Fixer upper for first bike?

peanut · 05-28-2013, 05:14 PM

I am an avid Craigslist browser. I keep seeing these bikes that need a bit of work on there for pretty cheap. And, after a while... its tempting. I'm pretty handy around the house and I have electrical and woodworking skills. I have shyed away from working on cars though, mostly because if its not back together by Monday, I'm not getting to work! And the specialty tools... who knew there was a 5.5mm socket?

My philosphy was to buy a bike in good working order, so when something is broke I'll have some idea what it should look like after I fix it. But these bikes with leaky gaskets or electrical issues seem really tempting. Are they OK for a newbie to tackle with patience?

Thanks.

mainlinecoffee · 01-28-2014, 04:50 PM

You can't go wrong with a inline four from the late 70s early 80s. Whatever you get just do your research. Hound online forums bootleg manuals and study. And don't forget to tighten the oil drain plug before your first ride,it sucks to be sidelined because of a 10-1.25 bolt.

05-28-2013, 05:14 PM	#1
peanut Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Joliet, IL Posts: 64	Fixer upper for first bike? I am an avid Craigslist browser. I keep seeing these bikes that need a bit of work on there for pretty cheap. And, after a while... its tempting. I'm pretty handy around the house and I have electrical and woodworking skills. I have shyed away from working on cars though, mostly because if its not back together by Monday, I'm not getting to work! And the specialty tools... who knew there was a 5.5mm socket? My philosphy was to buy a bike in good working order, so when something is broke I'll have some idea what it should look like after I fix it. But these bikes with leaky gaskets or electrical issues seem really tempting. Are they OK for a newbie to tackle with patience? Thanks. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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01-28-2014, 04:50 PM	#2
mainlinecoffee Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: lexington ky Posts: 223	You can't go wrong with a inline four from the late 70s early 80s. Whatever you get just do your research. Hound online forums bootleg manuals and study. And don't forget to tighten the oil drain plug before your first ride,it sucks to be sidelined because of a 10-1.25 bolt.
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