I would ride it and save your spending money for your next bike.
What would you do to this bike...if anything?
I purchased this bike in college and rode it a ton then...lots of mud, roots, etc (Kansas river levees). Now, years later, I want to get back on it and do some desert trails around where I live (Cave Creek, AZ). My parents were looking for gift ideas for me and I thought about upgrading the bike or at the very minimum, bring it into the 21st century. I enjoy trails with some up/downhill. Not a big jumper. Not into competing. Definitely will be getting new tires and tubes.
1993 or 1994 Nishiki Colorado 20"
Shimano Exage 500 LX components
Cantilever brakes
No suspension anywhere
Pedals have cages
Other entry-level stuff for seatpost, seat, head, etc.
What would you upgrade with the understanding that if I get back into this, I will probably replace the bike in a year or so? Read that as nothing too expensive. So is it worth anything to add any upgrades?
1993 or 1994 Nishiki Colorado 20"
Shimano Exage 500 LX components
Cantilever brakes
No suspension anywhere
Pedals have cages
Other entry-level stuff for seatpost, seat, head, etc.
What would you upgrade with the understanding that if I get back into this, I will probably replace the bike in a year or so? Read that as nothing too expensive. So is it worth anything to add any upgrades?
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
No need to replace any parts that work. It sounds like the bike's been sitting and you haven't been into the sport for a good while. If that's the case and you don't already have them, good gift ideas would be:
1) A bike stand (doesn't have to be fancy - can be <$100 with a little shopping)
2) A good basic set of bike tools (chain tool, cassette tool, cable cutters, crank puller, pedal wrench) and any basic tools you don't have that also work on bikes (socket set, needle nose pliers, metric allen wrench set, etc).
3) A copy of Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance
This way, you can clean and inspect the bike properly and repair any problems. What needs to be done depends how much mileage you put on the bike before and how it was stored, but you'll definitely want to remove, clean, inspect and relube (as appropriate) all major components if you're putting it back in regular service. You don't want surprises on the trail...
Of course the tools and book will come in handy for your new ride next year, too.
1) A bike stand (doesn't have to be fancy - can be <$100 with a little shopping)
2) A good basic set of bike tools (chain tool, cassette tool, cable cutters, crank puller, pedal wrench) and any basic tools you don't have that also work on bikes (socket set, needle nose pliers, metric allen wrench set, etc).
3) A copy of Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance
This way, you can clean and inspect the bike properly and repair any problems. What needs to be done depends how much mileage you put on the bike before and how it was stored, but you'll definitely want to remove, clean, inspect and relube (as appropriate) all major components if you're putting it back in regular service. You don't want surprises on the trail...
Of course the tools and book will come in handy for your new ride next year, too.
As you alluded to in your other post, some of the old stuff is pretty crappy, especially shifting. Do a cheap single-speed conversion and build it into a townie.kujhawk said:What would you upgrade with the understanding that if I get back into this, I will probably replace the bike in a year or so? Read that as nothing too expensive. So is it worth anything to add any upgrades?
I'd bolt on a set of clipless pedals, but that's personal, can't say you should but I'd recommend it.
A set of tires that suit your current terrain.
Fresh brake blocks and anything else that's worn.
Go ride.
Ron
A set of tires that suit your current terrain.
Fresh brake blocks and anything else that's worn.
Go ride.
Ron
1 - 6 of 6 Posts
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