My Mountain Bike/body restoration....

[edog's 80]

I would go to a bike shop, get a new rear wheel, but don't spend over $100 on it and then have them recommend good entry level shoes and pedals. The internet is good for prices but from the sounds of it (and I can relate) your time is limited and your main priority is getting in shape. Pretty much anything will work for what you are going to be using it for and it will keep you on the bike that you are comfortable on.

 

[scottm]

I have a pair of slightly cheaper pedals that are almost exactly like SPDs, fit the same cleats and all. Except they don't stay clipped when you hop over stuff at high speed and they do stay clipped when you stop and fall over stuck in your pedals. I used them for about a week and put them in my toolbox, lesson learned.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

I have a pair of slightly cheaper pedals that are almost exactly like SPDs, they do stay clipped when you stop and fall over stuck in your pedals.

I broke my ankle with a set of these 5 miles in on a ride(by myself). I stopped and leaned against a tree.... The front wheel turned, I fell and my ankle was crunched on a rock in the fall. I limped back 5 miles then drove a stick shift to the doctors office about an hours drive away. I never used any foot bindings again.

 

[scottm]

Bummer, clipless pedals really made mt biking a whole lot more fun for me. I trained and raced on Look pedals when they were still a curiosity and mt biking was in its infancy, in the early 80s. I won a lot of races back then, and credit the pedals to some of my success. I've rarely ridden without clipless pedals since, and rarely have I been stuck in the pedals or popped out while riding. This time of year I sometimes have to kick the ice out of my cleats to get clipped in, but they still don't pop out or lock up unexpectedly.

It's a different feeling to be clipped in, the bike is much more part of you. I used to go down a wooden, spiral staircase over the Grand River in Lansing every morning on the way to crew practice. I could do it one-handed when I was clipped in, wouldn't try going down it without being clipped in.

 

[beaufort-fj60]

I moved into MTBs from freestyle and racing BMX. My riding preference is more of a loose foot style.

 

[stash12]

nashbar

check out nashbar.com for some cheap budget parts and grupos.

 

[FirstToy]

the best thing you can do for that rig is recycle it. lotsa cool bikes out there now.

that is the best way to go. refurbing is going to cost some $ and time... time you could be spinning the pedals!

you can get some really cool bikes for really cheap.
Check out Novara Buzz Bike - 2009 at REI.com
I have always wanted the BUZZ and just look at what they pack into $600!

just buy a new one and enjoy getting fit!

 

[98LXand99LC]

Just in case anyone gives a s***, or so I can boast....I'm down 21.5 lbs. as of this morning. My running mileage is about 13 miles per week. But I haven't gotten on my bike yet. The sprint triathlons start in June, so I've got some time to work on that.

 

[romegadave]

Congrats...you're on your way. Just ordered a Nashbar catalog. I forgot about those guys until I saw this thread. Good luck in the upcoming race!!

 

[cruiser enthuiser]

Just in case anyone gives a s***, or so I can boast....I'm down 21.5 lbs. as of this morning. My running mileage is about 13 miles per week. But I haven't gotten on my bike yet. The sprint triathlons start in June, so I've got some time to work on that.

Congrats...21.5lbs is no small feat. Now go get on your bike!

 

[tcb]

Congrats...you're on your way. Just ordered a Nashbar catalog. I forgot about those guys until I saw this thread. Good luck in the upcoming race!!

catalog.... what's that?

 

[mcewan13]

to echo a few on here:
1. strip your old frame, recondition it and build it up to be a beater / cafe / pub-crawl rig.
2. go buy a modern bike that fits your needs.

In the long run, it will be cheaper and you will be happier.

 

[Skim]

21 lbs. in 2 months ? crap that is good.

 

[cruisernerd]

by the time you spend the money to make it a runner, you could be half way to a decent used bike. rear wheel, cassette, chain, chain-rings. all new cables and housing, plus the shop rate, will most likely be more than $200.
to put it into perspective, my bike is only worth $500. sad but true.



as well, unless you are a good bike mechanic already, don't count on the bike ever working like new.

 

[cruisernerd]

to echo a few on here:
1. strip your old frame, recondition it and build it up to be a beater / cafe / pub-crawl rig.
2. go buy a modern bike that fits your needs.

In the long run, it will be cheaper and you will be happier.

x2
you always need a non flashy ride. something that won't get pinched at the store.

 

[98LXand99LC]

21 lbs. in 2 months ? crap that is good.

Thanks man, I've lost 30 now through 14 weeks. Feeling great too! I'm considering doing the full marathon now.

 

[98LXand99LC]

So, I did a sprint triathlon a few weeks ago and have another in the morning. I found a wheelset with slicks on craigslist so was able to get the bike in riding condition for about $140. Bought some new SPDs, shoes and got the rear D re-cabled. And proceeded to get my ass kicked on the bike! So, not really looking forward to the bike portion tomorrow. I have couple friends trying to convince me to get a Tri-bike. But man, I can't seem to find one I like for less than $1,600 (and most over $2500)!

 

[nspctr1]

When I started riding again I dug my old yellow huffy out of the shed, knocked off the dust and went for a ride. damned near killed myself. It was about 10 years old and weighed a ton. I gave that bike away, found a couple of things I could either sell on craigslist or pawn and found a good used Marin Hawk Hill bike at a local pawn shop. It's still not a 2k bike but it's a hell of alot lighter, has clipless pedals and rides well. I've had it for 2.5 years now and had it tuned up and installed new tires the beginning of this year. What a difference that made. GL with the tri, it's a bitch. cant run much anymore due to bad knees but I miss it alot....