MTB been stood for six years

SilverSenator
SilverSenator Posts: 85
edited June 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
So my bike's been stood unused for about six years now (in the house) and was wondering whether it'd be a good idea to get the whole thing serviced, including wheel check, at my local MTB specialist rather than tackle it myself.

Am also pondering whether to replace the inner tubes, and possibly tyres, as I know these can degrade through age/lack of use.
Starting Weight: 25 st 13.44 lbs - On: 20/05/09
Current Weight: 16 st 7 lbs - On: 10/11/12
Weight Loss: 9 st 6.44 lbs
Current BMR: 2095 Calories

Comments

  • boneyjoe
    boneyjoe Posts: 369
    Six years! You should be ashamed of yourself! :D

    Definitely recommend what you suggest before heading out on the trails - full service + new tyres + tubes. Suspect you may want to replace the chain (and possibly cassette) as well, depending on their condition - an old, dodgy chain, can wreck other parts if not careful.
    Scott Scale 20 (for xc racing)
    Gary Fisher HKEK (for commuting)
  • The bike's been stood, almost unused, since brand new so shouldn't think that the chain, etc. needs replacing as there's no corrosion, etc. present.
    Starting Weight: 25 st 13.44 lbs - On: 20/05/09
    Current Weight: 16 st 7 lbs - On: 10/11/12
    Weight Loss: 9 st 6.44 lbs
    Current BMR: 2095 Calories
  • boneyjoe
    boneyjoe Posts: 369
    OK, sounds good. Perhaps take it on a couple of short spins before the service. Will allow you to spot any particular problems, and also give the wheels a chance to settle in a bit before being checked. Welcome back btw, and hope you have a good summer ahead!
    Scott Scale 20 (for xc racing)
    Gary Fisher HKEK (for commuting)
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    So my bike's been stood unused for about six years now (in the house) and was wondering whether it'd be a good idea to get the whole thing serviced
    A lot depends on what condition the bike was in when you stopped using it. If you came back from a ride and just parked up it will be in a bad way but if the bike was cleaned and lubricated before storage it won't be too bad.

    After six years the tyres and tubes will certainly have deteriorated, especially if the bike has not been kept in a cool, dark place (as they say). The brakes will need careful inspection but Vs are usually indestructible. The chain may be stiff but nothing that a good cleanup won't cure. If you stored it with the chain on the biggest gears the cables will have stretched and may need adjustment.

    As said above, take the bike out on a potter round and see what it's like. Taking it to the bike shop and telling them to 'fix it' will most likely get you a full XTR drivertrain and Mavics :wink:
  • .blitz wrote:
    . . . Taking it to the bike shop and telling them to 'fix it' will most likely get you a full XTR drivertrain and Mavics :wink:
    The 'local' bike shop had/has a decent reputation but I've not been in ages so they have becoming a bunch of robbin' pirates.
    Starting Weight: 25 st 13.44 lbs - On: 20/05/09
    Current Weight: 16 st 7 lbs - On: 10/11/12
    Weight Loss: 9 st 6.44 lbs
    Current BMR: 2095 Calories