Is it worth it geting an old top notch bike to rebuild

lyhne

Hi guys

I am considering finding myself an old bike fix it up and use it as a commuter. I will probably be going for an mtb (That's the reason for posting it here) as I like the feel better than a road bike.

I just got the idea, that maybe I could find an old top-notch frame-set and get it to run like new again. Just to get the feeling of riding something, that was once great. (I can't afford getting a 10K bike from new)
One problem is my lack of knowledge. I was considering a GT Zaskar but it seems there are different versions of these, with different origin, so that might be difficult to distinguish good from bad.
So, please let me know if you know other great bikes, that might be worth the effort..?

The second issue is: Is it even worth the effort. As mentioned The money is limited. I guess if it gets too old, It will be harder to find parts for it?
Did any really big changes take place, and when? (after 1990, I guess I wont be going for older frames) I mean, would it be even remotely possible to fit a 2012 xtr derrailleur on a 92 frame?

I am looking forward to your comments.

Lyhne

delcol

probably be cheaper to buy a new bike.. what sort of budget are we talking..?

also do you have the tools for the job? if not you would have to factor the cost of these into the build or the cost of the LBS fitting/building the bike..

lyhne

I am not sure of the budget.. Maybe USD 800-1000 totally.

I guess I would have to factor the cost of tools, I do have most of the common all-round tools, but not much specialised bike-gear.

The thing is, I would love to have a bike that could last "forever" And where it could be worth it to replace parts. my current mtb is one of those, "use as long as it lasts-but dont spend much on it!" bikes.

The plan was to find a bike (preferably in somewhat working order) and change the parts along the way..

cat_with_no_tail

I assume from the USD budget, you're in the US.

for $1,000 you'll be able to get a very nice modern bike.

In my very humble opinion, older bikes are better left as a labour of love. Something you lavish money on to rebuild to it's former glory and then ride occasionally. Similar to classic cars.

Technology has come on leaps and bounds since the 90s. tbh, technology has come on loads in the last few years.

andy_welch

Transmission isn't a problem. Modern mechs will still fit an old frame, as will wheels as long as you are careful. The trickiest areas are probably brakes and forks. An old frame may limit you to V brakes, which are a lot worse in most situations than modern discs. The headtube may also limit you to older 1" headsets and finding decent forks with a 1" steerer may be tricky (although even 20 years ago I think higher end bikes may have gone it 1 1/8").

Personally I enjoy shed time so I'd say go for it. If nothing else you'll learn a lot about how bikes work and you are saving one more bike from the tip. But, as others have said, in pure economic terms it may be cheaper just to buy a decent new bike.

Cheers,

Andy

.blitz

lyhne wrote:

Just to get the feeling of riding something, that was once great.

'Once' is the operative word. I have a Proflex 856 from 1996. A year or two before, Henrik Djernis was World MTB Champion on an almost identical bike and at the time it was pretty much the best MTB around apart from a few niche Yetis and Manitous etc.

Fast forward to today and despite keeping it in great condition it is, to be frank, a complete dinosaur and the only pleasure to be gained from riding it is a harsh reminder of how far MTBs have progressed.

If you do rebuild an old bike, you may be surprised at how much modern kit will fit. Little headsets and short-travel forks are not so common but otherwise there is plenty of choice. XTR v-brakes are still current, there are lots of v-brake compatible rims around and there's no reason why you can't fit a 2012 groupset to an older bike.

But having been down this route I would not recommend it. It's easy to cover a bike in superglue and ride it through Chain Reaction but all you end up with is a clothes-horse of mismatched components that make every ride a nightmare. The best approach imo is to replace like with like - 2012 SRAM 8-speed is a million times better than 1996 XT - and avoid the temptation to upgrade, it simply doesn't work.

Good luck

supersonic

Old Zaskars - 1996 onwards, still hold their heads high today compared to frames on many sub 1k bikes. Are custom butted for size, including stays so offer a degree of vibration damping, are stiff when pedaling, tough and still come in under 4lbs in the 20.5 (seat tube size). Will take upto a 100mm fork.

nicklouse

.blitz wrote:

lyhne wrote:

it was pretty much the best MTB around apart from a few niche Manitous

and they were total garbage.

.blitz

Always liked 'em tbh but then again I liked Genesis as well

What were your favourites Nick?

nicklouse

.blitz wrote:

Always liked 'em tbh but then again I liked Genesis as well

What were your favourites Nick?

got my ridgeback XT in ´84 to replace the Raleigh with Cow bars and was very happy with that for 15 years. did not belive in the suspension thing as it was so poor compared to the stuff on the cars i was building i left it alone untill ´97.

so was not botherd by the bikes that did not work.

.blitz

that's a relief I thought you were going to say 'Klein' for a minute

njee20

2012 SRAM 8-speed is a million times better than 1996 XT

I disagree!

supersonic

My 1996 XT SL008 shifters were some of the best I have owned.

njee20

Exactly, and cheap SRAM (and Shimano) is really pretty crap, very plasticy.

If anything Shimano stuff has got worse over the years. M950 XTR was fantastic stuff which lasted ages. M980, whilst good, just doesn't feel as 'special' as the older groups did.

.blitz

Must've been just mine then

lyhne

.blitz wrote:

'Once' is the operative word. I have a Proflex 856 from 1996. A year or two before, Henrik Djernis was World MTB Champion on an almost identical bike and at the time it was pretty much the best MTB around apart from a few niche Yetis and Manitous etc.
Sorry, I guess I messed up the Quoting-script.. Above is a Quote from blitz:-)


I remember. I am from Denmark myself. The currency was just to give everyone a chance.. instead of using Danish Kroner:-)
Djernis actually has his name on some Spectre frames now.

I guess it the conclusion must be to go with it, if I feel like it, and if I have the time:-)
If not, I should go for a new one...
I just like the thought of stripping it (it, being a good bike, as mentioned above) down completely maybe blast-grinding it and make it run like new.. Just don't want to get an old or possibly a bad frame, and then put a lot of work into it:-)

Thanks a lot for your thoughts!
Please keep commenting, I appreciate it:-)