thinking of restoring my bike, is it worth it?

[ROB_GTR]

I have a Raleigh max ogre (oversize frame)that i got back in the day (1993 ish) and toying with restoring it.

It has all standard trim and in reasonable condition.

I would like to strip it all down, have it repainted, new tyres, new brakes, new seat and bring it into modern times but is it worth it?

Where would i need to go to have it painted and do you need special paint? Its really thick paint thats on now as it has a couple of chips down to metal and the paint is about 1mm thick! A bodyshop could paint but would normal car paint be good enough?

the seat cripples me for days after a short ride so any suggestions on a new one?

the tyres are original that came with it and need replacing but there is so much choice! i want to be able to ride on the road and also on dirt tracks so what tyre is best?

Is it worth all this effort on a raleigh max ogre or would i be better not bothering?

I have searched google for pictures of the model but can't find one the same as mine?

[ROB_GTR]

pablo said:

its worth doing for something to do, if you get my drift... its not worth much as it is and restoring it wont increase its value. there have been a few different bikes from raleigh called ogre though from a quick google search, some were rigid, some had front suspension and some were full sus? i assume its the nice rigid version, it looks like it was somewhere between low and mid range and as such was fitted with some reasonable bits and bobs. the frame is nothing special which would restrict how much you spent, use local bike shops for generic bits and you could be on your way for £50-75

as for the questions, spray it yourself, just take time with prep and lots of light coats, plastikote is good stuff and easy to apply. i can recommend some saddles but they are probably going to double the value of the bike something from selle italia will be comfy enough but padded shorts (if you are averse to lycra, look for undershorts and baggy styles) are a worthwhile investment.

Cheers Pablo,

I don't want to restore it to sell or make any money. I just want it to look good and be useable. Good colour scheme etc

I am st at painting from cans so a paint shop would be used.

It is the rigid version, blue and white / grey tyres as standard.

I will take a pic and stick it up

[ROB_GTR]

Its the Raleigh max ogre EZ after looking.

I recall it being £300 - £400 when i got it so not cheap back then.

I won't be doing any 'serious' biking or even at all but i just want to use it now and then if the weather is nice and for it to look good too.
I am not bothered about the weight as i wont be going for 20 mile rides nor knocking valuable seconds off my ride etc....

The current seat is a 'Selle Royal' if that means anything?

[ROB_GTR]

As some have said that it's not worth it could you specify why.

I will adjust the seat / saddle / bike chair and see if it's any better

I was thinking alon the lines of a white frame with black ancillaries & tyres, swapping the brakes for disk and thats about it.

[ROB_GTR]

shalmaneser said:

ROB_GTR said:

As some have said that it's not worth it could you specify why.

I will adjust the seat / saddle / bike chair and see if it's any better

I was thinking alon the lines of a white frame with black ancillaries & tyres, swapping the brakes for disk and thats about it.

Because it's a rubbish frame made out of scaffolding poles, the parts are ancient and pretty low spec even when new, and for the money you're going to throw at it you could get something vaguely good.

Cheers for your reply althogh a bit abrupt.

[ROB_GTR]

So what would you suggest? A second hand one maybe, but what make etc?

I haven't ridden a bike in years and don't plan on starting as a hobby or anything. It's sat in the shed for more than 10 years and not moved.
I just want the one i have to look better and be used now and then (probably never TBH)

[ROB_GTR]

Other than Halfords, is there anywhere better that can send tyres at a better cost? not sure whether to go for black or stick with the original colour?
Also would you reccommend mountain tyres or hybrid? Will use on and off road

[ROB_GTR]

itsnotarace said:

ROB_GTR said:

Its the Raleigh max ogre EZ after looking.

I recall it being £300 - £400 when i got it so not cheap back then.

No way was that a £300 bike in 1993/1994. £300 would have bought you an entry level Marin Bolinas or Kona Fire Mountain with 8 speed Deore / Alivio groupset mix.

7 speed Altus was *really* cheap. £150 max for that bike when new, it's worth about a fiver now. Don't spend money on it

Edited by itsnotarace on Friday 22 April 08:29

I beg to differ mate! It was around that price and it was from a catalogue if i recall correctly.

As it seems a no goer from what the masses say i will change topic slightly and ask:

Where can i get something with a good spec and at a reasonable price? Somewhere that sells last years models or ex demo's maybe etc?

What kind of makes should i look at an which to avoid?

What kind of price should i expect to pay for a good mountain bike with good spec?

I like the idea of a white frame and black everything else but open to other suggestions....

[ROB_GTR]

I have read through some threds inc the one you mentioned but it dosen't really answer what i have asked....

I have been looking at this: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?Mod... any good?

Also what size frame would i be looking for ideally? I'm 5' 11" and weigh 13st with a 33" inside leg
.

Cheers for all the input!

Edited by ROB_GTR on Saturday 23 April 07:35

[ROB_GTR]

After thinking long about it and all the plans i have etc a mountain (hardtail) would be about the best option. I have gone off the idea of pedaling to work 12 miles each way but would definately go to Dalby forrest and similar places so i would need something reasonably good.
I could use the one i have now but i think the weight, old technology and lack of front shock absorbtion would spoil it a tad.

I want something that i can go down dirt / cobbled tracks, do reasonable jumps and wheelies and something i can enjoy, upgrade if ever needed so something like the Cube i have been looking at fits the bill pretty much.

from about 4 years old up to 21 i was never off a bike of some description so i was pretty handy on one. (BMX, Racer & mountain)

I want to get one for pleasure, enjoyment and to keep fit more than anything, an excuse to get up and get motivated.

I originally thought 'just do up the one you have' but after the responses and a bit of research etc i have changed my goals etc.

There is a shop called JC Cook in grimsby (not TOO far away) who are a Cube distributor so i plan to go there for a gander next week and see what floats my boat as it were.

What accessories would i be looking for to do some forrest riding? pump, helmet, Puncture repair pack and a few tools? any other things that would be useful or needed?

do you usually get any goodies thrown in for asking when buying a bike? Is it worth a try?