Can you help me fix my bike?

Question

I have three questions:

Can I adjust the gear shifting cables myself, or should I have a pro do it? If I can do it, any suggestions? The gears are not very responsive.

Rusty spokes - should I replace them immediately, when I get around to it, or not worry about it?

The chain catches on itself sometimes (rarely) and seizes up. Is this something I can fix? If I stop pedalling it uncatches, it's just a little scary when it happens.

To clarify: I bought this bike almost for nothing as a fixer-upper, with the intention of using it to educate myself about bikes and their maintenance. I just haven't yet found the answers to these questions in books on the subject.

Answer 1

Take a look at my first answer to a similar topic(http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ak93zuQBc4M.8a7ORB3Eeg3sy6IX?qid=20060714142518AAA3AnW), and that will give you guidance for adjusting the front derailleur. The procedure is essentially identical for the front and rear shifters.

As for the rusty spokes, chances are your bike is quite cheap if that is the case, and the spokes are made of mild steel rather than Stainless Steel... That being the case, those spokes are thick enough that a layer of surface rust won't negatively effect the wheels strength. Replacing spokes requires significant skill, and a wheel truing stand of some kind, because taking even 1 spoke out will throw the wheel significantly out of true (straight) and round and needs to be adjusted back with great care.

The chain catching on itself, if I understand it, is often called "Chain Suck" and occurs when the chain stays attached to the smallest chainring just a little longer than it is supposed to. The best method to reduce this occurrence is to replace the chain and your rear cogs at the same time. A worn chain is often to blame for chain suck. Another method would be to do a search online for an "anti-chain suck device" like Avid used to make. I am sure you could find one on Ebay or someplace like that.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Cables - there may be an adjuster you can turn by hand to tighten or loosen the shifter cable. If not you will need a wrench to fit the nut and pliers to hold the cable. Note you may need to lube the cable and the shifter (derailer). I use an oil with Teflon for these. Also check the stops to make sure it does not travel too far.

Rusty spokes?? - replacing lots of spokes is very time consuming. I would suggest a light bit of steel wool over them just for looks. Maybe you can find another bike with good wheels for sale cheap or maybe one that someone is throwing out.

Chain - This is where I buck the trend a use WD-40. Spray it onto the chain as you turn the pedals and saturate the chain . Use a rag to wipe off the dirt and the WD-40. Get as much of the WD-40 off as possible. Let is set for abit then use a wax-based lube for the chain like White Lightening.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Bike maintenance is something you can do yourself if you want to. It doesn't hurt to take it into a bike shop and have them give it a tune up annually, but it can cost a bit to do that. If you still have your manual, it will tell you how to maintain it or you can find a book that will tell you how as well. Good luck.

A little steel wool or sandpaper will get rid of the rust, then spray some WD-40 ro bike chain lubricant onto the chain. Tighten the slack adjuster just a little to prevent the chain from catching. If it still catches, then tighten it a little more. The gear shifting cables should be adjusted a little at a time until you are satisfied with the results.

Answer 4

Angel hair-steel wool will usually clean the spokes to "like new" condition-the gears can be adjusted at the back derailuer and at the handlebars go from the highest gear to the lowest gear to do this. It is a little hard to explain in here,but with a little patience,you can do it. Maybe some bike repair shop will take heart and advize you on this.

Answer 5

First, NEVER use WD-40 on your bike. There are lubes made especially for bikes which you can buy at your local bike shop.

You should look at buying a bicycle repair/maintenance book. The Park manual is very good. But it sounds like you should take your bike to a professional to start with, and then you will be able to maintain it yourself. Good luck and ride safe!

Answer 6

1- to make it more responsive get lubrication into the cable you can use a spray lube like tri-flow beign best, then clicking from the smallest sprocket use your adjusting barrell to move to the next with one click .
2- rust can be removed with a wire brush if you want to spend the time. or steel wool.
3- sounds like you need to use the spray lube on the chain and if you can get it into the gear cluster it will also help. spray lubricant will be your best friend

Answer 7

Your bike sounds like it may have seen a better day. If it is not to expensive I would recommend getting a new bike. If not I would recommend having a pro or mechanically minded friend assist you.

Answer 8

Yes you can do it. Here are a lot of links. Check out the Sheldon Brown link and the Park tool link.
http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=bicycle+maintenance&sm=Yahoo%21+Search&fr=FP-tab-web-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8

Answer 9

Sound's like you need to buy a new bike!!! Most fixer upper cost most to fix then what the is bike's worth!!!!!!

Answer 10

byke dude spray the whole bike rust color than dont wory about it jk
dont wory about rust on a bike steel wool it and oil it

you can fix anything you want dont buy cheep parts
may need a new chain if its too rusty