why I won't buy a k3 (Warning: Satire Thread)

bertwert · 03-22-2017, 10:12 AM

I have an old Raleigh road bike not in the best conditions, a bit of rust, fraying cables, flimsy brakes, old tires, etc... The bike is fully rideable but could do with some work; this is the bike I used last year. Now I was considering restoring this bike fully; cleaning and painting frame, new cables, new brakes, new tires, new pedals, regreasing, outfitting with rack and bags etc... which would probably cost in the area of $150-$300? This would give me a nice steel road bike, which I can ride almost anywhere. I was planning on riding to school and back once the conditions are good (almost 30k away) so would need to be comfortable, durable, and capable of transporting lunch/books (hence the rack and bags). I have one major problem, my bike maintenance skills don't really exceed repairing a flat tire so I would probably learn a lot. Not sure if it is best for me to do this, it would be pretty easy to end with a pile destined for the junk yard.

ccc_ · 03-22-2017, 10:53 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

I have an old Raleigh road bike not in the best conditions, a bit of rust, fraying cables, flimsy brakes, old tires, etc... The bike is fully rideable but could do with some work; this is the bike I used last year. Now I was considering restoring this bike fully; cleaning and painting frame, new cables, new brakes, new tires, new pedals, regreasing, outfitting with rack and bags etc... which would probably cost in the area of $150-$300? This would give me a nice steel road bike, which I can ride almost anywhere. I was planning on riding to school and back once the conditions are good (almost 30k away) so would need to be comfortable, durable, and capable of transporting lunch/books (hence the rack and bags). I have one major problem, my bike maintenance skills don't really exceed repairing a flat tire so I would probably learn a lot. Not sure if it is best for me to do this, it would be pretty easy to end with a pile destined for the junk yard.

I rode fifteen miles to work for about seven years

a road bike is the only way to go
mountains and hybrids are just too damn slow
downhill you are pushing 30-40mph
on the flats 15-25mph depending on the wind
at one point I was doing centuries under six hours (including breakfast and flat tires)

some of the old Raleigh's with lugged frames were quite nice
strong and light

rebuilding a bike can get very expensive
you want to pick what you change with care
light wheels and tires can alter the bike more than anything else you will do
there are some vey good books and videos available for the aspiring mechanic
luckily wrenching bicycles is more straightforward than you probably imagine...even I could do it

my advice on rebuilding is this
price out your parts then compare that to the price of a new bike
price the parts you need not what you want
unless you really want to rebuild, new is often cheaper

a good rack or racks to carry your stuff is better than trying to use a backpack
you want your load as low as possible

road riding also requires a good lightset
just because you can see them doesn't mean they can see you
from my own experience, just because they can see you doesn't mean they care

good luck

Parallax · 03-22-2017, 10:54 AM - **2 Likes**

You can probably do it yourself except for the wheel truing.
Leave that to a bike shop. I've always said that I make more money selling a spoke wrench than any other tool. I get paid for the wrench and then, frequently, get paid to true (or replace) the wheel that they should have brought to me in the first place.
I love to sell spoke wrenches.

Racer X 69 · 03-22-2017, 11:05 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by bertwert

I have an old Raleigh road bike not in the best conditions, a bit of rust, fraying cables, flimsy brakes, old tires, etc... The bike is fully rideable but could do with some work; this is the bike I used last year. Now I was considering restoring this bike fully; cleaning and painting frame, new cables, new brakes, new tires, new pedals, regreasing, outfitting with rack and bags etc... which would probably cost in the area of $150-$300? This would give me a nice steel road bike, which I can ride almost anywhere. I was planning on riding to school and back once the conditions are good (almost 30k away) so would need to be comfortable, durable, and capable of transporting lunch/books (hence the rack and bags). I have one major problem, my bike maintenance skills don't really exceed repairing a flat tire so I would probably learn a lot. Not sure if it is best for me to do this, it would be pretty easy to end with a pile destined for the junk yard.

A Raleigh?

Racer X 69 · 03-22-2017, 11:08 AM

Originally posted by tim60

Yes, and engineering and manufacturing are all about making rubbish.

Yes they are.

Otherwise there would be no need for solid waste landfills.

bertwert · 03-22-2017, 11:09 AM

I sort-off priced it out coming to around $200 ish, but in reality it'll probably be more. I like the steel frame bike, it is not too heavy and is strong.
I think my wheels are fine, but the tires are wearing down. Saddle isn't comfortable, and looking for clipless pedals. Thinking of replacing the brake handles as they are a bit cracked, also probably putting in cantilever brakes instead of the caliper brakes. Brakes are also on the wrong side (british bike). I think I'll keep the current crankset and gears with the frameshifter - nothing appears wrong with it. As for carrying loads, I wore a backpack on the road bike once and my back ached for weeks. Definitely using a rack. As far as I can see, this is a lot cheaper than a new bike I'd be happy with.

