I have an old Trek 1200, circa 1987-88. Remember bio-pace chain rings? I took those off a long time ago, but whatever year those came out, was the year of this bike.
The bike has been hanging in the garage for years. Lots of rust on the components. Last time I road it I remember it making a “clacking” noise comeing form the bottom bracket. Like something is broken in there.
I don’t have another road bike and was wondering if this one is worth refurbishing? Some people have told me it will cost way more to fix it up than to just buy a new bike.
Is it worth refurbishng? If by that you mean replacing all the components with new, I’d say no. Isn’t the 1200 aluminum? Probably has 126mm rear dropout spacing and alum should not be spread for wider hubs (current rear hubs are 130mm).
If you mean replacing just the worn out and broken stuff, then it depends on how much stuff would need replacing. Sounds like at least a bottom bracket but those don’t cost a lot. You’d probably also want to get a new chain and cassette. However, late '80s was Uniglide - really hard to find a replacement cassette (or freewheel). But if the rear hub is still in good shape, you could transplant a HyperGlide freehub body onto it and get a HyperGlide cassette. The issue is whether it’s 6- or 7-speed. I don’t think HyperGlide cassettes are available in 6-speed.
The 1200 was/is indeed an aluminum steed. I have one, give to me as a gift. I think it is a damn fine ride to pass the racers using mountain bikes with slicks. I’d take it to a shop and get an estimate on an overhaul. If you don’t want it please offer it to someone who can’t afford a new bike. I’m betting for less than $200 it can run as good as new, even if it doesn’t look new.
Someone recently gave me an old schwinn super sport. A little time touching up the BB and rebuilding the hubs. Threw some new rubber on it. Put on some cool pursuit bars and a new saddle and there you go!