Bike in long-term storage

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike in long-term storage Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2010-03-07 4:34 PM

User image

Extreme Veteran
1175
1000100252525
Langley, BC, 'Wet Coast' Canada
Subject: Bike in long-term storage

Hi
A question for the bike maintenance gurus.

In 1996, I purchased a new bike, rode it for almost a year before being diagnosed with an illness that kept me from being active for some time. The bike sat inside the house, then was packed up and shipped when I moved, and has been cocooned in its box ever since. I want to begin riding it again, but wonder what maintenace it should be given. I will take it to the LBS to be set up (bars attached, wheels, and adjusting etc..??), but wonder if more ought to be done. Should the bike be basically taken apart and all new grease, bearings etc??? be done? What costs are fair for what you suggest.

thanks

2010-03-07 6:11 PM
in reply to: #2712905

User image

Pro
6767
500010005001001002525
the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Bike in long-term storage
If it has not been exposed to salt or water, the cables and bearing should all be fine.  When the LBS puts it all back together they should probably repack the bearings in case the grease has broken down, but really reassembly (if it was completely taken apart) should not require any additional maintainence.  As for costs, I have no idea.
2010-03-08 8:08 AM
in reply to: #2712905

User image

Pro
5892
5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Bike in long-term storage
For that amount of time I would think you will need to grease bearings, pivot points, clean and grease chain and cogs/rings. You will also need to replace tires/tubes plus brake pads (most likely, they're dried out).

If exposed to humidity/water, you may also need a new chain and cogs.

Figure about $50-75 for the work and another $75-200 in parts (all depending on what you need replaced....).
2010-03-08 2:12 PM
in reply to: #2712905

User image

Extreme Veteran
1175
1000100252525
Langley, BC, 'Wet Coast' Canada
Subject: RE: Bike in long-term storage

Thank you both for your comments. I am excited and looking forward to riding it again! I am now using my old '80s Nishiki on a trainer and rode it outdoors last year....  I also picked up a used Cannondale frame with wheels last year and hope to get it set up with a drivetrain, but the bike in the box was my first 'real' bike, a Panasonic prestige frame with Ultegra. I know that it is now old and rather 'outdated' but it is still 'new' to me!!

thanks again 

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Bike in long-term storage Rss Feed