This is my father bike from college. As you can tell, it’s sat outside for at least the last 15 years (5 of which with no cover). I’m just starting to get into bikepacking and I’d love to use the same bike my father had. Is this a bike that could be used for bikepacking well, or is it too far gone? If not, what additions would you advice to get it running good? Thanks!
by u4lunch8i
7 Comments
You basically need to replace all of the components. Also I’m not entirely certain that’s titanium? I see rust.
I think it’s too far gone to rebuild for what you are planning. At least in the economic sense.
If it were my Dad’s old titanium bike, I’d part or trash most of the components, but keep the frame assuming it’s not damaged, etc. perhaps build a city commuter cruiser do all bike someday. Xbiking.
A ti bike would not have that drivetrain on it- it’s aluminum joined together with steel i suspect
Yes. but it going to need a lot of parts.
cheapest way would be to find a parts bike for the wheels and drivetrain and brakes and levers. Still going to need new wires maybe cable housing too.
You might get some goodies on the parts bike like a seat pedals bags tires water bottle holders rear rack its going to need all that too.
this will end up costing around $300 for a parts bike and some new parts if you are very frugal.
But believe me you can easily throw 1000$ at it NOT including bags or gear.
Okay, that’s aluminum. You can see it on the sticker on the bottom.
It would cost way more to rebuild it and get it going again. I recently spent 1300+ getting my bike going and it was in excellent condition compared to this.
In comparison a Giant Revolt 2 is going for 1300. I know this because I just bought one.
I mean you’re basically only going to be able to use the frame, and even that’s questionable. Probably better to just snag something off Craigslist thats in better condition.
If you study up on good old reliable components and buy some cheap tools and are patient, you can absolutely get that thing back together. Scour marketplace , yard sales and whatever.
You can spend a ton of new parts, you can also spend very little on reliable older parts that just aren’t the current fad. Shimano 9 speed stuff, older Deore, all super cheap to free and reliable endlessly. The canti brakes are restorable, bars , bearings and levers can probably be restored. Hell you can probably put some elbow grease into the derailleurs and get them going. At that rate you’d be in for $30 for a cable kit, maybe $100 for decent tires and tubes. Grab some Kool stop pads spend some time with the wheels and you may be off to the races.
Bonus is you’ll get to make new memories on your dads old ride. That’s worth a lot to some people.