Author Topic: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one  (Read 3072 times)

Vicster

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Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« on: April 15, 2017, 09:37:00 AM »
Hello

I have an old hybrid bike (at least 15 years old) and it's still going, I've replaced brake pads, cables and I think a crank set at one point.....

...it's making clicking noises and I'm wondering if it's worth replacing crank set again or if I should buy a second hand bike.

How much have bikes developed over the last 15 years?  Will a bike two or three years old be a lot lighter etc?

My bike is quite heavy...and I'm thinking will the costs of servicing add up to an extent that it will be cheaper to get a new one...I'm tempted to try some of the work myself, but previous bike diy jobs have usually ended up with me going to the shop to get it repaired...

Any thoughts much appreciated
thank you in advance




Reynolds531

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2017, 09:53:38 AM »
Crank may just be loose. Or bottom bracket may need to be replaced..  or repacked.

Have a shop look.

Debts_of_Despair

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #2 on: April 15, 2017, 12:55:14 PM »
I would buy a new BB and the tools to DIY.

Laserjet3051

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2017, 01:43:56 PM »
A good frame is a good frame, irrespective of whether its 15 years old or just 1. Agree on the BB as source of the clicking, but the cost of BB tool (for removal) is probably the same cost the shop will charge for labor. and if its not the BB, your now out the cost of the special tool. But yes, clicking around the crank is usually the BB.

My MTB is 16 years old and I just replaced almost everything on the bike last month. Its a great frame that can last me my whole life, so ill invest in parts as they require replacement.

A heavy bike can be made a lot lighter by replacing components as they wear with lighter upgrades, if weight is a concern for you. I've had folks on the trail call my hardtail an "antique." Fuck 'em. I can ride the same singletrack they do with the same grace and speed.

If you want to replace the BB, borrow the tool, its a real easy repair.

chemistk

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #4 on: April 15, 2017, 06:58:27 PM »
If you've got a frame that you're comfortable with, you can upgrade or repair  pretty much every component as needed. As with any skill, once you learn how to do it properly, you're set - repairing components on a bike is generally a very easy task (compared to other types or repair).


Debts_of_Despair

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #5 on: April 15, 2017, 07:14:05 PM »
I would also !Ike to add that you figure out how to do pretty much any bike repair by watching YT videos.
« Last Edit: April 16, 2017, 01:59:00 PM by Debts_of_Despair »

SpreadsheetMan

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #6 on: April 16, 2017, 02:55:43 AM »
I would buy a new BB and the tools to DIY.
+1 to that.

I don't think bikes have really changed much in recent years. Indexed gears and clipless pedals were the last real change. 1980s? Lots of detail tweaks since then, but nothing fundamentally better.

spokey doke

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #7 on: April 16, 2017, 07:44:57 AM »
Clicking can come from all sorts of things on a bike...I'd let a shop take a look, or spend some time online (even here) with more specific info. to get a sound diagnosis...THEN go learn how to fix it.

It seems a lot of people run into a problem with an old bike (or just look at it and say 'that is old') and want to look at replacing it, while not spending much money (and so typically cheaper used bikes)...this is pretty fascinating, as it is often a lateral move, and can cost more than just fixing what you have, while missing the opportunity to learn about bikes and repair (saving more money).

I don't know if a different bike would be better for the OP, but I wouldn't jump ship because of clicking on a heavy bike.  If you want a different bike, great, but I'd learn a bit, fix what you have, and then see what you think...if it is fixed, then you can at least sell it with confidence.

Vicster

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #8 on: April 16, 2017, 09:54:50 AM »
Thank you all for advice, has really inspired me actually, repairing is definitely the way to go...will be cheaper and as you say I will learn stuff and I always enjoy the sense of achievement after fixing things.

Thanks :)

Vicster

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #9 on: April 16, 2017, 09:57:09 AM »
Also can I just check is BB ...Bottom Bracket?


Reynolds531

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #10 on: April 16, 2017, 10:48:55 AM »
Yes it is. Don't ride a loose cranks or you will be buying a new one.

spokey doke

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #11 on: April 17, 2017, 08:33:42 AM »
OK - start out by investigating the clicking and go online and search for diagnostic resources on clicking and match what you've got with what is described...It often goes like this: under what conditions does the clicking occur? Only while pedaling? With every full rotation of the cranks? Every time you push a pedal down (so twice per crank rotation)?  Every 3 or so rotations of the crank (dead ringer for a tight link in the chain)? And so on...when in the saddle and/or out...

And there are lots of online discussion forums for bike nerds that might help (although we have a decent bike crew here)...

Vicster

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #12 on: May 01, 2017, 03:18:50 AM »
Ok all, just an update....

In the end I decided to take it to a bike shop to get fixed.....it cost more than I was expecting, so with hindsight I should have bought the tools and done it myself....(I thought tools and parts were going to cost a similar amount to shop)

however, I'm super pleased, I have my bike working and it's the fraction of the cost of a new bike. It's a joy to ride and I'm glad I can get more miles and more years out of it.

Thanks for all your input.

Gravel Guager

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Re: Fix an old bike or buy a second hand one
« Reply #13 on: May 01, 2017, 11:42:28 AM »
It takes time to understand what is worn out and how to fix it.  Take time isolating the source of the noise.  It may not even be the BB making the clicking noise.  Lack of greese, loose spokes could make a similar noise.  I'd like to hear what the repair ended up being!

 

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