Newbie looking for help!

[LEG33]

Hi all,

I've stumbled across your vast and knowledgeable forum as a complete biking newbie (please go easy on me!) with a bit of a dilemma and a few queries.

I've signed up with my work to take part in a charity "race the sun" event, which involves climbing Pen y Fan, canoeing a a couple miles and cycling 45 miles with a little bit of off-road. So this is where the queries begin...

I was given a Marin Bear Valley 1997 (I think?) years ago, and it's been sitting in the garage ever since. My plan was to use this bike to complete the challenge. I don't even know if it's a decent bike or not?

One plan was to get it serviced and go from there. Although there looks to be quite a bit of wear on the crankset.

Or... Which I'm not too keen on, is to sell the bike and buy something second hand that'll do the job. It's just a dilemma between spending lots on parts or buying another bike.

So, what do you guys/gals recommend?
Any ideas where I should start?

A few pics below.

Also, if there's any upgrades/easy win improvements which you recommend that would help.

Any help appreciated.

Cheers,
Lewis.

 

[Lhatch4]

It's a good bike. That Manitou fork it the first suspension fork I ever owned. That component group is reliable. Tune it up. Put some new tires on it and get out there on it a few times before your big ride. On the other hand a modern 29er will give you a more comfortable, easier ride but you would be out a fair chunk of cash to do it.

 

[fotorat1]

Re:

Before cocking a leg over it:
chain off
Chain rings off
Cassette off

And soak them in petrol until all the grime is gone

New tires or good second hand ones- those look lethal

Check your wheel bearings and if they don't spin on and on silently and smooth, strip them clean everying and reasonable checking your bearings for rust or wear.

Your middle chainring looks a bit worn might need a new one

Get your chain checked for wear and bin it for new one if its gone.

Level the saddle off the front is about 2cm too high

Also lube everying else that moves , even the inner cables until the gears and brakes feel easy to operate.

Don't bother with another 2nd hand bike as you would probably have to do all these jobs anyway.

 

[fotorat1]

Also where in wilts are you , if you can get to Swindon I will help you with it

 

[fotorat1]

Also where in wilts are you , if you can get to Swindon I will help you with it

 

[xxnick1975]

Re:

Pump the tyres and get pedalling, the bike won’t be the issue!

 

[mk one]

Welcome Lewis

Sounds a fun little challenge youve signed up for

As xxnick1975 said above, just get out on it. The bike will be fine and any issues you will discover and can sort.

And remember to post some pics of the event

Mark

 

[66 triumph daytona]

Also where in wilts are you , if you can get to Swindon I will help you with it

 

[LEG33]

Also where in wilts are you , if you can get to Swindon I will help you with it

I'm in Devizes, appreciate it. I'll have a crack at it and if I get stuck I'll be sure to ask!

Thanks all for the advice, going to get working on it this week!

Can't wait to get out now!

 

[LEG33]

Re:

Also, anyone recommend where I can get chainrings? Even just the middle one.