Time for retirement (The bike that is!)

at1withmyself

So after twelve and a half years I've decided to retire my 9700 OCLV MTB. I originally bought it new in 97 and used it for mountain biking for a few years before adding a rigid fork, slicks and mudguards and turning it into my commuter but after all its years service I've decided it's not worth putting any more money into it.

The frame only came with a five year guarantee and there is a small crack on the seat stay wish bone so I think I got my money's worth out of it although it still looks very new so not sure what to do with it, definitely not going to throw it out.

Anyone else ever had to retire a bike but not wanting to get rid of the frame or have I got serious issue's (I believe I just might!)

Here is what is looked like originally (although I imediately stripped and re-built with better components so never rode it in that form)

[IMG]http://www.bikepedia.com/Images/image.aspx?filename=9700 SHX, 4051.jpg[/IMG]

gman2k

So, what are you looking for?
1. Advice on how to hang it up on the wall of your living room?
2. How to get carbon frames repaired?
3. For Sale?

f1000

I'm still using a '97 myself. Everytime I spend money on parts something else starts to creak and moan. I think I have spent more on parts than the bikes current value.

blorg

Carbon can be repaired but it's generally not cheap. www.carboncyclerepairs.co.uk is one place, there are others.

gman2k

I have a bonded 8500 frame from about late 95 I think, and it still is a cracking bike.
I remember at the time I had the choice of either the 8500 with a lifetime warranty, or get the OCLV with a 5 year warranty, so I went for the lifetime!

at1withmyself

gman2k wrote: »

I have a bonded 8500 frame from about late 95 I think, and it still is a cracking bike.
I remember at the time I had the choice of either the 8500 with a lifetime warranty, or get the OCLV with a 5 year warranty, so I went for the lifetime!

Ya the limited warranty on the OCLV is one of the reason's for retiring but I've had a lot of issue's with compatibility of parts recently as it has an E-type bottom bracket and the back brakes have never worked well on this as Trek didn't have the correct holes drilled for the 'new' vee-brakes when I got this so I always had to modify brakes when I fit them.

My mate got a 8500 from 98 and other then chipping on the apint work the frame is holding up well and he still uses it for some off-road action and still a lot of life left in the frame so you should get a few more yous of joy out of it.

@ gman2k - not looking for any answers to your questions I was just curious have many people on here kept bikes long enough to retire them as most seem to just sell on when they get a new one. This is the only one I've ever held onto in all my years on the bike(s)!