bOsscO

Someone dumped a Raleigh Matterhorn MTB in the alley up from us.
Is it work grabbing and fixing up?

Velo Mule

From what I can see, this looks low end. That is not a bad thing. However, you should be aware so that you don't dump a bunch of money into unless it is something that you love. The best bet for us would be to assess what it needs and post a picture or a bunch of pic's.

This could be a good bike for around town and running errands. You could use in on bike paths and gravel trails as long as the terrain doesn't;t get too rough or steep. This is all base on my impression from pictures on the internet. Yours could be different from my vision. And condition is key.

cudak888 

If you've got the parts, the time, and don't mind doing it for fun, go ahead.

Once it's done:

• Like it? Keep it.
• Interested in some dough? Sell it. Don't expect to get rich.
• Don't really want it, but eager to spread the love? Give it to someone who needs it.

-Kurt

3speedslow

A dumped bike might get you accused of theft from the owner.

Trevtassie

Only if nothing much is wrong with it and you have somebody who needs a beater bike to ride to the pub/school/work.

cudak888 

^
If this is a concern, knock on the door. Otherwise, trash piles are fair game, especially if the bike is obviously not functional and obviously not rideable in its present state.

-Kurt

bOsscO

All good points thanks all.
I think it is stolen/dumped. I first noticed it in a park/greenway yesterday. Then today at lunch someone had moved it to the alley and it's leaning into a bush. If it's still there tomorrow morning when I walk the dog I'll wheel it home and post some pics. Looks to be an early-mid 90's era frame.

thumpism 

Get the serial number off the frame and check with the police to see if it's been reported stolen. You do not want to be apprehended in possession of stolen property.

The_Joe

I, too, once found a Matterhorn thrown away. There is probably a very unpopular build thread on it here. I chopped the bars, added a vintage import leather saddle and converted it to a 1x drive train. It made for a sturdy commuter and cost me almost nothing. If you're in a similar position to not sink money into it, it'll serve you well in a utilitarian role.

madpogue 

Along with the serial number check, you could post a very vague "bicycle found" ad to your local CL Lost & Found section. Request that anyone interested provide YOU detailed information about what they've lost. Give it, maybe, 2-3 weeks.

ryansu

You know we are not going to believe this unless you post pictures right?

bOsscO

Here's some pics.

As found; missing seat & post, two flat tires, rear brake seized. Heavy AF.

Rear der, cassette is Shimano

Front der is Shimano, cranks are Sugino but plastic?

Front cockpit
I think this thing is a piece of junk, not worth doing anything with other than check the serial # with police to see if it's stolen.

ryansu

While not top of the line it is mostly there sans the seat post and saddle. might be worth a clean up and pass it along to someone who needs basic transport - old MTBs with rigid forks are great for that just did one for my Nephew. If you have a bike co-op in your area (looks like a few in Vancouver) you could also drop it off with them to keep it out of the waste stream and get it into the hands of someone who could use it. OK getting off my soap box

bOsscO

Thanks. I've checked with Project 529 (no luck) and have a call into the local police.
If the police have nothing I'll take it to a co-op.

cudak888 

Doubt if that's stolen. It's a textbook "left it under a tarp on the side of the house and now it doesn't work, might as well junk it" bike.

Doesn't look great, but doesn't look terrible either, definitely not trash-worthy. Bet you can throw a seatpost and saddle on it, replace the cables, and sell/give it away as a decent working bike.

-Kurt