do it up or bin it?

75-DG

just aquired and old 12 speed raliegh record sprint to start cycling again, is it worth upgrading parts wheels gears etc or is my money better spent on a new bike.

MattC59

Clean and lube it, then ride it until you've got enough cash for a new bike, I wouldn't spend money on new kit for it, unless you particularly want to restore it ?
Stick it on ebay, loads of people are into the retrobike scene. Someone will buy it.

Monty Dog

By all means get it roadworthy but avoid the temptation to buy new parts in the belief that you'll get some return on your investment - it'll still be a 25 year-old bike with a few new bits. Retrobike is a good place if you're looking for replacement parts at reasonable prices. The Record Sprint wasn't anything special so doesn't hold any intrinsic value except sentimental for former owners.

keef66

Tyres, tubes, brake blocks, cables and bar tape are the only things I'd consider replacing to get it roadworthy. Money down the pan after that.

Or an expensive period restoration project, depending on your inclination.

outcastjack

I would suggest: new tubes, tyres, cables and brakeblocks, and use it.

or shove it on ebay...

g00se

Alternatively, when you're done with it, find a local bike charity/co-op and donate it.

Wirral_paul

Call it your winter bike. This then means of course that you need a fancy "summer" bike and is all the justification needed for getting past "er indoors" with your spending plans!!

BobScarle

Of course, especially this time of year, there is always the trainer. If you can get it to a good enough state put it on the trainer and use it indoors for the next three months. Once spring comes you can then decide, do up or sell.

secretsam

That's the 80s 501 main tubed black and gold thing, isn't it? I'd go along with advice here - thrash it, mebbe put second hand parts on but frame is really nothing special - cheap bike when new

However, as also mentioned above, no doubt some muppet who thinks anything old and steel = fantastic will buy it off E-bay for silly money.

Source: keen cyclist in 80s, owner of old steel bike (but full 531 )

75-DG

Thanks for the advice i kind a thought as much. I'd best get earning the brownie points.

Lossie Loon

I'd definitely do it up with the basics to make sure that it's roadworthy as it could make a good second bike. When I got back into cycling I did buy a new bike, but also started doing up my old bike - as I split my time between different ends of the UK. This way I have a bike to go about on when up north and don't have to worry about carting my other bike on a 1000 mile round trip every so often. As an added bonus, doing up an old bike will also help give you a bit of confidence to do regular bike maintenance jobs - thus saving you money and making you a bit more self-reliant.

Worth it, IMO.

Teece

I bet those fixie kids would go mad for it. I'd flog it.

LeicesterLad

My Record Sprint gave up the ghost last year, front wheel buckled beyond repair, generally just worn down to the ground. I replaced the chain, tyres and bar tape originally, but glad i didn't do anything else to it. Have toyed with the idea of using the frame to create a light, low componant hill climb bike for next October, but it will probably cost me too much, and before anyone says, the frame is actually pretty light!

If anyone wants a Record Sprint frame, PM me!

PS. If you need new wheel's you may have to coldset the frame, odd sizing!

rolf_f

Teece wrote:

I bet those fixie kids would go mad for it. I'd flog it.

OP might not be in London

(outside London folk treat old frames with respect! Mostly)

rodgers73

I did up an old steel bike I got off ebay and used it as a tourer. Did Doncaster-Whitstable and London-Paris on it.

Lots of fun as a project and all the more satisfying to get to the end on such an elderly machine.