Just acquired a used Murray lady's bike. Need help.

[Mike]

Hi!

Serial Number 65201-050595 built in Lawrensburg, TN.

I would like to rebuild it but I have no idea what size it is.

Where would be the best place,(online preferred)) or in Tucson, AZ, to
buy parts: new seat, handlebar grips, rims, tires. etc,

There is rust on the rims but only at the joint where the spokes
attach. What can I use to remove it. Is it a gamble ? Would the rust
indicate structural rim damage?

Is there a way to measure the size of the bike?

I would really be thankful for any help, suggestions or criticism.

Mike
Picture Rocks, AZ

 

[bryanska]

>Where would be the best place,(online preferred)) or in Tucson, AZ, to
>buy parts: new seat, handlebar grips, rims, tires. etc,

Online, try nashbar.com or performancebike.com. Ebay is your best bet,
because this Murray bike likely never came with even midgrade parts.

Locally, I'd visit thrift shops and cannibalize stuff from a similiar
bike. (Except for drivetrain stuff)

 

[catzz66]

bryanska wrote:
>>Where would be the best place,(online preferred)) or in Tucson, AZ, to
>>buy parts: new seat, handlebar grips, rims, tires. etc,
>
>
> Online, try nashbar.com or performancebike.com. Ebay is your best bet,
> because this Murray bike likely never came with even midgrade parts.
>
> Locally, I'd visit thrift shops and cannibalize stuff from a similiar
> bike. (Except for drivetrain stuff)
>

Don't want to let the wind out of your sail, but Murray built low, low
level bikes based on what was sold many years ago in my area. I am not
sure it would be worth very much when you finished, but if rebuilding it
is what you want to do, I wish you good luck.

 

[Werehatrack]

On 27 Mar 2006 12:54:56 -0800, "Mike" <[email protected]> wrote:

>Hi!
>
>Serial Number 65201-050595 built in Lawrensburg, TN.
>
>I would like to rebuild it but I have no idea what size it is.
>
>Where would be the best place,(online preferred)) or in Tucson, AZ, to
>buy parts: new seat, handlebar grips, rims, tires. etc,

Consult your Yellow Pages. This bike used nothing exotic, but the
exact original equipment tires, seat and grips will not be available
as replacements. Unfortunately, most of the seats and grips sold now
are better; you'll just have to live with the added comfort and/or
lightness (as appropriate).

>There is rust on the rims but only at the joint where the spokes
>attach.

That's not important, but may indicate that there's rust in another
area. Remove the tires and inspect the inside of the channel where
the tires seat. If there's flaky rust in this area, I recommend
replacing the rims; you'll run the risk of flats due to the rust
chunking and working it's way into the tube if it's left in there, and
once rims start to do this, in my experience, they only get worse.

>What can I use to remove it?

If the bead and spoke area inside the rim is sound, rust staining on
the chrome can be removed with a little phosphoric acid solution, such
as Naval Jelly or C-L-R.

> Is it a gamble ? Would the rust
>indicate structural rim damage?

Maybe; see above.

>Is there a way to measure the size of the bike?

Yup. With a tape measure.

Murray's bikes are generally regarded asnot particularly worth a lot
of effort or expense; the frames and components tended to be heavy.
On the other hand, if it does what you need, ride it.

--
Typoes are a feature, not a bug.
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[SMS]

Mike wrote:
> Hi!
>
> Serial Number 65201-050595 built in Lawrensburg, TN.
>
> I would like to rebuild it but I have no idea what size it is.

These were the lowest of the lowest department store bicycles, selling
for around $55. Don't spend any money rebuilding it.