I have a bike...

"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot) 07/26/2014 at 09:47 • Filed to: bikelopnik

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...a Dyno GT Compe. I bought this bike when I was ~16, 10+ years ago from a bike shop who wanted $50 since it was used. Needless to say, I love this bike. But I have a question and I know there are some bike enthusiasts on Oppo.

Is it expensive to repair a bike like this? This bike means a lot to me, and I would like to bring it back up to par. The front-hand brake doesn't work, and the back-hand brake could be better. The brake pads need to be replaced as well. Also, minor rust. This bike was bought in Michigan, taken to Illinois, then to Michigan, traveled to Florida, and finally returned back to Michigan; all within that 10 year span. Rain, snow, and sun have seen it.

The frame is in great shape, and I'm not too worried about keeping it original. I discovered, years after I bought it, that not much on it is original. I'm just looking to make this bike great as-is. My end-game plan is to make a bike that I can enjoy now, and then give to my daughter once she is older.

Also, does anyone know where I can find out information about the year of the bike? It's a freestyle bike, and built after '94, and that s all I know. And no, that isn't the original color, it was army green. I got bored one week and decided to repaint the bike. I was young, forgive me.

Is there a sub-blog about bikes? If not, shouldn't there be? I know a few people here ride bikes, and we can always give each other advice and what-not.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > zeontestpilot 07/26/2014 at 09:53

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Its definitely repairable, but you'd probably spend close to $40 on Brake pads, lines and degreaser for the calipers. You'd probably also want to remove and soak the gears in mineral spirits, also New chains are advised for bikes over 10 years old. In short, Its repairable, just not worth it, I'd get a nice $800-$1200 hybrid or road bike. On a roadbike or hybrid you could hit speeds like this with ease:

Yes thats my current top speed

zeontestpilot > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/26/2014 at 10:34

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Well, I already have the bike, it's in working condition, but it can be better (like working brakes). Plus , I live on a campground, dirt roads are everywhere. No matter what I own, it's going to take a heating. Why not a bike that already has? :).

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > zeontestpilot 07/26/2014 at 10:37

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its not really worth the work, plus if you get a hybrid (like what I have) you could get some pretty puncture resistant tires and still go fast, I average about 12mph on dirt roads. hybrids are a little bit cheaper than roadbikes, like 200-400 bucks.

Manny05x > zeontestpilot 07/26/2014 at 10:46

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You dont need a new bike go on ebay they have parts for cheap and also craigslist.

http://www.bikepedia.com/QuickBike/Bike…

Also go on youtube they have alot of how to videos.

zeontestpilot > Manny05x 07/26/2014 at 11:07

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Some of the best bikes I've ever ridden were garage sale bikes. One was a bmx style bike, full size, with pedal brakes. Riding on dirt roads, slamming my brakes, trying to make the longest skid line; that's an enhanced childhood right there.

I was gonna check out CL and see if I can purchase done nice rims for my yellow bike. Right now they are two different brands, :(.

zeontestpilot > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/26/2014 at 11:09

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Can you explain to me, what is a hybrid bike? Does it have a motor on it?

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > zeontestpilot 07/26/2014 at 11:28

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No Motor, Its just fitted to me, I get maximum torque from the frame size and seat height, Plus its a 21 speed> A hybrid bike is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike.

Mountain Bike Tire:

Road Bike Tire:

Hybrid Tire:

Notice the difference in tire width and tread pattern?

tromoly > zeontestpilot 07/26/2014 at 11:31

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Firstly, don't listen to Denver, you don't need to get a Hybrid.

Rough guess, I'm thinking if you want to get new of everything, you'll need chain, brake pads, brake cables, tubes, tires, and grips. If the headset and bottom bracket are gone, you'll need new ones of both, and you'll want to get the wheels trued just to they're tight, and if they're unsealed hubs they might need a rebuild.

Best advice is to take it to a shop and have them look it over, they can tell you what is really worn out.

GoliathRex > tromoly 07/26/2014 at 11:36

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This. I was a bike mechanic for a couple of years. If you love it- fix it. Be prepared to spend $100+ to make it like new mechanically. I have no idea what sort of riding you want to do so I wont make any suggestions as far as alternative options.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > tromoly 07/26/2014 at 11:42

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You do realize you said basically everything I did minus the new bike part right? Also repairing what needs to be repaired would come out to basically the cost of a BSO Hybrid from walmart, Thats the only reason I recommended that. If he's gonna spend the money He might as well spend it on a bike that would suit him better at an age that isnt 16. I got My K2 Astral at sports authority for 200 bucks.

tromoly > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/26/2014 at 11:48

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The problem is you're recommending a bike from walmart. Here's a picture of a walmart bike that rolled into my brother's shop, that is the only time in 10 years he or anyone in his shop has seen such a failure.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > tromoly 07/26/2014 at 11:51

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Holy god that Hub is gone, also Its just a rim, can easily be replaced, and the freewheel seems in good shape. But you know, I guess thats why they call them BSOs

zeontestpilot > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/26/2014 at 12:30

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Yeah I see it. I think my rear tire has mtn treads. The front I'm not sure, it says "GT" all across the treads.

zeontestpilot > tromoly 07/26/2014 at 12:32

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May be a dumb question, but headset and bottom brackets, what are those?

tromoly > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s 07/26/2014 at 12:36

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Yeah, the person was just riding along when it happened.

zeontestpilot > GoliathRex 07/26/2014 at 12:38

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I love the bike, it's the first bike I bought with my own money. I live on a campground, and unless I move, I doubt it will every leave here. So dirt roads and grass is going to be the terrain.

To make it 'trick' worthy, it'll need a complete overhaul, something that I don't have money for. So it's gonna be used as a 'jump' bike, for ramps and such. It's important for every child to learn how to pop a wheelie.

tromoly > zeontestpilot 07/26/2014 at 12:39

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The headset is what the fork passes through, the bottom bracket is what the cranks pass through.

zeontestpilot > tromoly 07/26/2014 at 12:42

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That's one of the reasons Why I bought I dyno way back when. It was a popular, trusted brand name. plus, I then owned a Dyno bike, which is every young teenagers dream.

zeontestpilot > tromoly 07/26/2014 at 13:22

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Ok, those should be good then.

ttyymmnn > zeontestpilot 07/26/2014 at 13:29

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If you have a trusted bike shop in town, take it there and discuss it with their tech. Talk about what you'd like to fix vs. what must be fixed. Sentimental value can be greater than actual value, by a long shot. I'm sure you an find a good middle ground between leaving it as is and totally rebuilding it.

zeontestpilot > ttyymmnn 07/26/2014 at 21:56

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I haven't lived in this area too long, but I'll also ask some neighbors on a good shop.