I got this bike from a friend, as I am looking to start my first DIY. I am a first timer….I will be using YouTube guides and hope for the best- I am really excited about this one!
I guess before I begin, dies anything here look too beat up, is there a huge “this is not worth it” sign I am missing?
by Far-Silver59
10 Comments
The rust on the frame is probably a big no no. That bike could be very unsafe and I am afraid you won’t be able to tell the extent of the damage.
Just a new chain and cables + housings will be pretty good.
Other than that it’s just a cheap bike.
How much $$$$ are you prepared to spend? New wheels at least the rear and probably front, new free wheel cassette, new chain, new jockey wheels if not a new derailleur, front derailleur may not salvageable, definitely new front chain rings, new brake cable and housing x2, new gear cables and housing x2, bb will need new bearings if not total replacement, headset will need to be looked at…as will the brake levers n pads. never mind a careful frame inspection. which is all fine if a passion project but if not, hard nope.
Interesting how you ask how it “looks” without providing pictures of the bike. From the details it’s an extremely low quality frame, not made for mountainbiking, the rear stays just pinched flat and cheap dropouts simply welded on flat… So it will never be worth anything other than providing you with mobility. the chainrings are bolted on and cannot be changed.
Ride it and see how it works – if it does, derust chain and go. If it doesn’t, expect that you’ll have to put in money you’ll never get back. A new chain will even cost more than the bike is worth.
That said, it will be a good project bike because you can’t do real damage…
Youve just shared pic of the drivetrain so cant comment on the bike.
The rust is bad.
Likelyhood is youll change the chain then everything will skip because the drivetrain is worn out and then you’ll deciede to build it with better components and before you know it you’re $200 spent in tools and second hand parts.
Or you could drench the whole drivetrain in oil to unseize everything and just ride it around.
Honestly, it doesn’t look that bad from the photos. Replace all cables and housings, and the chain. Put a few drops of thin oil in the shifters, and on any pivot points of the derailleurs. Replace old brake pads. Might need new tires if the old ones are cracked.
The rust on the cassette and chainrings is not a problem; scrub them with a wire brush if you really want to put in the effort. A bit of frame rust is no big deal. Those YouTube videos will be helpful. A good DIY project that can turn into a functional bike.
What do you want to do with it? Restoring it for longer tours is a very different thing than restoring it for commuting on bike lanes.
I see… ok, thats not what I was hoping to hear but I take it that you guys know what you are saying.
So let me reframe: if I am cruising the classified for a cheap bike to flip/learn/potential passion project -> what should I be aware of, in terms of red flag? Now I know- rust on the frame. What else would make this a disaster project?
This would need a full rebuild. Even if you did it with cheapest Ali express parts youre probably looking around £60. And then there’s the rust on the frame which would be a complete write off.
If you want to end up with a “good” bike, it’s not worth the time, effort, or the components. If, however, you enjoy solving problems and cleaning/fixing things – go right ahead.
I recently fixed up a 90’s MTB I got for $50, spent lots of hours scratching my head and $200 in components on it. No way is it worth $250 to anyone other than myself.