Fixing an old bike

Question
Hello!
I have a 1996 Trek 830 that I抎 like to fix up. My Dad bought it for me when I was a teen and until last summer I probably only rode it 10-20 times. It抯 in obvious disrepair, but I don抰 know anything about bike maintenance and am not sure where to start. I want to start using this bike to ride 4-5 miles every day.

Obviously, I could just take it to a bike shop and have them 慺ix?it, but I am afraid I will be over-charged since I obviously know very little AND I am also concerned that I will end up with a bike that isn抰 really appropriate for me since I am still growing into myself as a cyclist and am not sure what I want.

Can you make some suggestions for me??

Answer
Find a local bike club. Go to a meeting or join the club. Most clubs can recommend a reputable shop. Without knowing what's wrong with the bike Its hard to tell you where to start. Most likely the chain needs replacement and the shifting needs tuning. Also the brakes probably need adjustment.

Hope this helps
Scott<>