Issues with buying used bikes (10 years or older)
05-06-12, 08:18 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 361
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Issues with buying used bikes (10 years or older)
I thinking about picking up this used Specialized e5 bike that's about 10 years old. Are there any issues with aluminum frames of this age? Anything I should be worried about?
05-06-12, 08:35 PM
#2
Live to ride ride to live
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Austin, Texas
Posts: 4,896
Bikes: Calfee Tetra Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Not sure about the frame you will need to check it out but there are a few things to consider. It will probably have a 1" steer tube. 1" forks are getting harder to come by but still available. Some older bikes have Italian threads on the bottom backet but I am not sure when that stopped. However, you could probably still find bottom brackets with Italian threads.
05-06-12, 08:46 PM
#3
Lover of Old Chrome Moly
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NW Minnesota
Posts: 2,949
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 143 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 23 Times
in
17 Posts
I've had Treks and Giants 20-30 years old, still ride a 1993 Trek 700, and have absolutely no problem finding parts. As for frames, I'm very happy with my Trek 1400 which is a 1990s model (I need to track down the exact year some time) and it is still solid and good looking. I inspected the frame when I bought it and have examined it any time I do any upgrades or maintenance. So far no problems. I don't think you'll have any problems with a 10-year-old Specialized as long as it has been well cared for and never crashed. Just check it over very carefully for any signs of fatigue or damage.
