fix my old bike or buy a new one?

[speedracing944]

I have a very well used mid '90's Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo which is in need of new components. I am at a turning point where I will be putting big $$ to bring it back to life. Here are the components I need to replace...

The rear cassette
new crank and sprockets
new chain
new gear shift levers
new seat post
new seat

The bike is used daily in a 4 mile round trip commute to campus from where I park my car. It sees service in rain, sleet, snow and shine and from -25 degree to 100 degree weather.

Given the potential high dollar amount to replace the needed items I am contemplating replacing it with a new bike.

Here is the one I am considering. It is a Gary Fisher Cronus and looks like this...



Should I rebuild my old bike or buy new?

Speedy

[red-beard]

How much is the new bike?

[einreb]

convert your bike to a single speed

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by einreb

convert your bike to a single speed

+1 and buy a new one.

The way technologies has improved from the 90s to current in bicycles is incredible, my Raleigh Peak was a $3,200 bike when it came out in the late 80s, it was one of the top off the line MTBs on the market, while it is still a great rider, but the ride the newer bikes have is just that much better. I have newer bikes and in the same price range, wow, they feel great!!

[speedracing944]

The new Gary Fisher is listed at $680 but discounted to $599.

As cool as single speed sounds and I loved the single speed build threads from you guys but on campus there are some HUGE hills which I wouldn't be able to climb with a single speed.

I think I would have about $200 into buying the components for my old bike. I think the old bike was a good quality bike back in the day and has some good components.

I am wanting to make a move either way since I am now borrowing my wife's bike for the commute.

BTW my wife says to buy the new bike and don't mess with the old one.


Speedy

[scottmandue]

I'm certainly no expert (fat middle age slob who rides his mountain bike every other weekend)

But that Gary Fisher bike looks niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!

Are they selling them online or are you shopping locally?

[speedracing944]

I am looking at buying local. The shop manager spent a lot of time with me answering questions and was real nice contrasted to the Trek store I went to today who told me I didn't really want that type of bike and how I should really buy bike B. I was pretty blunt with that salesman after his comments.

BTW The new Gary Fisher is a 9 speed with only a rear derailleur. I like the no frills simplistic approach.

Speedy

[dzls rok]

pm or email me. i have some parts laying around you may be able to use.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by speedracing944

The new Gary Fisher is listed at $680 but discounted to $599.

As cool as single speed sounds and I loved the single speed build threads from you guys but on campus there are some HUGE hills which I wouldn't be able to climb with a single speed.




Speedy

That wouldn't stop a real man

[k9handler]

upgrade with a new bike, worth it.

[speedracing944]

Originally Posted by Racerbvd

That wouldn't stop a real man

I see guys ridding these on campus during class change when the streets are flooded with students like Tokyo and they are trying to climb hills. If a student walks in front of the biker and he has to stop (because there isn't anywhere to go) he can not get started again and ends up walking up the rest of the hill as he curses under his breath. I am not a spring chicken like the rest of these guys so if they are having a hard time with it I am sure I would have a much harder time.

The advantage a single speed has in my mind is the confidence in not having the chain slip between cogs while you are really hammering. I remember giving my old single speed BMX bikes hell and never skipping teeth. I can't say the same for almost every other multi cog bike I have owned.
Speedy

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by speedracing944

I see guys ridding these on campus during class change when the streets are flooded with students like Tokyo and they are trying to climb hills. If a student walks in front of the biker and he has to stop (because there isn't anywhere to go) he can not get started again and ends up walking up the rest of the hill as he curses under his breath. I am not a spring chicken like the rest of these guys so if they are having a hard time with it I am sure I would have a much harder time.

The advantage a single speed has in my mind is the confidence in not having the chain slip between cogs while you are really hammering. I remember giving my old single speed BMX bikes hell and never skipping teeth. I can't say the same for almost every other multi cog bike I have owned.
Speedy

I still play with my BMX bikes, but of course, I'm only 42

[speedracing944]

Well boys I pulled the trigger on a new Gary Fisher Cronus. I rode it into school today and love it. Yesturday The guys at the shop let me take it for a test ride (actually encouraged me to) even though it was sloppy outside with slush, sand and salt. The shop has top notch customer service and I would recommend them to anybody.

http://www.explorewisconsin.com/BudgetBicycle/

I decided to keep my old Gary Fisher to revamp when I get the time.

Thanks to all.

Speedy

[Racerbvd]

Good for you!! Supporting your local bike shop is always a good thing, the are dying out and on buying a modern bike. I'm as old school as they come, (even my modern BMX bikes are retro) but the improvement in even the last 10 years was huge. Enjoy & be safe!!!

[Dave L]

meh, ya. I have an old Klien Attitude, I really like the bike but times have changed. The fork packed up so I put a new one on, I ripped the rear derailer off so I set out to replace it. Because the bike is old its only a 8 speed cassette, everything now is 9 or 10 so I had to settle for a crappy rear derailer to replace the old XT one. If there are any more problems I think I might have to replace the bike.

Anyone have a GOOD old XT or XTR 8 speed derailer? I bought one off ebay and it was worse than the one I had.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by Dave L

meh, ya. I have an old Klien Attitude, I really like the bike but times have changed. The fork packed up so I put a new one on, I ripped the rear derailer off so I set out to replace it. Because the bike is old its only a 8 speed cassette, everything now is 9 or 10 so I had to settle for a crappy rear derailer to replace the old XT one. If there are any more problems I think I might have to replace the bike.

Anyone have a GOOD old XT or XTR 8 speed derailer? I bought one off ebay and it was worse than the one I had.

Dude, you don't replace a Klien, you may retire it & add to your stable

Check with my buddy Drew who owns City Cycle, he might be able to help you. He has been in the biz since he was 12 or 13 Local Bike Shop, and is a bit older than me. He truly is one of the most knowledgeable bike guys you will ever meet, and he has a parts stash
You guys need to post some pix of your bikes.

http://www.worldfamouscitycycle.com/

[Dave L]

just for you Byron

[dd74]

I posed much of the same question on a bike forum I frequent - essentially, the question was whether or not I could fit newer (and lighter) wheels on my vintage Colnago. Hands down is the answer was "no." Why? First of all, swapping out what are vintage Campy Super Record wheels for new (fill in the blank ______) wheels, is plain wrong. It's like a Chevy V8 placed in a 911. Also, my 126mm frame would need to be spread to fit the new style 130mm wheels. The components might not work as far as dérailleur, gear cluster, hubs, etc, etc.

Before labor, I will have spent about $2,000. That's easily a new bicycle.

In short, cheaper to keep her, and use the money toward a new two-wheel mistress.

[steve911]

Now that you pulled the trigger on the new bike, do you need the old? If not, sell it to offset the purchase and buy more P-car parts.

[Hetmann]

I recently restored an older Trek road bike with new paint and components. It's nice, but not as nice as a new bike. While I didn't go too overboard, in retrospect it was not a good use of my time or money.