u/JACKO_M_C

A few days ago I posted in here about a GT Timberline I’d seen on Facebook marketplace and if it would be a good base for my first project bike.

I went and bought it for £30. On the surface, it looked in ok condition. Seatpost wasn’t seized (although it did seem very short) and some surface rust but not a crazy amount.

I brought it home and started to dismantle everything, and some very concerning issues came up:

1. The seatpost wasn’t short, it had SNAPPED and the other half is still currently stuck in the frame. I’ve tried getting it out myself but it’s not budging. Might be able to get through the bottom bracket but I don’t have the tools right now.

2. There’s a small dent on the top tube. I noticed this when buying but it’s honestly not too bad from what I can tell.

3. There seems to be some internal rust but it might not be the worst?

4. On the underside of the frame, there seems to be some rust worms under the paint, which is a very discouraging sign.

5. The absolute worst issue is the corroded bottle boss. This was covered by a plastic bracket, presumably one that held a lock. I imagine some water worked its way into the space between the bracket and corroded it over time.

I asked on r/bikewrench and most are saying this makes the frame a lost cause. I’m going to take the frame to my local bike shop who are bespoke frame builders to see what they think, but judging from the response on here, I’m expecting the same from those guys. It might be salvageable with some hard work, and I’m not opposed to that at all, but I don’t wanna spend loads of money that I can’t afford to part with right now.

Worst case scenario, I’m down £30 and some fuel with a lesson learned in being more thorough when checking a bike. And some salvaged parts.

Hopefully I’ll be able to post a completed build of this thing in the distant future. Pray for me

Hi everyone,

Made a couple posts recently so apologies if I’m spamming at all.

I came across this 90s (I think?) Marin Muirwoods for a decent price in my area. It seems to be in okay condition, but worn out enough to warrant a cool restomod project. I’d like to turn it into a commuter, but something I could also use on bikepacking trips? Not sure if that would be possible.

What do people think of these bikes? Are they any good? Would they be capable of those chunky schwalbe/maxxis tires? Anything I need to look out for when I check it out.

I’ve also included a photo of a specialized hardrock I’m looking at. It would be more expensive, and it’s further away from where I’m at. It also looks to be in fantastic condition as the seller recently serviced it. Seems like any mods I make would be a little redundant considering it’s already in very good condition. I’m open to going for that though if it’s a considerably better bike. I do prefer the colour too.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

As I mentioned above, I’d like to use an old MTB to make a build that’s capable of both bikepacking trips and commuting. I’d like something functional, but I have fallen down the Pinterest/reddit rabbit hole of the fat tires and rigid frame aesthetic.

I’ve been scouring Facebook marketplace over the last few days, and these are some of the frames I’ve come across. I’ll still need to double check sizing, but would these frames do the job and fit the purpose/aesthetic I’m looking for? If anyone has any suggestions, advice, or recommendations, please let me know.

Thanks!