Restoring an old bike, is it worth the effort?

Ghost Rider 3000
Ghost Rider 3000 Posts: 22
edited August 2012 in Workshop
On clearing my shed yesterday, i found my wife's old folding bike which she's had for 20+ years :shock: I wanted to throw it away as it's got lots of rust all over the handle bar, wheels and frame also suffer from rust here and there. Both brakes are covered in rust and from the look of things they are the worst affected by rust. My wife however feels too attached to it and will not let me throw it away, so i thought how about i restore the bike for her! The question is, is this worth my time and money to pay someone to restore such an old bike? I looked at new folding bikes and they're quite expensive, so would it be worth restoring it? Also if i can restore it does anyone know of any places in Kent/Surrey that will do this task?

Comments

  • TangoScarlet
    TangoScarlet Posts: 1
    Hi

    The answer is probably yes it is worth it. Older bikes tend to be better quality than their eqivalent value in todays narketplace.

    Im about to get a 1976 ish Condor racing bike refurbed and could end up spending £400 plus in the process. For that it will be resprayed, replaced where necessary, new Brooks saddle etc.

    You can get rid of a lot of the rust on the frame and parts yourself if you want to with vinegar and/or aluminium foil.
    Look up "rust removal bicycle" ob youtube for how to do this.

    Im getting my bike done in East Sussex (next to Kent) in Hastings at Bells Bicycles who specalise in bike refurbs:

    http://bellsbicycles.co.uk/

    Good luck!
  • cycleclinic
    cycleclinic Posts: 6,865
    Yes definatley. If is a good frame and you like it. I have an old English 3 speed in at the moment for a biut of sprucing up. Lovely bike.
    http://www.thecycleclinic.co.uk -wheel building and other stuff.
  • Ghost Rider 3000
    Ghost Rider 3000 Posts: 22
    Thanks for the helpful comments guys! I'll try and restore some of that rust with vinegar & silver foil. I had another look at the bike and it's a 3 gear model, unfortunately the gears will need to be replaced as i can't move the stick to change gears! The brakes will also have to be replaced as those are covered in rust but they still work! I'll check out the cycle clinic online and give them a call to find out more info.

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