Neglected aluminium frame.
- Thread starter Rhythm Thief
- Start date
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ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I don't understand why people get so attached to mere possessions!
I keep my stuff as long as I can but I am not bothered when it eventually has to go, as long as I can afford to replace it.
My best bike is well over 20 years old, and I have done some great rides on it, but so what... Replacing the whole bike would matter no more to me than replacing a gashed tyre or a worn chain, providing that I had a couple of thousand pounds spare to buy its replacement. It's nothing more than a complicated and expensive cycling tool!
Spending £500 having that old bike done up makes no sense to me.
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Rhythm Thief
Legendary Member
- Location
- Ross on Wye
I'm inclined to agree, up to a point. On the other hand (and having taken on board some of the comments in this thread regarding aluminium frames), there's lots of life left in it, given a good service and some new bits. If the owner gets another LeJog out of it, who are we to say it's money wasted?
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Rhythm Thief
Legendary Member
- Location
- Ross on Wye
Yeah. On the other hand, there's still plenty of miles left in it, given a service and a few new bits.
Ajax Bay
Guru
- Location
- East Devon
You are helping him waste his money. Which is fine. And you'll enjoy doing it up, with a simple procurement process for all the needed bits. But £500!
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
Exactly!
£50-100 might be okay, but a better bike in much better condition could probably be bought on ebay today for £300-400.
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Rhythm Thief
Legendary Member
- Location
- Ross on Wye
I know. But if he wants to spend it, I'm not about to stop him. It'll actually be less, as I found some secondhand mudguards in the bits pile and went for some significantly cheaper brake blocks than the Kool Stops I was originally going to fit. My labour charge - which covers not only building the bike but also stripping, cleaning and rebuilding the rear derailleur and the chainset, rebuilding the headset and hubs with new bearings and grease and tapping and greasing all threads - is £150, which is a lot cheaper than most bike shops, assuming he could find one that would take it on in the first place! With the cost of new parts, it'll come to around £450. And if he's happy to pay that, why would I stop him?
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Rhythm Thief
Legendary Member
- Location
- Ross on Wye
I agree. But see my reply above...
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I suppose that it is only what I used to pee away on alcohol in a couple of months, and the bike is a much healthier choice...
Well, I've had the OK to proceed. Just off to SJS Cycles. I love spending other people's money.
Bet that's a bit of a treat - never been there but it's always a pleasure to get a package from them when I can justify the price
PaulSB
Squire
- Location
- Chorley, Lancashire
I understand your point of view but it's not one I share. I feel a deep sense of attachment to my bikes and it pains me when I have to part with one. I often refer to my bike as "she." We've conquered a lot together.
I have spent more than £500 on occasions to upgrade/repair a bike but on that wreck? No way. Thing is I can't imagine allowing a bike to get into such a disgraceful state. The owner obviously doesn't care for such things whether he has my sentimental approach or your more practical one - both are, IMV, equally valid.
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OP
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Rhythm Thief
Legendary Member
- Location
- Ross on Wye
Well, it's taken longer than I thought to find the time to sort this one, but here it is. Complete with:
new chain
new brake lever hoods (I love Campagnolo for their spares availability. Try finding Shimano brake hoods for 20 year old levers)
new tyres
new bottom bracket
new bar tape
new stainless cables all round
new jockey wheels (I've never seen such a worn rear derailleur)
new brake blocks
new middle chainring
secondhand wheels and cassette
secondhand front derailleur
mudguards and rack from the bits box
It's also had
a good clean
all threads tapped and new stainless bolts fitted (complete with copper grease on all threads)
all the oily bits ultrasonically cleaned
I think that's it. Total cost is £450 in the end, most of which is parts. Before and after pics below, not necessarily in that order.
new chain
new brake lever hoods (I love Campagnolo for their spares availability. Try finding Shimano brake hoods for 20 year old levers)
new tyres
new bottom bracket
new bar tape
new stainless cables all round
new jockey wheels (I've never seen such a worn rear derailleur)
new brake blocks
new middle chainring
secondhand wheels and cassette
secondhand front derailleur
mudguards and rack from the bits box
It's also had
a good clean
all threads tapped and new stainless bolts fitted (complete with copper grease on all threads)
all the oily bits ultrasonically cleaned
I think that's it. Total cost is £450 in the end, most of which is parts. Before and after pics below, not necessarily in that order.
Attachments
sevenfourate
Devotee of OCD
- Location
- Lowestoft, Suffolk
That’s a bargain blast + coat. Would be £100+ in these parts. These parts being deprived Lowestoft ! Maybe our lack of coaters drives the price up. More competition in your area I’m guessing 🤷♂️ Suits you anyway. And looks great 😁
