Can this bike be saved ?

[basketcase]

Like the thread title says - But maybe the burning question should be - Is it worth saving?
Or really - Am I in my right mind to try to save it? GT Avalanche - I "think" a 2000 model - Fork is Judy XC
It looks like it's all there, except for the obvious, needed, consumables, and the price really does reflect the condition.
So, not much investment.
I'm going to look at it later today, and unless I see something bad (frame cracks, etc), I might just buy it.
I've always been a sucker for lost causes - My downfall

 

[novocaine]

bearings, saddle, tyres, chain, brakes. ride it and enjoy. I wouldn't chuck it down a big scary hill, but I'd ride it round town.
if the forks fecked, rigid forks are cheap.
frame doesn't look to bad, ditch the mile long stem and you are ready to roll.

 

[ishaw]

As above really. The only alarm bell I can see from the picture is why is there a seat post clamp bolted on below the seat post qr. Is it hiding a cracked seat tube?

 

[basketcase]

why is there a seat post clamp bolted on below the seat post qr

Well, I bought the potential bike thing, and even talked down the price a bit.
The frame is fine - That extra "seat post clamp" is just a plastic taillight mount.
The main issue, is that the whole thing's a mishmash of bits and bobs, as you would say, so I'll need to formulate a plan.

 

[sam_white]

Can you share the frame number please? Useful for the GT register @kingoffootball

 

[basketcase]

Here you go, sam : PZ1500481

 

[kingoffootball]

Here you go, sam : PZ1500481

Thank you! Added to my spreadsheet.

 

[basketcase]

Does the number tell me anything?
I was guessing that it's a 2000, based on the paint and graphics - Components aren't much of an indicator, as they’ve been all swapped around

 

[basketcase]

I have this habit - When I buy a bike, I like to stand it in the corner of our kitchen / dining area for a while, so I can contemplate it.
My wife humors me, as long as it's not in the way.
I did the same with this one, but it was so wretched-looking sitting there, that I was really doubting my sanity in buying it.
So, after breakfast yesterday, I decided I couldn't stand it any longer, and attacked it
I cut away the rusted chain, rotted cables, half-melted grips, and tossed the diseased-looking saddle -
With some old tires on it and a seat I had kicking around, it now almost looks like it could be a bike!

Of course, it so happens that my wife has also been looking at this thing, and has now decided that SHE wants this one -
But only after it's "nice looking"
So, there you have it - I'm thinking about trying to replicate the original "bumblebee" paint job, after stripping and polishing.
We shall see.