This bike (K2 4.9zed 24spd XL) spent a good while under a tarp in the elements, then cleaned it and rode for a summer, then left for the military and was kept in my parents (non climate controlled) shed for 4 years. Is it worthwhile to do a whole tear down and service (I’ve never done this nor know where to start or what’s needed) or would it be better to buy a new bike that’s more capable/better quality? If so any recommendations in the 400-1000 range? Preferably for a taller rider.
by PatrickWoolf
4 Comments
Fix it bro, ride it while you look for an upgrade👍🏻
We don’t know what needs fixing other than the rusted wires. Look out for rust in bearings (bottom bracket, headset, wheel hubs/freehub).
Just ride it and see what needs servicing. If tires still look fine with no dry rot – keep riding them, if it brakes fine – then keep riding ‘em (brake pads and rotors may need to be replaced at some point but you can also adjust the calipers first if brake power isn’t great) also it’s a good idea to clean and lube up the chain.. if it’s not shifting right, try adjusting cable tension, (eventually chain and cassette and chainrings will need replacement if you ride it enough) parktools has a bunch of videos for pretty much anything that needs fixing/adjustment/replacement. Learning to wrench is fun (at least it is for me) and before you know it you’ve got yourself a new set of skills that can save you hundreds per year in shop fees… oh yeah and your cables look rusty, get some new cables on there
“would it be better to buy a new bike that’s more capable/better quality”
more capable… for what? where and how do you want to ride this bike? short tracks with jumps and rock features? long natural trails that takes hours to complete? On the road in a city? country, unpaved roads?
that bike is decent quality but “dated” if you want a rowdy trail mountain bike. You can fix it up and have fun, but if you’re “serious” about mountain biking, a newer bike could be a lot more fun and a better way to spend your money on fixing up that bike. newer bikes have a ton of features that will make that bike seem a lot less fun in comparison. [What makes a modern mountain bike better](https://gprivate.com/6bjl3)?
it’s still worthwhile to fix up that bike as a secondary back-up bike or commuter if you want a buy a better mountain bike. do you have a bicycle co-op nearby? you’ll need to research that for yourself.
size should not be part of the recommendation, as any decent bike will be available in a few sizes so you can find one that fits you. find the bike that suits you and is in your budget and select the appropriate size option.