When to scrap a bike?
Any advice very welcome.
I got a Giant Defy-4 from Cadence CP at the end of 2014 (£480 down from £600).
After many miles, and a few patch ups and number of things have failed at once. It's in need of a new chain, cassette, and chain-set. The back wheel also has been bumped, so it's slightly oval...
£350 to put right, £70-100 for the rear wheel alone, £80 for labour. Balfe's quote. The depreciated value can only be £150 after 4.5 years, and it's been leaking rust coloured water from the headset...
It feels a little wasteful, but it's got to be time to lay her to rest. Hasn't it?
Views: 126
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Charles Barclay on
-
NO Gary, what are you thinking? A bike is one area of life where we can push back a bit against the throw-away consumer culture and give our steeds the necessary TLC to keep them going for many, many years. Bike companies are now trying to tempt us like car manufacturers with upgraded features and added slickness of this year's model. B*llocks to that! The reality is that new bikes are mass produced and sold at such discounted rates that no one makes any profit along the way. The repairs and replacements may seem expensive, but these are the life blood of our local bike shops and the cycling culture that they support, and the life-time costs of your bike actually reflect its true value. Your bike is less than five years old so do the right thing and get it fixed up. If you must have an upgrade, at least keep this bike in good working order as a commuter/winter trainer or if space doesn't allow, as a final resort, donate it to The Bike Project who fix up (unloved, discarded) bikes for refugees who will love them as they should!
-
Permalink Reply by Gary Shearin on
-
Hear hear Charles
It's my aversion to the throw away culture that's giving me pause for thought! Of course, by 'scrap' I mean give away to someone who can fix it up more cost effectively, or donate, or flog for a few quid on eBay.
I guess I wish I'd spent more money on her in the first place...
On a far less rationale level I also just feel a little emotionally attached to her.
-
-
Sorry Gary, reading this back it was a bit of a rant! Glad you agree. Of course you are a bit emotionally attched to your bike!
-
-
Ha! No worries, no offence taken.
© 2024 Created by Windrush IT Officer.
Powered by
