How old is my Marin Bear Valley SE?
- Thread starter CarMan
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You can date it from the number, it's the first set of digits after the letter. Yours looks around 1995-6 off the top of my head. There is a full set of catalogues on this site, plus you can search for a 'decoding Marin frame numbers' thread which exists on here too.
Hamster - that was quick thanks. but now I am confused :?
The frame number is M42CA0079 and looking at viewtopic.php?f=1&t=62940&hilit=decoding+Marin+numbers
that suggests it is a '92? is that possible? it is a 17.5" so that fits with the C but the 4 after the M suggests it's an Eldridge Grade but it isn't. I bought he bike new.
The frame number is M42CA0079 and looking at viewtopic.php?f=1&t=62940&hilit=decoding+Marin+numbers
that suggests it is a '92? is that possible? it is a 17.5" so that fits with the C but the 4 after the M suggests it's an Eldridge Grade but it isn't. I bought he bike new.
Cheers daugs 
The bike was always very well maintained and never abused but had 3-4 years hard riding.
The rear wheel finally collapsed and so I replaced them, but otherwise it's standard.
It was always great to ride, And I'm really keen to restore it but I am really unsure if it is 'worth' the time, effort & money to fully refurbish it - and once I have it'll be too nice to ride.
I'm not asking here as I know there is a correct place to do that but I am assuming it is probably worth £50-£100 (though I am sure I paid a couple of hundred for the wheels but maybe I'm wrong). The rear never seemed to fit quite correctly and needed a a packer inserted between the cassette and hub when fitted at the shop.
Anyway, the question is what do I need to budget? I realise that is a how long is a piece of string question but want to know what I'm letting myself in for. I'm not talking about a period perfect restoration, but I was thinking of stripping and powder coating the frame, then all new gear sets, bearings etc.
Maybe an unrealistic goal? Are there reputable firms that do this kind of work or is it simply uneconomic :shock:
The bike was always very well maintained and never abused but had 3-4 years hard riding.
The rear wheel finally collapsed and so I replaced them, but otherwise it's standard.
It was always great to ride, And I'm really keen to restore it but I am really unsure if it is 'worth' the time, effort & money to fully refurbish it - and once I have it'll be too nice to ride.
I'm not asking here as I know there is a correct place to do that but I am assuming it is probably worth £50-£100 (though I am sure I paid a couple of hundred for the wheels but maybe I'm wrong). The rear never seemed to fit quite correctly and needed a a packer inserted between the cassette and hub when fitted at the shop.
Anyway, the question is what do I need to budget? I realise that is a how long is a piece of string question but want to know what I'm letting myself in for. I'm not talking about a period perfect restoration, but I was thinking of stripping and powder coating the frame, then all new gear sets, bearings etc.
Maybe an unrealistic goal? Are there reputable firms that do this kind of work or is it simply uneconomic :shock:
Sylus - wise words I think! It is running but needs an overhaul for me to feel confident about using it for more than a trip to the supermarket. Shame to see it go for scrap though, so am I best to sell for parts (maybe they are only worth a few pounds, in which case not worth the effort), then the frame which is easier to mail, or sell as a whole?
PopsTrippin
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daugs":34w2wdex said:
Agree 100%
PopsTrippin
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It doesn't look in too bad condition either.. a bit of elbow grease and a lube here and there and you're sorted.
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