Birdlover99

I have a huffy mountain bike from 15 years or so ago that seems to be in very good condition except for needing new tires. I was planning on just replacing the tires and tubes but now wonder if its even worth it or if i should just buy a new bike.
The bike is a Huffy Mt. Echo 26" Ladies 18 Speed ATB Model #26631. Suggestions? If I do replace tires and tubes does anyone have any suggestions for brands and such?

philbob57

Huffy made bikes that were pretty heavy and not top quality. You probably should check with your LBS to see if they have something within your budget. Even the low-priced LBS offerings are likely to be more fun to pedal than the Huffy.

If the LBS offerings are beyond your budget, ask if they have something used or if they can give you a few minutes of help with Craigslist, assuming you can create some rapport with the sales person. If you can't, ask if they know of a local bike club - my bet is that every member you approach will be happy to help you with CL.

tagaproject6

As long as it works for your particular needs, ride it. As far as tires and tubes, any brand that fits the rim will work.

katsup

It depends on your plans with the bike. If you just take it around the block once a year, buy some cheap tires. If you commute to work on it daily, you'd be better off with a nicer bike.

Random Huffy Mt Echo from Google:

prathmann

Agreed. No need for a new bike as long as this one fits your needs. It would take tires/tubes in the common 26" MTB size. They're available in various widths but minor variations from what you have now should still work fine. Unless you'll be riding in dirt or other loose surfaces I'd choose some tires with minimal tread. They'll weigh a little less and, most importantly, roll more efficiently. The big knobs found on many MTB tires use up energy when they squirm on the road surface so I'd avoid them if you're mainly riding on hard asphalt or cement surfaces.

GuessWhoCycling

I bought a Huffy back in 1992. I had no idea what the difference between a quality an low quality bike. I just rode it! I was mid twenties then and rode it on a few 60 mile rides. It got me there.

Once I saw the difference between my bike and others, I knew I wanted something better, like quick release wheels. I got tired of lugging around wrenches and ratchets for flat repairs.

So yeah if it works for you, do it!

New tires might run you $50 for decent tires (set) imo but a new bike will cost hundreds if you want to go up in quality. The choice is yours.

My Huffy was $150. My next bike was $400 and there was a huge difference.

Oneder

I spent 50 bucks for new bell tires at walmart. They are 'flat defense' and seem to be holding up even though I am tall and hefty.

May as well ride it til it gives out, then if you are still riding you can consider buying a new one. Don't believe the hype though, a 5000 bike is still just a bike.

veganbikes

I wouldn't spend money on any Huffy new or old. It isn't worth it when anything you add will likely cost more than the bike is worth. The bike probably wasn't ever properly put together so a tune-up and tires/tubes would put you in the realm of a brand new Wally-Mart special which is going to be of the same low quality and poor craftsmanship of the current bike but will be new.

Birdlover99

That's the one I got. It use to be one to my mom but she never rode it. Told us that the excercise made her sick. Lol. Stored in garage for 15 years.

GrainBrain

The biggest problem is on how this was initially setup out of the box. Usually there's no real grease on anything. If you can find a savvy bike mechanic that will regrease the hubs and Ashtabula crank then it's just fine to ride, but ...

... then the other problem is they often used stamped steel hubs that often are junky. They'll just never spin very well.

As others have asked, how will you ride this? For $300 you could probably find a (used) bike ready to ride that's light years better then the huffy. Stay away from Walmart, Target, etc. Check to see if you have a bike co-op in your area.

northtexasbiker

Just ride it.

Ironfish653

If you're just using it for pooltling around the neighborhood, riding to the park, library, whatever, it'll do fine.

You're probably looking at $40-50 for tires and tubes. $15-20 per tire, and $5/ea for tubes.

Get a 'cruiser' style tire with a low-profile tread, it'll ride much nicer than the cheap 'knobbies' it came with.

This is one place where you might be able to save by going in to a local bike shop. Tell them you're looking for a basic, cheap pair of tires; they may have some take-offs in the back, that they'll let go for cheap.

fietsbob

Yes, Pretty fast to reach the repair that cost more than the bike was new..

Siu Blue Wind

Since the bike has not failed you for 15 years, I'd go ahead and keep on riding it until you feel the need for a new one. You'll know by then if you do.

HerrKaLeun

get the cheapest tire with road profile, would be less than $50. Look at $30 for the set.
You may not need tubes, they really don't age and can be patched.

if the bike is fine, go for the tires. If you want better, buy better.

Not sure why almost everyone here recommends a new bike because you replace wear item..

jf19451

I would make sure it is the right size for you before anything else.

VegasTriker

Your second post in this thread says it all: "Stored in garage for 15 years." Any bike that has been stored that long unused will have some need for repairs. Things like replacing brake pads and other rubber parts that have hardened over the years. Old, hardened brake pads are far less effective than softer, new ones. Tires are likely to fail after 15 years.

When I work on a bike this old I also check all the places that have bearings for proper lubrication. It may never have been done on a cheap bike. Or like the rubber, the grease may has congealed over the years. It is NEVER cost effective to take a bike like this to a bike shop for a "tune up". Labor is too expensive and it is for certain that it will cost more than the bike cost when brand new. BTW, I would never waste the time on restoring an entry level Huffy. Reserve that for a bike that was good to start with.

Milton Keynes

Because it's a Walmart bike.

MRT2

I wouldn't put any money into any Huffy. They are low end bike shaped objects. If you can get it up and running as is, that is fine. It might be marginally ok, but the components are not good.

I would look for something better, either new or used.

MRT2

because it is a cheap, poor quality bike shaped object, and you could easily spend more on repairs than the bike is worth, since it is basically worth nothing.

boozergut

I didnt read past Huffy....

northtexasbiker

Yeah but you don't need a LBS bike to ride around your block and decorate your garage. Poster needs to chime in with what she plans on doing before anybody can offer useful advice.

Slightspeed

Its like the old joke about the old car that doubled in value every time you filled the gas tank. Only you can decide. I hate throw away products. I would buy the tires, but that's just me. I spent way more than I should have, restoring a scrap metal pile Raleigh Super Course from a bare frame. I would have been lucky if all it needed was tires. I love the bike, no regrets, it's not all about the money if it's a bike you like. If not, donate it and move on.

MRT2

Except a Raleigh Super Course was, in its day, a more than decent bike. (didn't it have Reynolds main tubes?). The Huffy was a hunk of junk when it was new. There are lots of fine vintage frames worth restoring if that is your thing.

Retro Raleighs: The Super Course

cycleheimer

Save your money. Try to get decent tires and tubes off another mountain bike that somebody is tossing out. Otherwise, it is best to invest in a better new or used bike. You will notice the difference.