Dont know anything about bikes but the only problem seems the be flat tires. Do I just fill them up, or would I have to replace them? Or is there a larger problem I’m not seeing? Been needing a bike for a while and this one seems pretty cool if I can get it in riding condition.
by No_Thought6995
8 Comments
Really all you need now is a pair aluminium shorty mudguards and good service your good to go the mudguards are the finishing touch ps just pump the tyres up see what happens let me know.
Well there are multiple things I would check and replace if needed: chain, chainring, brakes, wheels/spokes
But for 25$ it’s cheap af. I wouldn’t really buy a bicycle for that price in Europe, because here it would be shurely stolen. No one would sell it that cheap 😀
You’ll need new tires (and probably new tubes) based on the photos, but you’ll still be under $100 for a new bike which is a great find.
This bike is not worth more than $25
It’s a hi-ten steel frame with stem shifters and a swaged ring crank.
You can ride it but don’t put a bunch of money into it.
For $25 it’s a great find. For a bike from the 1980s it looks to be a pretty decent condition.. can’t even see any rust.
For the tires… they would have a tube.. so you can try pumping them up but if they don’t hold air, then you start by replacing the tubes. I would a wheel off and bring it into a bike shop and they can tell you what size you need. Youtube has tons of videos on how to replace a tube. The tires themselves look like they’re getting on in age so you probably just want to replace those as well.
Now for the rest.. you haven’t mentioned if you’ve taken it for a ride and whether it shifts properly or not. If not, you could have issues with the derailleurs that might need to be repaired. The front cranks (gears) look to be in pretty good condition but I can’t see how the rear are. Assuming everything is shifting ok, you might want to just have a bike shop check the chain stretch to see if you need a new chain. Replacing the chain helps prevent additional wear on the drivetrain.
Oh yeah and you should probably have the bike shop check the brake pads too..
If you really want to get the bike up to a great condition, you’re going to be spending a lot more than what you paid.. Maybe $100.
But if you just need this thing to work… slap in some new tubes and give them air, oil that chain, make sure the brake pads are good and that the brakes work and ride.
I like a retro ride. Pump up the tyres, check the brake pads (or just replace, they are cheap), check for chain wear and clean + lube if no wear. And also get rid of the suicide levers (the levers that run parallel to the inner part of the handlebars) on the brakes to avoid being tempted to use them!
Does it fit? If yes – clean it, grease it, adjust it, new tires, tubes and brake pads, then ride it. For $25, I’d send it. And I even like the color. If it doesn’t work for you, you could probably even make a modest profit reselling.
Different approach is to spend $100 labor and $100 in parts on it. Then you’ll have a fully tuned bike for 225 with a new chain and flat proof tires.
Most people who score a decent bike for cheap are morons who then argue against spending 200 on making it nice as they think “But the bike was only 25 dollars ” which Is stupid twisted logic. If they are connected then they should get a free bike so the repairs will be free too . But they aren’t. Its 2025.. so get it fixed up as you can’t buy a decent new bike for 225. Not where i live.