Road Cycling · Public discussion

Rebuild or replace?

Started by Sam Yorko · · Last activity · 6 posts · 1,087 views

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Road Cycling
Published
7 July 2003
Last activity
9 July 2003
Original author
Sam Yorko
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6
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  1. I'm currently riding a Trek 930, vintage 92 or 93. I'm putting about 1500 miles a year on it, but
    I'd like to shoot for more. Most of my riding is on paved trails and roads (Coyote Creek Trail,
    Bailey Road, organized rides), but I've done a bit of riding on the dirt trails (Santa Teresa
    County Park).

    I'm somewhat happy with the 930; I like the dirt/road tires that I'm using on the 26" wheels, in
    that I'm not as prone to flats as most people on pure road slicks are, and I don't have to worry as
    much about road hazards. I also like the somewhat more relaxed position I'm in. However, I seem to
    be having either saddle or saddle position problems that I can't straighten out.

    The bike is getting worn out. Well, rather, a lot of the componentry is getting worn out: the
    springs in the shifters are losing their spring, the cogs and the chain rings probably need
    replacing, the front deraillure seems to not be able to reliably shift any longer (either the chain
    refuses to jump down, or it goes too far and completely off the chain rings). It's also a 21 speed,
    and 7 speed componentry is almost impossible to find any more.

    The bike was/is hardtail and no front suspension; I've installed a suspension seatpost that I'm not
    too happy with.

    I'm on the heavy end, but I'm in the process of slimming down. I'll always be a clysdale, being 6'1"
    guarantees that, so the bike must be capable of carrying at least 200 pounds, and realisticly more
    than that.

    I don't think that I'll be touring with this bike; the most I've ever done has been two metric
    centuries, and I'm still trying to recover from my last one a week ago.

    Do I get a new bike, or just do a massive componentry replacement on this bike? The LBS I got it
    from is still in business, but I'm not comfortable with their work (but they do turn it around in a
    day; as the joke goes, "That restaurant is really bad: the food is terrible, and you get so little
    of it!"😉 I'm a little afraid of other LBSes because of repair turnaround time: this bike is the
    only one I've got, and I know from past experience that if I stop riding, it's really difficult to
    start again...

    I am capable of some mechanical work, but adjustments scare me: I've never been able to figure out
    how to correctly adjust a front deralleur and avoid mis-shifts. Time, OTOH, is not something I have
    a lot of; I'm grateful in this economy in this area to have a good job, but the work details do not
    leave me a lot of time (I make time to ride; it relieves stress, and prolongs my life, and I do it
    with a lunch break from work).

    Sam

  2. "Sam Yorko" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    I'm currently riding a Trek 930, vintage 92 or 93. I'm putting about 1500 miles a year on it, but
    I'd like to shoot for more. Most of my riding is on paved trails and roads (Coyote Creek Trail,
    Bailey Road, organized rides), but I've done a bit of riding on the dirt trails (Santa Teresa
    County Park).

    <<snip..>>

    Quoted message said:

    Do I get a new bike, or just do a massive componentry replacement on this bike?

    <<snip..>>

    Quoted message said:

    Sam

    IMHO, get a new bike. There are many arguments for and against, but in the end, it might be your
    best option. Component upgrades are worthwhile if you have a good frame that you really like, but
    the 930 isn't stellar in that regard, good but not great. Components cost a lot more individually
    than if you were to buy them all on a new bike, not to mention the installation which you admit
    you're not too good at. That means you should probably have them professionally installed so they
    work properly and don't get damaged during installation. So, all things considered., clean it up,
    sell it used and find a new bike you like. Many things have changed in mountain bikes in 10 years
    and you might find a newer bike to be far superior to your old one.

    Cheers,

    Scott..

  3. Definately keep and fix. For $200 or less, your repairs are minor.

    But since you are short of time, and have a good job, a new bike makes sense. Since you want to ride
    more, go get something really nice. We either have $ and no time OR no $ and lots of time. When you
    lose that good job, at least you'll have a good bike.