This is my current list of things to do (anything missing?):

Clean and paint frame - not mandatory...?
New tires
New cables
Regreasing
New pedals and saddle
New brake handles and possibly brakes
New handlebar tape
New chain
Rack + bags...

robtcorl · 03-22-2017, 11:11 AM - **1 Like**

The unnonsensical turn this thread is taking has me deeply worried.

Parallax · 03-22-2017, 11:22 AM

Sorry.

**BigMackCam** · 03-22-2017, 11:24 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by robtcorl

The unnonsensical turn this thread is taking has me deeply worried.

Don't worry, Bob - like the passing of a comet, it'll be over in a flash and things will be back to normal before you know it.

Bert is going to be spending funds on a bicycle refurb... and that is why he won't buy a K-3...

See? All good now

Racer X 69 · 03-22-2017, 11:25 AM

Originally posted by bertwert

This is my current list of things to do (anything missing?):

A set of extended springer forks for that chopper would be perfect.

Racer X 69 · 03-22-2017, 11:26 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by robtcorl

The unnonsensical turn this thread is taking has me deeply worried.

That's a great skeptical look you have there Bob.

Good job.

Parallax · 03-22-2017, 11:29 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Racer X 69

That's a great skeptical look you have there Bob.

Good job.

Skeptical?
I was thinking more like "Go ahead, make my day!"

bertwert · 03-22-2017, 11:32 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Bert is going to be spending funds on a bicycle refurb... and that is why he won't buy a K-3...

More like:

Bert is going to be spending funds on a bicycle refurb... and that is why he won't be getting a DA* 300 anytime soon...

bertwert · 03-22-2017, 11:34 AM

Racer, no.
It looks sort of like this, I can't take a photo of mine as I'm not at home right now.

Racer X 69 · 03-22-2017, 11:39 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Parallax

Skeptical?
I was thinking more like "Go ahead, make my day!"

Let's call it, "The Look".

03-22-2017, 11:09 AM	#34386
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	I sort-off priced it out coming to around $200 ish, but in reality it'll probably be more. I like the steel frame bike, it is not too heavy and is strong. I think my wheels are fine, but the tires are wearing down. Saddle isn't comfortable, and looking for clipless pedals. Thinking of replacing the brake handles as they are a bit cracked, also probably putting in cantilever brakes instead of the caliper brakes. Brakes are also on the wrong side (british bike). I think I'll keep the current crankset and gears with the frameshifter - nothing appears wrong with it. As for carrying loads, I wore a backpack on the road bike once and my back ached for weeks. Definitely using a rack. As far as I can see, this is a lot cheaper than a new bike I'd be happy with. This is my current list of things to do (anything missing?): Clean and paint frame - not mandatory...? New tires New cables Regreasing New pedals and saddle New brake handles and possibly brakes New handlebar tape New chain Rack + bags...

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03-22-2017, 10:12 AM	#34381
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	I have an old Raleigh road bike not in the best conditions, a bit of rust, fraying cables, flimsy brakes, old tires, etc... The bike is fully rideable but could do with some work; this is the bike I used last year. Now I was considering restoring this bike fully; cleaning and painting frame, new cables, new brakes, new tires, new pedals, regreasing, outfitting with rack and bags etc... which would probably cost in the area of $150-$300? This would give me a nice steel road bike, which I can ride almost anywhere. I was planning on riding to school and back once the conditions are good (almost 30k away) so would need to be comfortable, durable, and capable of transporting lunch/books (hence the rack and bags). I have one major problem, my bike maintenance skills don't really exceed repairing a flat tire so I would probably learn a lot. Not sure if it is best for me to do this, it would be pretty easy to end with a pile destined for the junk yard.

