I’ve got an old 2014 Salsa Spearfish, it was a great bike but needs some money spending on it (all new brakes, bearings, suspension service).
It’s also pretty banged up and being alloy it has survived but looks worse for wear. It is FS with 100 mm front and 80 mm rear.
I have moved somewhere flat so I haven’t needed it at all, I do live near some downhill trails but this feels pretty sketch on an old XC bike when I’m not a particularly skilled rider.
I don’t think I warrant buying a new xc bike but it’s also not worth selling.
Is it worth sorting it out and spending some money on it? Think I can use it for gravel as I have loads near me. I though about drop barring it and the geometry is close but that would cost even more.
Older groupsets can be had for cheap if you spend the time on FB marketplace, FB groups, or ebay. That, plus a rattle can spruce-up can turn it into something fun. The drop bar route can also be done on the cheap if you look for older, but high-quality components.
Bearings are pocket money and easy to service. What’s wrong with the brakes, is it just pads and rotors need doing, which are considered consumables anyway?
They are old Avid Elixirs, I’ve just done the pads and discs but I think the pistons have failed. They were famous for eating themselves back in the day.
It’s more the suspension service and the fact that it is all old standards now. Going full second hand market for parts sounds like a good idea, can’t be much of a market for non-boost wheels.
If you’re handy, I’d just grease/oil the fork/shock and maybe change the rings/seals; change the pads/bleed brakes; change the shifter cable; and give it to a local kid (or try Pinkbike classifieds). Otherwise sell for a few hundred to the too-many-dui-dude.
The headtube angle and reach might make it a good gravel+ bike, but it’d be expensive.
I had a 2012 Jamis (trail bike in its day, XC bike today 
) that I struggled to decide what to do with. Wasn’t worth any money anymore, I couldn’t justify selling it for so little.
Someone on a local forum posted that they were looking for a cheap project for a kid, so I gave it to him.
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In Austin we have Yellow Bike. They recycle bikes and parts. They teach mechanics as well as build bikes for kids and adults. Always ready to welcome donations.
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What riding do you want to do, or is in your new area.
Do you have other bikes?
Ive got a nice gravel and road bike.
Can Old mtbs can still be good? I just read about modern geo and automatically think my mtb is too old to spend money on.
I love xc single track stuff and used to live near a 40 minute red route that was flat (more like a blue) and I loved going round that at full speed.
The modern bike parks just seem too extreme for me to ride on this bike (at my skill level) and I dont enjoy them enough to spend money on a modern mtb with more than a 100 mm travel.