Hello,
I bought a hybrid bike a decade+ ago as I was going to use it for college. After I finished college, the bike got very little use and has been sitting either outside or in my shed for all those years. I would ride it maybe 3-4 times a year and it slowly started deteriorating without the maintenance and being outside in different weather. I am attaching pictures of the bike's condition at the moment.
The bike is a Diamondback Insight 1. Size sticker on the bike says Medium 17".
What upgrades or fixes can I do to transform this bike so that it rides nice and looks decent?
- I noticed that when I change gears, after the initial gear change/click, in certain gears – the click keeps on repeating with every pedal. What might be causing this and how can I fix it?
- Please recommend products that I should purchase to get started on the general maintenance going. I know it needs some type of lube, but not sure which one.
- I really like those drop? curved? handlebars that you see in road bikes. I always wanted one. If within my budget, is this bike able to update to those kind of handlebars?
- I am also interested in swapping out the seat as the current one is not comfortable in shape.
- What can I change appearance wise to make it look nicer? I don't like the navy blue, can I spray paint it or will it speck off with nicks and handing? I don't care about keeping the brand logo.
- Side note, I am 5'5" tall, this bike feels a little big. If I replace wheels to smaller ones, will it make a difference? or is this something that also depends on the measurements of the frame?
I would like to keep the fix/upgrades cost below $250. Although, I'm not sure if this bike is salvageable or if I need to spend another $200 to buy a new bike for around $400.
Thank you for your patience in going through this post. I am trying to learn and would love any and all advice or suggestions.
by sunspace10