Should I repair my Trek 950 or get a new bike?

Question

I have an old Trek 950 mountain bike from 1989. It's in fair condition, the frame has some rust spots, the chain and tires are newer, but still pretty old and it shows its age. This morning, the left shifter broke (Shimano Mountain LX) -- the cap on the top of the shifter flew off (lost) and something broke inside. Now I have to hold it forward with quite a bit of tension to keep the derailleur in place. It's only rideable as long as my thumb holds the shifter in place. Should I take it to a shop for repair or move on and get a new bike? I doubt those components are made any more. I don't ride trails any more, just street cycling.

Answer 1

Man, your TREK seems it came from a demolition derby! Thank God, EBAY (www.ebay.com---Sporting Goods category--CYCLING) exists!  For about $250, you get a bargain killer--- or bid if you get to beat the c**p out of the other bloke online! By the way, there are great TREK road bikes ( or commuting bikes)  that will be cool for your riding.Ask your TREK bike dealer for their 2008 catalog ASAP.

Answer 2

Perhaps you can go to the repair shop and see if they are willing to trade in for a new bike. The bottle line is still your personality that count most. Good luck.

Answer 3

Time for a new bike, pal. Bury it.

Answer 4

I am a big fan of repairs.  You will save a lot of money and can usually get an old bike running like new again.  Take it to REI (www.rei.com) and have them look at it.  If you are a member, you will get a good discount and they do a great job.

I take mine in for a tune-up each year and it cost me about $30. (granted, no parts need to be replaced.)

Answer 5

new bike.

ie had this problem before and i spent more money repairing it then getting a new one.

Answer 6

I was in the same conundrum last year...I have a 1993 Trek 820 that wasn't broken, just old and rusty, in need of new tires, a new chain, etc.  In 1993 I paid $350 for it, but you can buy the exact same model brand new for almost $100 LESS, with better components, shocks, etc.  Even tho you may be attached to your old bike, there comes a point where it is pointless to invest money in repairs; this bike is never to going to increase in value, so for the money you'd have to spend to fix it up, you could just invest in a newer, better bike.

Answer 7

I'd retire it.

Answer 8

Get her fixed up man AND consider a new bike.  I personally feel you can never have too many bikes and you can use them for different things.  

The Trek MTB you can slap some street tires and fenders on it and make it your "heavy-duty".  You could then invest in a sweet roadie for your fast rides and tours.  Just an example.

You might hook up one day with a gal who has no bike.  Now you have an extra.

Never toss or undersell a good bike and Trek has always made good bikes.

There's also a wee moral issue for fanatics like me.  You can't just toss away something that's been faithful to you.  You've put a lot into that bike and she's probably given you way more back and I don't think you'll feel good just chucking her away.  

That's what people who don't give a sht about anything else but themselves do.  It's a consumptive mentality that should be foreign to cyclists.  We're independent folks for the most part and do-it-yourselfers.  We love adversity.