cmcnatt

I ride my 1985 Austro Daimler Puch Pathfinder about 50 miles a week. I didn't ride it much for years, but am now retired so it has maybe 5000 miles of riding. But it is 33 years old. Three years ago I replaced some items and I keep everything in good condition, but I wonder should I continue to replace expensive parts (like wheels) or think about a new bike? I really like my bike but I don't want to spend the equivalent of a new bike if the frame is likely to break (the only think I can think that would completely make the bike junk) This was a $250 bike in 1985. It has a nice lightweight lugged frame of 2600 manganese alloy.

fixedweasel

As long as the frame is in good shape, it shifts proper and the wheels turn, you're good to go. I've rehabbed many many vintage bikes over the years and as long as you just keep up the maintenance* and replace ti(y)res, cables/housings as needed, that thing will last you forever.



*drivetrain**
**mostly

CB HI

You are in a bicycling forum, thus the answer is:

1. very carefully inspect the frame and make sure there is no major rust, stress cracks or weld problems

2. replace components as needed

3. and buy a new bicycle N+1

52telecaster

i would replace components as needed and figure your frame-set will last indefinitely.

Gresp15C

I've commuted on a 1982 Schwinn for 20 years. My dad trash picked it. I've replaced many components, but the frame is still in great shape.

Trakhak

I remember selling Pathfinders in the early 1980s. They were decent bikes, but even then the Pathfinder was either the entry-level model or second from the bottom of the line.

Given that bikes have come a long way since the Puch was new, it might be worth test riding a couple of new bikes at a shop before you put money into the Pathfinder.

old's'cool

FWIW, wheels as a whole don't wear out. Rims, ball bearings, cones, cups, spokes and even hubs may eventually wear out, but any of these can be economically replaced at the component level (versus junking the entire wheel), aSSuming the remainder of the wheel is worth the expense and the effort.

mstateglfr 

Figure out what you would pay for a new bike. Then figure out if you can fix/update whats needed on the Puch for less.
Once those things are done, decide which you would rather do.

The price of that bike new should be of no consequence as its over 3 decades old and the value of money is so different now that its not worth comparing.

A good and reliable wheelset can be had for $130. Itll be 700c too, which would allow for wider tires(more comfort) compared to the stop 27" wheels.
That, to me, is well worth the money if you ride 50mi every week.

What else do you want to do as updates?

Korina

If you want to try something new, and you can afford it, go for it. If you really like your current bike and the frame is in good shape, then keep it. HTH.

ksryder

Why not both?

robert schlatte

Here's what I would say: I commute on a 1980 Schwinn voyageur. Only the frame and the stem are original. The frame is good quality steel alloy and is in excellent shape. The components are not top of the line but are very good quality. It's been places and it's got a lot of character. I would never replace it with some off the shelf generic bike. It sounds to me like your bike is similar to my Schwinn.

52telecaster

i just want to say that the frame material on the op's bike is quite cool and as such i would try to keep it going.

rhm

1985?

Really? Vintage?

My usual commuter bike is from about 1970. I sometimes ride my randonneuring bike, from about 1976. But today I rode a vintage bike, from about 1938. Last week I rode a new bike, from 2017, but that's unusual.

But yeah, bikes require maintenance occasionally. As long as you maintain them, they should last pretty much for ever.

bikemig 

If you are looking to or thinking about replacing parts, the C&V folks can give you pointers are about where to find parts inexpensively. Old bikes are pretty cheap to fix up.

spircix

I would inspect the frame. If the frame is in good condition and there is still plenty of life left in it, I would keep using it. From what you've written, I assume that the bike is very dear to you. If some day the frame breaks, you can replace it with a new/used one and put the components on that one. At least that's what I would do.

jon c. 

What they said. If you like it, ride it! I ride an 81 Raleigh Team Pro and nearing the age of 60 I fully expect the frame will outlast me.

cmcnatt

I only update as needed. Nothing else needed now. Wheels are that bad yet. At the last cleaning and regreasing I could see wear in the bearing races and the turning the wheels by hand I can slightly feel the roughness, although the bike rolls great with little resistance. My only concern is the frame. I don't know whether a frame can be expected to last 40 years or so? It has always been kept outside. No exterior problems but who know inside. We've been in FL two years now and near the coast all unpainted steel rusts badly from the salt in the air. Thanks for your reply.

mstateglfr 

If its been kept outside for 3 decades, im shocked it is still in good consmetic condition. Would figure the paint is bubbled in multiple spots where tubes join.
If its in good condition, then just inspect the frame every few months and keep riding!

cycleheimer

Just because you buy a new bike doesn't mean you have to dump the old one. Maybe a new flat bar road bike might be worth looking at. Look around for left over clearance deals at shops. Make sure you get the correct frame size and feel comfortable on it. Test ride before buying.

cmcnatt

Thanks for everyone's advice. I do love this old bike and at least for this time I will just keep riding it and keep up repairs with also a watchful eye for any frame defects. It looks just fine at this time. I guess I was just thinking of rusting from the inside of the frame tubes. I think I read something about that once. Anyway, I am not in a position to purchase a new bike as a new house is on the horizon so all saving goes towards that. Thanks again, I feel better after hearing others that are riding 80's(or earlier) vintage bikes.

bmthom.gis

You should go post this over in the C&V sub, though you might get made fun of for calling 1985 old!! Of y 15+ bikes, only 2 of them are modern. The rest are from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Unless it is coming apart at the lugs or it's rusty enough to stick a screwdriver through, you are fine in riding your bike.

Harhir

There are these people (and yes I know a few) who spent weeks or month in selecting the most modern high-tec bike and end up hardly riding it and then there is us with old clunkers who use them everyday. If they are reasonable well maintained most classic bikes will last forever. No I don't have to show off the latest and greatest. Yes modern bikes may be more efficient but I don't really care about speed. For me it is enjoying the outdoors and the exercise which works with every bike. I love mine. Like they say: One man's trash is another man's treasure.

robertorolfo

My commuter is my '82 Lotus Unique. The roads can be rough here, but I expect the Cr.Mo frame to handle it all. It's only been about 5 months, but so far the original wheels (27") are also holding up well.

55murray

Yea the OP really does not even need to worry at all, unless he wreaks it or runs it though 10 salty winters without cleaning it he can just forget about it ever failing. My summer commuter dates to 1955, I pulled it from a dump in 1984. I don't recall even worrying about or checking for internal rust.

His bike is vintage, not due to age but design and components (horizontal top tube, friction shifting, non areo brake levers etc.)

acidfast7

Life is too short! Ride what you like!