Bike Problems: Sizeable Scars to Prove It

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2008-10-06 8:13 AM

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Subject: Bike Problems: Sizeable Scars to Prove It

SOOOO . . . I am having some bike problems. I have this bike that my parents bought for me when I was 12 or something . . . it's still big enough for me (I was a tall twelve-year-old). ANYWAY . . . I used to HATE biking (just being honest) . . . actually, I was afraid to bike. Needless to say, my bike sat in the garage for a good 12 years or so, maybe it was hauled out 10 times. Maybe. It's a good bike . . .

ANYWAY. So the gears don't work . . . or else I don't know how to use them. And the chain is rusted or broken or something, but sometimes something will catch and swing the foot pedal backwards, and the spikes stab my leg and I bleed. It used to be only my right leg, but after my bike proved to be a complete piece of crap, I borrowed my Dad's bike (which has a similar past) and the chain broke . . . or came off . . . on it and it attacked my other leg. Just yesterday. Now I have no bike to use. I guess I need to go get it fixed. My tri isn't until April, but I need all the practice I can get. Is my best bet to take my bike to the bike shop? What's the lowest I can get a decent quality bike for? For my first race, my only goal is to finish . . . so I don't need a multi-million dollar bike or anything . . . I mean, how much do you think it's going to take to fix my bike? I think it needs to gear shifter things (technical terms) and a new chain? What do I know, though?

Any advice?

Thanks,

Elishia

2008-10-06 9:08 AM
in reply to: #1720296

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Subject: RE: Bike Problems: Sizeable Scars to Prove It
It sure would help to know what kind of bike. How many gears in the back and how many rings in the front?

After sitting that long at the very least you need the following:
New chain. Guessing about 20$ There are some cheaper, certainly some more expensive.
Brake and Shifter cables. 30$ give or take.
New inner tubes. 10 $ give or take.
Tune up and install all new parts. Maybe in the neighborhood of 30$?????

These are things that will just make the bike safe. You may need new brake pads too, those run close to 20.

It is well worth it to spend the money, if your bike does not function right you will not enjoy it. If it is not safe you could wreck and die. Neither is fun. Better yet, you could learn to do it yourself. parktool.com is an excellent website that really spells things out clearly.

Oh, may need tires too. Depends on if there is dry rot or not.

Good luck.
2008-10-06 9:10 AM
in reply to: #1720296

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Subject: RE: Bike Problems: Sizeable Scars to Prove It
Take it to your Local Bike Store and have them take a look a look and give you an estimate to get it up and running. Probably your lowest cost option.

2008-10-06 9:22 AM
in reply to: #1720296

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Subject: RE: Bike Problems: Sizeable Scars to Prove It
also, look around for a used bike, too. You may be able to get a good price this time of year.
2008-10-06 10:17 AM
in reply to: #1720296

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Subject: RE: Bike Problems: Sizeable Scars to Prove It
If your only goal is to finish and you just need it to practice your best bet would be take it to several LBS and get some different cost estimates and see if the list of fixes they provide is the same. Pick the best from those and get it done. If you are not to worried about cost and think you will stick with biking (commuting/rec. riding/tri's) it might be best to spend a little exta now for a decent road bike you can upgrade or at least a good hybrid you will be more comfortable with.
2008-10-06 12:42 PM
in reply to: #1720610

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Subject: RE: Bike Problems: Sizeable Scars to Prove It

I am planning on taking the bike by a couple places tonight . . . we only have two bike shops in town. I'll see how it goes and let you know how close your estimations were! I will probably also check out the bikes that I wish I could afford . . . but can't. I am a teacher who just got done with an MA. And I am doing the PhD thing next year . . . looks like no money for awhile yet, right?

I'll check back in! Thanks for the replies.



2008-10-06 3:12 PM
in reply to: #1720296

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Subject: RE: Bike Problems: Sizeable Scars to Prove It

Are you mechanically inclined?  If so, then the good news is you can play around with the demon-bike over the next month for not very much money.  You might borrow a book on bicycle repair/maintenance from the library. 

Buy an inexpensive chain-repair tool to get the chain off your bike.  Soak it in some motor oil for a couple of days, flexing it once a day.  Dry it off and make sure every link moves.  Squirt a little 3-in-1 oil on the pivots for the front and rear deraileurs and a little silicone spray (WD-40) in each end of each cable (front brake, front deraileur, rear brake, rear deraileur).  Spray a little WD-40 (very little) on the pivots for the front and rear brakes (make sure you don't get the spray on the brake pads or tire rims). 

With any luck, this will loosen things up enough.  If not, you're out about $10 and a couple of hours (and will have learned a little about how these all work). 

If you're not so mechanically inclined, you can take it to the LBS.  They'll probably start out with replacing the chain, cables, brake pads, tires and tubes (you should be able to do the tires, tubes, and brake pads yourself).  They'll probably also suggest cleaning and re-greasing the bottom bracket (where the crank spins in the frame), headset (steering), and axles.  If the wheels wobble, they'll true them (adjust the spokes to reduce the wobble).  This stuff can get expensive, and you may find yourself with a $200-300 estimate for the above.  They'll also (or they should) fully inspect the frame for cracks or other structural problems.  Depending on how long the bike has sat, they may not be able to remove the handlebar stem or seat post without destroying them. 

2008-10-06 6:31 PM
in reply to: #1720296

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Subject: RE: Bike Problems: Sizeable Scars to Prove It
I think you are describing something called "chain suck" but I'm not sure. There are articles online about it, partially caused (I think) by a dirty or rusty chain.

What I would do if I were you is I would clean the bike as thoroughly as possible without really digging in to any of the parts and just take a look at everything. Do you see rust on a lot of the parts? Do things move freely or do they stick? If you have a little time and the interest, you can get a repair book and a cheap tool kit and go to town. If you can't or don't want to, you should take it in to the shop for an overhaul. Most like like you will need to replace the following:

Tires and Tubes
Wheel Truing
Cables and Cable housing
Brake pads
Chain
lube

All of these things meant to be replaced on a regular basis anyway.

You might also need the following:

Headset rebuild (cheap parts but you'll pay for labor)
Bottom Bracket rebuild (cheap parts but you'll pay for labor)
Hubs rebuild (same as above).
Probably need new/better pedals

With the right tools, a book and maybe some help from someone who's done it before, you can save a LOT of money.
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