decent beater

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stalagmike

stalagmike

Enormous member
Location
Milton Keynes
I think I am going to wait for a' better' mtb to come up locally such as the pioneers etc that have been mentioned. Or save / wait for a bit of classic steel to come up, for what would be my first rebuild.
 
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User32269

Guest
If you don't have any parts, work out how much everything will cost. It's not a top line frame, and it could work out costing a fair bit.
Having said that, I've built up a lot of bikes that would never recoup the money spent, and enjoyed them. Just don't underestimate how much it will cost.
 
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User32269

Guest
biggs682 said:
Apart fro twist grips this looks ok

https://www.gumtree.com/p/bicycles/green-claud-butler-men-s-mountain-bike-/1230616146
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Good bike ready to ride.
classic_ca4f57d649a2475fb04e6b0ba4851341.jpg

Can pick up new shifters really cheaply if you dislike grip twist as much as I do.
 
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stalagmike

stalagmike

Enormous member
Location
Milton Keynes
odav said:
If you don't have any parts, work out how much everything will cost. It's not a top line frame, and it could work out costing a fair bit.
Having said that, I've built up a lot of bikes that would never recoup the money spent, and enjoyed them. Just don't underestimate how much it will cost.
Click to expand...
You make a good point. I have got an extension to pay for so maybe have to leave the rebuild idea for a while.
 
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User32269

Guest
stalagmike said:
You make a good point. I have got an extension to pay for so maybe have to leave the rebuild idea for a while.
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I've always got a good few bits and pieces off old bikes in the shed. Even so, it still works out quite expensive for basic stuff; chain, brake pads, cables, tyres etc. If you need bb, chainset, wheels, and more, it becomes more expensive than buying a working bike.
If you get a bombproof mtb or hybrid it won't cost much to replace bits as needed.
If, once you already have a working bike, you spot a bargain frame you can take the time to hunt for the parts needed and build up a great, unique bike.
Good luck getting something.
 
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growingvegetables

Guru
Location
Leeds
stalagmike said:
Thanks for the warning. I have no parts at all. I am a bit of a noob to this game.
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There's a couple of give-aways in that bike's description - that it's never ridden, and has an "issue with a slipping crank". I'd ... probably be wary :whistle:.

But I picked up a 1980's peugeot on Gumtree. Guy said wheels ran true, and all bearings were tight; made it sound like it was ridden regularly. And sure enough, he was right - spot on.

Lots of rust - and rather more than superficial rust. Some definitely structural rust around the chain stays :eek:. But what the heck - I'd run it through the winter and chuck it in a skip come spring time. £25 it cost me.

More than 18 months ago. And I've now ridden it through two winters - aye and a summer too. All I've bought are tyres and brake blocks when needed. I won't spend anything unnecessary on an ugly, rusting old hulk, a bike badly misused, and shockingly repainted.

But underneath the cruddy paint job and the rust? There's a heart of purest, cleanest, ever-so-willing steel, and, my God, I've enjoyed its speed, subtlety and suppleness, its responsiveness, and above all its utter reliability. Over 18 months! At least 7000 miles, maybe more? Of glorious exhilerating fun - best £25 I've ever spent, and the cheapest. [Damn it, I've just spent almost that in the last week replacing the cassette and chain alone on my Country Traveller.]

And I don't care how well the Raddled Green Duchess has served me - I haven't spent an unnecessary penny, and won't start now (however much I sometimes feel tempted - shhhh!). Just ain't worth investing in a frame that has such serious rust issues. But it ain't broken yet.

Sorry - that's a real meandering warble. Just sticking up for ........ keeping your eyes open, and spotting a possible bargain; AND and being harsh with yourself - be realistic about return on investment! You never know your luck - here's hoping you find your "Raddled Green Duchess", and have the same fun I've had.
 
biggs682

biggs682

Itching to get back on my bike's
Location
Northamptonshire
@stalagmike i have just remembered some where deep in our garage there is a large sized Marin hard tail you are more than welcome to borrow or if it rocks your boat enough sure we can work a deal out suitable for both , if need be i can get some pics over the weekend .
 
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stalagmike

stalagmike

Enormous member
Location
Milton Keynes
biggs682 said:
@stalagmike i have just remembered some where deep in our garage there is a large sized Marin hard tail you are more than welcome to borrow or if it rocks your boat enough sure we can work a deal out suitable for both , if need be i can get some pics over the weekend .
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Thanks but don't go out of your way. I have still to convince a certain person that I *need* an alternative option to my Triban for pootling about with the kids.
 
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