you find the perfect one. :)

Mimi

Before it snows, darn it! We've vowed to leave MA by December, but I'm hoping to have a job in hand, and therefore a move date, sooner. Job hunting from across the country is a little difficult, though.

I know - I could get a nice new winter bike for $600. But I'm rather attached to my old junker. But 3 bikes is getting to be a little much...

Those old Specialized bikes are bullet proof. I have one I bought in I think 1989. Keep it as a project bike, or if you don't want to move it find someone to donate it to.

I have a Spec Hard Rock vintage 1994 and yeah it's bulletproof. I've only had to replace the chain, despite a few years of serious neglect somewhere in the late 90s. Of course I realize this isn't the case for your bike... but I guess I'm getting at either keep the frame/wheels and build when you have the time and funds, or pass on to someone who you think will love the bike as you have.

I take it you don't like snow/winter? Anyway good luck out west.

If you love that bike, keep it "as is" and bring it to Seattle. Once you get here, go to Recycled Cycles www.recycledcycles.com and have them replace the parts that are doomed with recycled ones. If you decide the frame needs a nice new coat of paint and a dose of frame saver or Boeshield, that can be done at the same time. (the frame would be sent out for painting)

PS - when you click the RC link, the first page that comes up has a picture of Paul. He's "my" wrench. Great guy, always finds the least expensive way to do things. My bikes love him. :D

Winter bike could convert nicely into a rain bike.

And if you still want something new, well -- Seattle's a great place to shop for bikes.

Let go of attachment.....Donate her and buy a new one now, before the prices go up. I have lost my affinity over the years for old iron. Be it bicycle, car, motorcycle, or barbecue grill...

Depending on your budget, a new bike can cost a lot more than the repairs to the one you have. Plus it can be hard to find a bike you really love. Fix 'er up and keep her!