    And Sam, please shop around for a good bike shop.

    "Sam Yorko" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    The bike is getting worn out. Well, rather, a lot of the componentry is getting worn out: the
    springs in the shifters are losing their spring,

    Do I get a new bike, or just do a massive componentry replacement on

  4. Kevin said:

    Definately keep and fix. For $200 or less, your repairs are minor.

    But since you are short of time, and have a good job, a new bike makes sense. Since you want to
    ride more, go get something really nice. We either have $ and no time OR no $ and lots of time.
    When you lose that good job, at least you'll have a good bike.

    And Sam, please shop around for a good bike shop.

    "Sam Yorko" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    The bike is getting worn out. Well, rather, a lot of the componentry is getting worn out: the
    springs in the shifters are losing their spring,

    Do I get a new bike, or just do a massive componentry replacement on

    I've got to agree. The old bike can be rebuilt, but your story says a new bike is the best option.
    Seeking out a new shop sounds reasonable too. Have happy rides Bernie

  5. In article said:

    I'm on the heavy end, but I'm in the process of slimming down. I'll always be a clysdale, being
    6'1" guarantees that, so the bike must be capable of carrying at least 200 pounds, and realisticly
    more than that.

    I don't think that I'll be touring with this bike; the most I've ever done has been two metric
    centuries, and I'm still trying to recover from my last one a week ago.

    I sort of get the impression that you're in the throes of one of those head vs heart dilemmas, and
    are leaning toward some sort of touring bike. On one hand, the old 930 has served its purpose well,
    on the other hand, there's the allure (and practical benefits) of a new bike with up-to-date
    componentry.

    It sounds like you're leaning toward getting a new touring bike of some sort, but are perhaps
    concerned it might be "too much" for your purposes (since you mention you don't plan on doing any
    tours). But I don't think you need to do a bunch of touring per se, to get good use out of a touring
    bike.From what I've read here, a *well fitting* touring bike can provide a most wonderful balance of
    speed, comfort and versatility. And in the process of getting one, there could be a good opportunity
    to experience a real, professional fitting; something I wouldn't mind having, myself.

    Of course, you'd then be stuck with the dilemma (or trilemma) of which brake lever/shifter system to
    go with :-)

    I think after a decade of the trusty ol' 930, you're entitled to a new bike. 'specially if you can
    afford it. One can always rationalize that it's an "investment" -- just not necessarily a financial
    investment ;-)

    Indulge. Eat a peach.

    cheers, Tom

    --
    -- Powered by FreeBSD Above address is just a spam midden. I'm really at: tkeats [curlicue] vcn
    [point] bc [point] ca

  6. "Sam Yorko" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:

    I'm currently riding a Trek 930, vintage 92 or 93. I'm putting about 1500 miles a year on it, but
    I'd like to shoot for more. Most of my riding is on paved trails and roads (Coyote Creek Trail,
    Bailey Road, organized rides), but I've done a bit of riding on the dirt trails (Santa Teresa
    County Park).


    Free advice: You want to be talked into a new bike, and after 10 years, that's not unreasonable.
    1. Figure out whether you want a better road bike, or a better off-road bike. Buy that.
    2. Keep your old bike. If you get a road bike, fit this one out as a pure mountain bike. (or if you
    get a mountain bike, put high pressure slicks on the old bike).
    3. Use the old bike as a "learning" bike -- learn how to overhaul (re-grease) hubs, re-true wheels,
    etc. on the old bike. Even if some of these repairs don't take, you will still have something to
    ride. The best way to learn bike maintenance/repair is to do it, and an old bike let's you do it
    with little risk.
    4. Ride the old bike in bad weather, or where there is more danger of theft, or to use slightly
    different muscles, or when the other bike is in the shop, or in the winter.

    There's a lot to be said for having two bikes that have different personalities.

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