Old used bike: what to replace?

[annirak]

My daughter is in need of a replacement for her Frog 62. Unfortunately, Frog's seem to have doubled in price since she last traded up, so instead of the trade being 50% of the cost, it's now about 25%. Someone in my village was giving an old bike, which is about the right size for my daughter. I've gotten it for her and I'm looking at repairing/upgrading/updating it for her. I gather it's been sit in a shed for 15 years.

It has a 3x6 Shimano (Tourney?) drive train, with grip shifts. Strangely, it's a parallelogram derailleur, but not a slant parallelogram as most new ones are. V-Brakes. Knobbly tires that have clearly seen little use, but better days. It has a front shock--I'm unsure of what to do with it since I'm mostly a roadie.

My plan is to:

1. replace chain
2. replace all cables/outers
3. replace v-brake pads
4. replace tyres & tubes
5. replace handlebar grips & seat

Should I consider replacing the cassette & chain rings? Should I consider trying to put a 1x8 drivetrain onto it (which is what she's used to)? That would probably entail replacing/re-lacing the rear wheel.

Am I missing anything else for a bike of that age?

 

[Kingfisher101]

Are you sure it wouldnt be cheaper to buy her a secondhand bike in better condition than this one? I've seen some great deals on marketplace of bikes that have hardly been used.

 

[iluvmybike]

Look for 2nd hand Isla bikes. They're great bikes for kids and have a good resale value

 

[Spiderweb]

Can you post some pics?

Can’t you just give it a good clean, polish and lube?
Has the chain stretched and are the chainrings worn?
V-Brake pads may be fine, they usually last ages.
Do the brakes & gears work ok?
The tyres and tubes may be ok. Check to see if rubber has started to perish.

 

[wafter]

Worth making sure the bike's worth spending the money on before proceeding... given how little used bikes are currently worth you might do better buying a serviceable alternative.

 

[Cycleops]

No.1 thing to make sure of on an old bike that's been standing for a while is that the seat post moves in the frame. You might also check the stem if it's a quill.
Also need to look at the wheels. Run true?

 

[Gunk]

Worth making sure the bike's worth spending the money on before proceeding... given how little used bikes are currently worth you might do better buying a serviceable alternative.

@wafter is right, the money soon runs away. I’ve done a few “quick refreshers” where I haven’t got my money back.

 

[Jameshow]

If it's anything like most kids bikes - heavy - don't!!
unless it's a decent make like frog, Isla, giant specialised, trek, Ridgeback etc.

Rigid forks are preferable to suspension forks.

Wiggins are another brand that flies under the radar too.

 

[Reynard]

Wiggins are another brand that flies under the radar too.

Sadly they don't make the Wiggins bikes anymore, which is a shame. Being a somewhat undertall lady cyclist, I have two - a Rouen 650c-wheeled road bike and a 26" wheel Chartres hybrid. The roadie is a 2x8 Claris, while the hybrid is a 3x9 Altus. The hybrid is my do-it-all bike, and is set up with mudguards, rack, handlebar extension (for lights and bell) and slick commuter tyres with puncture protection.

Should be some knocking around on the second hand market. Look for the original red, blue & white / silver bikes, and not the revised grey ones, as the latter aren't so well kitted out in the drive train department (particularly true of the hybrid).

If on a budget, Decathlon would also be a good port of call.

Otherwise, I built up a custom Raleigh MTB from a late 1990s one I picked up at my local tip during lockdown. Most of the OEM components were not salvageable, and those that were, not up to snuff. Ended up spending close to £400 on the upgrade; drivetrain, wheelset, trigger shifters, tyres, saddle, ergonomic grips... So it can be an expensive endeavour, especially since I went from 5 speed freewheel to 8 speed cassette on the rear. It's a nice bike, though, and mucho fun for riding local gravel trails.

 

[Drago]

Being a somewhat undertall lady cyclist, I have two...

...blocks of wood to tie to the pedals?

 

[Reynard]

...blocks of wood to tie to the pedals?

True... But with that approach comes the peril of being smacked by the top tube in a place you'd rather not be smacked every time you stop or dismount.

And believe me, it hurts just as much as it does for you blokes. DAMHIKT...

 

[biggs682]

And believe me, it hurts just as much as it does for you blokes. DAMHIKT...

We will take your word on that one

 

[wafter]

True... But with that approach comes the peril of being smacked by the top tube in a place you'd rather not be smacked every time you stop or dismount.

And believe me, it hurts just as much as it does for you blokes. DAMHIKT...

From my hazy recollection of how lady-bits are traditionally arranged, seems it could be even worse

 

[Reynard]

From my hazy recollection of how lady-bits are traditionally arranged, seems it could be even worse

Well, it doesn't half sting, I tell you...

 

[Gunk]

Well, it doesn't half sting, I tell you...

Please, no more