Better to junk or repair an old Gitane bike?

Question

This is mainly a financial/usability question. My wife saw a bike in a trash pile and brought it home. It's a 12(?)-speed Gitane that looks like it's 20 years old or more. It would obviously need a tune up and new tires, but it appears to be structurally fine.

For the cost, would it be better to invest in a new moderately priced bike (or a newer used bike)?

Answer 1

If the frame isn't bent (have a shop check it out) or badly rusted (inside the tubes), and if you won't have to spend more than $100 to get it going, I'd say give it some new life and enjoy it if you like the bike.  

Brake pads, tires, handlebar tape, cable housing, and a chain will probably cost you around $65-$90 at normal prices.....more if you need to pay shop labor to have them installed.  You should also repack any bearings with fresh grease, and do all of the usual lubing and greasing in a maintenance overhaul.  To have a shop do all this, without any new parts, will usually run about $100 or so.  

You can find a decent, newer road bike for $200 to $500 and have lots of choices, so it's really up to you.  

Another option is to buy the bare-bones parts you need for the Gitane, invest in a few basic bike tools and supplies, and have a go at overhauling it yourself.  There are great instructions and photos in the "repair help" section at Park Tool's website ( http://www.parktool.com ) that can pretty much guide you the whole way.   At the cost of shop labor these days, you'll probably want those tools in the future anyway no matter which bike you end up riding.  

Hope this helps....good luck!   :o)

Answer 2

It was in the trash pile for a reason. It was junk even when it was brand new. You're better off getting a new or used real bike.