Sorry about the spellig error, it was typed at 4 am because I couldnt sleep

sku

 

Welcome to old bike love

Well, that bike probably isn't "worth" the time you're thinking of putting into it. However, as a first step, a learner if you will, it's fine. Make mistakes, screw around, figure out how to play the game, etc.

The Giants are production bikes, plain and simple. Made in the thousands. They hold no cache, and are not special. They can be found by the dozens at shops such as yours, all over the US. That said, I wouldn't bother painting it, unless you just want to spend the time, and associated costs, for something that's worth no more than when you started. Personally, I'd go the other way, make it a sleeper. Put a bunch of period correct parts on it, all used but functional, leave the frame in all it's patina ridden glory. Folks will be less likely to give it a second glance as they wander past with bolt cutters in their pack.:madmax: :thumbsup:

Good luck!

 

To build a Giant ATX up correct from the frame probably isn't worth it, unless you can find DX components & wheels on the cheap. The correct crank, shifters, & wheels will most likely set you back more than finding another old bike already outfitted. The ATX series weren't necessarily the bottom of the barrel. I believe they were 670 with LX, 770 with DX, & 870 with XT. Post some pictures & someone here can probably tell you the year model so that you can match your components. All that said I have a circa 1990 ATX 770 that I picked up for parts, but for now is still in one peice. Being more of a rider than a collector, I really like how the bikes fits & rides. But don't expect to get much respect from it here. I wouldn't bother painting it unless there is some potential rust problem going on. Just clean it up good & leave the battle scars for character. Good Luck.

 

From what I recall, RX-1 has it about right. You can do a search for Giant ATX at Bikepedia and find some specs. These were quality, mid-level bikes, positioned above the Iguana and other named bikes. They started with LX and STX in different years. Anyway, it should be a quality steel frame that should last, barring any rust problems from its unknown past. Giant was positioned in the market back then about like they are now - mostly known for high quality, mainstream, mass production bikes with good components for the money.

 

I have a '91 Iguana that I use as a commuter and it's a nice ride and has served me well. I bought one new back in the day and sold it a couple years later as I moved on to a higher end bike. I always regretted selling it (maybe I'm too sentimental) but a as chance would have it, a few years later I spotted one the same year, size and color in a junk heap behind my lbs and picked it up for $20 and resurrected it.

Your ATX will make a nice townie for you if nothing else. Build it up and ride it!

 

Thanks for the advice, I will snap some photos on Saturday

when I go to hopefully finish the bike in it's beater form. What I may do is upgrade parts to period apropriate quality compenants, and keep my eyes open for a frame worth restoring. Then when I find one, I can just swap the compenants over. I will still post a pic when I see it this weekend and when it's done as I am sure anyone who invested advice would want to see what I am working wtith. The seat stays really are pretty wicked though.