03-22-2017, 10:53 AM	#34382
ccc_ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,400	Originally posted by bertwert I have an old Raleigh road bike not in the best conditions, a bit of rust, fraying cables, flimsy brakes, old tires, etc... The bike is fully rideable but could do with some work; this is the bike I used last year. Now I was considering restoring this bike fully; cleaning and painting frame, new cables, new brakes, new tires, new pedals, regreasing, outfitting with rack and bags etc... which would probably cost in the area of $150-$300? This would give me a nice steel road bike, which I can ride almost anywhere. I was planning on riding to school and back once the conditions are good (almost 30k away) so would need to be comfortable, durable, and capable of transporting lunch/books (hence the rack and bags). I have one major problem, my bike maintenance skills don't really exceed repairing a flat tire so I would probably learn a lot. Not sure if it is best for me to do this, it would be pretty easy to end with a pile destined for the junk yard. I rode fifteen miles to work for about seven years a road bike is the only way to go mountains and hybrids are just too damn slow downhill you are pushing 30-40mph on the flats 15-25mph depending on the wind at one point I was doing centuries under six hours (including breakfast and flat tires) some of the old Raleigh's with lugged frames were quite nice strong and light rebuilding a bike can get very expensive you want to pick what you change with care light wheels and tires can alter the bike more than anything else you will do there are some vey good books and videos available for the aspiring mechanic luckily wrenching bicycles is more straightforward than you probably imagine...even I could do it my advice on rebuilding is this price out your parts then compare that to the price of a new bike price the parts you need not what you want unless you really want to rebuild, new is often cheaper a good rack or racks to carry your stuff is better than trying to use a backpack you want your load as low as possible road riding also requires a good lightset just because you can see them doesn't mean they can see you from my own experience, just because they can see you doesn't mean they care good luck

03-22-2017, 10:54 AM - 2 Likes	#34383
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	You can probably do it yourself except for the wheel truing. Leave that to a bike shop. I've always said that I make more money selling a spoke wrench than any other tool. I get paid for the wrench and then, frequently, get paid to true (or replace) the wheel that they should have brought to me in the first place. I love to sell spoke wrenches.

03-22-2017, 11:05 AM - 1 Like	#34384
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,065	Originally posted by bertwert I have an old Raleigh road bike not in the best conditions, a bit of rust, fraying cables, flimsy brakes, old tires, etc... The bike is fully rideable but could do with some work; this is the bike I used last year. Now I was considering restoring this bike fully; cleaning and painting frame, new cables, new brakes, new tires, new pedals, regreasing, outfitting with rack and bags etc... which would probably cost in the area of $150-$300? This would give me a nice steel road bike, which I can ride almost anywhere. I was planning on riding to school and back once the conditions are good (almost 30k away) so would need to be comfortable, durable, and capable of transporting lunch/books (hence the rack and bags). I have one major problem, my bike maintenance skills don't really exceed repairing a flat tire so I would probably learn a lot. Not sure if it is best for me to do this, it would be pretty easy to end with a pile destined for the junk yard. A Raleigh?

03-22-2017, 11:08 AM	#34385
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,065	Originally posted by tim60 Yes, and engineering and manufacturing are all about making rubbish. Yes they are. Otherwise there would be no need for solid waste landfills.

03-22-2017, 11:11 AM - 1 Like	#34387
robtcorl Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: St Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,606	The unnonsensical turn this thread is taking has me deeply worried.

03-22-2017, 11:22 AM	#34388
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	Sorry.

03-22-2017, 11:24 AM - 1 Like	#34389
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,670	Originally posted by robtcorl The unnonsensical turn this thread is taking has me deeply worried. Don't worry, Bob - like the passing of a comet, it'll be over in a flash and things will be back to normal before you know it. Bert is going to be spending funds on a bicycle refurb... and that is why he won't buy a K-3... See? All good now

03-22-2017, 11:25 AM	#34390
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,065	Originally posted by bertwert This is my current list of things to do (anything missing?): A set of extended springer forks for that chopper would be perfect.

03-22-2017, 11:26 AM - 1 Like	#34391
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,065	Originally posted by robtcorl The unnonsensical turn this thread is taking has me deeply worried. That's a great skeptical look you have there Bob. Good job.

03-22-2017, 11:29 AM - 2 Likes	#34392
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	Originally posted by Racer X 69 That's a great skeptical look you have there Bob. Good job. Skeptical? I was thinking more like "Go ahead, make my day!"

03-22-2017, 11:32 AM - 1 Like	#34393
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by BigMackCam Bert is going to be spending funds on a bicycle refurb... and that is why he won't buy a K-3... More like: Bert is going to be spending funds on a bicycle refurb... and that is why he won't be getting a DA* 300 anytime soon...

03-22-2017, 11:34 AM	#34394
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Racer, no. It looks sort of like this, I can't take a photo of mine as I'm not at home right now.

03-22-2017, 11:39 AM - 1 Like	#34395
Racer X 69 Moderator Man With A Camera Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: The Great Pacific Northwet, in the Land Between Canada and Mexico Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,065	Originally posted by Parallax Skeptical? I was thinking more like "Go ahead, make my day!" Let's call it, "The Look".