Why is it worth repairing an old bike?

Reading time approx. 11 min

Cycling is great. And everyone has one somewhere. But what if it breaks? Is it worth repairing?

There are (estimated in 2019) 76 million bicycles in Germany. So it can be assumed that everyone actually has a bicycle. But it is an "old" bicycle. And it may have this or that problem. Should it be repaired? Or is it better to buy a new one? There is no general answer to this. However, what can be established at the beginning of the discussion is that those who see their bicycle as a consumable or disposable item usually stick to their (unsustainable) behavior: they throw it away and buy another one or even a new one. Everyone else who has any kind of relationship with their bike should repair it themselves (depending on the condition of the bike) or have it repaired.

A quick example calculation on the subject of disposable bikes and buying used bikes from private sellers: If you are a layperson, you are left to chance when buying. The bike you have in mind may be in good condition, or it may have faults - even hidden ones. As a rule, the used bike you have in mind from a private seller is just as worn out as the one you already have lying around at home. The first thing to do is to replace the tubes and tires. The cost of the parts (the prices mentioned do not include assembly or workshop costs) is around 50 euros. The brake pads are also wear parts: around 20 euros. The brake and gear cables are often rusty or stiff. Another 20 euros. Up to this point, the price of parts is around 90 to 100 euros. That is how much you have to spend extra if you want to rely on a new, used bike. An "old" used bike costs between 50 and 100 euros in classifieds markets, and with the costs mentioned above we are already at a total of around 200 euros. And that's without workshop costs.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having my “old” bike repaired and what is the financial end of the line?

We want to use a new mid-range bike as a benchmark. New bikes are available for as little as 150 euros. However, the quality of the parts used is abysmal. A "real" bike costs around 500 to 800 euros. This is the price up to which it is economically worthwhile to repair an old bike. The prerequisite, however, is that the bike is a solid basis for repair, i.e. that it is not a cheap bike. There is little point in repairing a cheap mountain bike. Usually everything is broken. As mentioned, this is due to the quality of the individual parts. Example: The crank, the drive of the bike. This is the large gear at the front with the two pedals. A cheap bike has three large gears that are punched out of cheap sheet metal and riveted together. The purchase price for such a part is a maximum of 10 euros. A good bike has three gears made of aluminum, screwed together, so that worn gears can be replaced individually. A crank like this costs at least 60 euros. This comparison could go on indefinitely, but would go beyond the scope of this article. The only thing that can help here is having the bike inspected by a specialist.

However, they usually have little interest in repairing an old bike because they can earn just as much or more by selling a new one, but without the effort. In addition, the "normal" dealer no longer has the necessary parts in stock, especially when it comes to older models.

Everything used to be better: This statement is of course nonsense. Nothing used to be better. People used to die of flu or war. And what about bicycles? Was anything better in the past? This: The useful life was longer, the bike lasted a lifetime. Because a bike was expensive in relation to income, it was treated more carefully. It seemed more valuable. What was even better? This: The durability. This has something to do with technology and material. The bicycle frame was made of steel. And contrary to other assurances, it is durable. There are hardly any frame breaks. Steel is elastic. And the technology? It was simpler and therefore less susceptible. A three-speed hub - like the Torpedo from Sachs - is almost impossible to break. Of course, it only has three gears. Modern bikes have many more. An old three-speed hub is no picnic on the mountain. But as I said: It almost never gives out. And it does not require constant maintenance, like a modern 10-speed derailleur.

To give you a rough estimate: expect to pay at least 250 euros if your bike has old tires and tubes, no longer shifts properly, and the brakes and lights no longer work. If you want more, for example to have an old racing bike restored, the costs can easily add up to 400 euros or more. But: it's your personal bike. And you don't throw away an old, dear teddy bear either.

Repairing an old bike or buying an old refurbished bike counteracts the throwaway mentality. Reusing the bike is a sustainable way of using valuable resources. What is needed here is practical action, not just talk about environmentally friendly behavior.

Author: Christoph Preussler