Is this quote fair for a rusty but unused bike

[Nick Hirst]

Hi

First post here - hello!

Bit of a noob so excuse what may be a stupid question.

Bought a Specialized Hybrid bike a few years ago for commuting and almost immediately changed jobs so didn't end up using it at all. Literally did about 10 miles on it, if that.

Due to limited space had been storing it on a balcony uncovered. Despite trying to keep it a bit sheltered had gotten rusty and tyres had deflated.

Finally took it for a service to get it running again. Expected a few costs for cleaning things up and maybe a couple of replacements but was a bit shocked to get a quote for over 200 quid. Work includes replacing a stretched chain (measured at 1.0), replacing a worn bottom bracket, replacing all brake and gear cables, replacing front and rear tubes, and servicing front hub bearings. All apparently definitely necessary.

I don't know enough about bikes to know whether that sounds fair or not. The thing that surprised me was all the "wear" - given it's virtually never been ridden. From various searches it looks as though all the bits i'm having to replace are usually fairly hardy and withstand thousands of miles of use, and are repairable even when rusty.

Any advice? Do I need to swallow it and kick myself for not storing my bike properly, or does that sound over the top?

Cheers,

Nick

 

[Nigelnaturist]

A bike will like a car deteriorate if left outside for any length of time, brake cables yes I can see that, tubes and tyres maybe depending on tyre you could be looking at £20-40 there, B.B. if the bike was new when you got it it should be ok, if not again £10-30 chain well if its been outside chances are it will be rusty and as easy to replace as cleaning it and lubing it back to health so another £10-30, and there is a few hours work involved, so I would say easily over £100 but without seeing it any further difficult to say about £200.

 

[mickle]

£50 bill for the actual work and a £150 fine for being uneccesarily cruel to a bicycle. Shut up and pay the damn bill - and don't do it again.

 

[Nick Hirst]

Hi,

Thanks Nigelnaturist. Sounds like the cycle repair place is right then. In answer to your question the bike was bought new. But I guess if things are rusted it might be as costly to repair them as replace.

To mickle: I know it's my fault the bike's damaged. I'm just trying to figure out whether all the work that's being suggested is required. I was surprised to be told that things were worn when it hadn't been ridden. That's all.

 

[numbnuts]

Your neglect is their profit

 

[Nick Hirst]

Your neglect is their profit

I get that. I really do. I think I mistitled my post: I just want to know if components on an unused bike could be considered "worn" enough to replace if rusted.

 

[AndyRM]

Cables - yes.

Hubs - maybe. Hard to tell without seeing/hearing them.

Chain & BB - probably not if the bike is essentially unused.

Tubes - buy a couple and change them yourself. At some point you will get a puncture, being able to remove a tyre and repair/change a tube is an essential skill.

 

[KneesUp]

Show us a picture!

 

[RebornBumbler]

Seriously, I'd get another quote from another shop before shelling-out £200
You could buy the relevant parts online and fit them yourself/get a mate to fit them and save significantly too...

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Seriously, I'd get another quote from another shop before shelling-out £200
You could buy the relevant parts online and fit them yourself/get a mate to fit them and save significantly too...

You and I might be able to, but if its your first time it can be daunting, however I will go this far and say @Nick Hirst if you intend to continue cycling it might be an idea to learn, but it will also @RebornBumbler cost in tools, but these will last once you have them.
None of the jobs mentioned are difficult (in fact very few things on a bike are difficult).

 

[mickle]

I suspect that the chain was not worn but that it was beyond use as a result of its exposure to the elements. The sort of detail difference that some bike mechanics struggle to communicate.

 

[Archie_tect]

Get a book on cycle maintenance or watch maintenance videos on You Tube and have a go first... try as much of it yourself, then go to a decent bike shop and show them what you can't do.

Seeing a bike that at least cleaned up may keep their punishment charge down a bit!