Strosfan5

Hi all,
New here. Once was a 20 mile/day rider. Many moons ago.
In my quest to pick up an inexpensive bike recently to maybe get rolling again, I ran across a Murray Baja 5000 brand new. My guess is early 80's. RIdden maybe a few time around the block I suppose and stored in a basement indoors.
While I originally intended to ride, I'm curious if anyone has insight on any value this may have. Original tires, rack above back wheels. I don't remember Murray making a great bike but not an entire piece of junk either.

Any insight?

Bianchigirll 

Good Morning and welcome to the forums. Unless you can find a Murray specific collector I doubt it has much value other than as a rider. Are the tube joints at the rear like these?

T-Mar

It's likely the mid-1980s, entry level model. In 1983, Murray acquired the sponsor license of Official Bicycle Manufacturer for the 1984 Olympic Games, held in L.A. and they made a big marketing push during this period to capitalize on their investment. The Baja 5000 that I've seen from this period were styled like ATBs of the era, with cantilever brakes, knobby tyres and bullhorn handlebars, but they were more of city bicycle with a steel, one piece, Ashtabula crankset having only two chainrings and a wheelset with steel nutted hubs and steel rims. Even in garage queen condition these are no better than a garage sale bicycle.

2cam16

$10 if even.

Strosfan5

Went for a ride this morning. Rode well - pads are dry. The chain was kind of tight on this one (flexwise) and the pedals were stiff. Triflow is my best friend. They both loosened up 100%

I’ll get the crank out and hubs and regrease everything.

I had an old Schwinn Mesa Runner years ago. Loved it. I took that bike all the way down and cleaned, greased and lubricated everything. I rode it about 100 mile a week.

Thanks everyone for your insight.

Oldbikenut

I love my 82 Murray Baja, I've made a few changes and it's a lot of fun to ride! I know you're not exactly sure of the year of yours but the early ones are a popular BMX conversion and can bring in a little bit more then 10 bucks

Strosfan5

I’d post a few picks but I haven’t hit that magic 10 Mark.
Been a fun ride so far - gotta get a little more acquainted with friction shifters again. Put about 44 in the back and 38 in the front.
The only odd thing about it is the back brake pads don’t sit square with the rim. Front is good but on the back pads, the front part of the pad hits first.
Haven’t taken it apart though.

I have to to say those flashy gold rims look kewl!

Oldbikenut

I'm not sure which brakes you have but it is normal for the front part of the pad to touch the rim first, but it is a minimal amount, you may need to adjust them.

DMC707

Would love to see pics of your bike if it is in time capsule condition !