Is this bike worth investing in?

[BigDL]

Hey Guys

 

My Twenty-Something (I think) year old road bike is making some funny noises and bits are breaking. Currently I need a new saddle, new front wheel (I think anyway based on the noises coming out of it, also it is as thin as a Marie biscuit and as comfortable) and need to somehow get me carbon seat post out of the alloy frame where it has been stuck for ten years. I am told that the components are dated, but highish spec (Ultegra??).

 

My knowledge of road bikes is weak, so would appreciate thoughts on whether it is worth investing in the bike or should I rather be trying to find a couple of thousand pounds for a replacement?

 

Any advice appreciated

 

[MrJacques]

Sound to me like it might be time for an upgrade. If it's a classic it might be worth fixing up.

[Swany05]

Fix the break bits, service the creaky things. Ride it

 

Mabe add some 25mm Tyres when the current ones are toast.

 

 

 

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[pista]

A bike is not an investment.

 

A good strip down and clean is probably all that bike needs.

[Eugene]

Don't worry about dated components. If they work, then why replace.

 

What is wrong with the wheel? Perhaps a service or true could sort it out.

 

With some effort, you should be able to get the seat post out.

 

Personally, I would keep it, unless you are really itching for something new

[KingZA]

On a positive note you can now remove the seatpost clamp and save a few grams.

 

I agree with the strip down and clean approach and then all you really need is the new saddle.

[Geronimo]

I say it's time for an upgrade. You deserve it 

Look at the new Shimano 105 (R7000 Series)

 

It's a LOT nicer than what you have now and only around $600.

 

Spend another $400 on a set of wheels and you will have a very decent thing of beauty

[RobertWhitehead]

I firmly believe that technological enhancements over a period of 20 years has moved in leaps and bounds.

If speed, and safety (when it comes to stopping power) is not a major thing for you and you just use it to go to the shop then fix it. 

 

But on the other hand

 

If you use it for some long distance training rides and you have to negotiate the taxis like us here in SA then it may be worth investing in something a bit more 

[BigDL]

Thanks guys. Trying to balance my mental excuses that “I am not riding on the road enough because my bike is old and uncomfortable and if I have a new bike of course I will be on it all of the time and use it so much more than my current bike” with my wife’s slightly more realistic approach of “if you rode that bike more than a few times a year maybe it would be worth buying a new one, and anyway, didn’t you buy a new mtb just a few years ago, also why do you have three bikes already?”

 

Only 5% of my riding last year was on the road bike

 

 

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[Mamil]

I think that bike looks pretty

[BigDL]

I think that bike looks pretty

Thank you

 

 

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[Alouette3]

Replacement saddle is cheap enough, and front wheel probably just need a bearing service, if they cup and cone bearings all you need is wheel spanners and some marine grease. If it's beyond gone, you will find this out while you at it.

 

Be amazed at what a good service can do to a bike.

 

Changes in road bike tech doesn't quite change at the rate of MTB and become as outdated as quickly.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Keep it, get her a new set of wheels and a saddle. Maybe even a new bar, or a slight gruppo upgrade, though those old Ultegra gruppos can go on for EVER so I'd only really replace that if it were broken. 

 

Slap some 25 / 28c tyres (if the 28's fit) on her, and enjoy it. Don't worry about the seatpost - it's stuck there until you cut it out, thanks to the wonders of galvanic corrosion. Especially after 10 years!

[Allrounder]

I work on an oil rig. If you send it to me I will fix it free of charge, as long as you pay shipping. 

[JuliBoB]

Go to your LBS and let them assess the damage (maintenance costs). I will bet you, it wont be nearly as costly as MTB services/maintenance. Personally, I would advise you to keep it and the bike looks really cool!!! I used to ride on the road with alu & carbon road-bikes. Started MTBing and for years I didn't do any road-bike riding. Started riding a bit on road again in Nov'18, with a very old Steel frame Hansom, with fairly good components (like yours). The bike handles perfectly fine and is a breeze to ride, compared to what you get & feel on rough MTB trails. And I must admit, now and then passing the gents on their Fancy Carbon road-bikes gives me great pleasure!

[Geronimo]

Thanks guys. Trying to balance my mental excuses that “I am not riding on the road enough because my bike is old and uncomfortable and if I have a new bike of course I will be on it all of the time and use it so much more than my current bike” with my wife’s slightly more realistic approach of “if you rode that bike more than a few times a year maybe it would be worth buying a new one, and anyway, didn’t you buy a new mtb just a few years ago, also why do you have three bikes already?”

 

Only 5% of my riding last year was on the road bike

 

 

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Only 5%!!! Take my advice and you will up it to 50% and keep the Mrs happy