Advice needed

[cyberknight]

Chances are it's a freewheel rather than a freehub. If so, this is good news for you. Could you take the wheel out of the frame and take a photo looking directly at the sprockets at the back? This will tell us two things, firstly if its a freewheel rather than a freehub, and also if it is the brand of freewheel.

You can take a freewheel off with a £5-£10 tool and simply screw a replacement on - hence why it could be good news for you.

Ultimately that bike is probably about 15 years old and if as you say it's been left out doors for most of that time lack of maintenance could be problematic. I'd also want to make sure that the seatpost comes all the way out and check the bearings elsewhere to make sure they're in good condition. So that's headset (where the handlebars rotate), the bottom bracket (where the pedals and crankset attach) and the wheel bearings in the hubs. If the grease has washed out you run the risk of ruining the frame/component, worth checking on youtube how to service a bike - of course if you're not confident / interested a service from your local bike shop wouldn't be the worst choice.

i have to agree this could be a real money pit

 

[ColinJ]

You might find some kind of community bike servicing evenings in your area.

We have those here - Bike Repairs and Advice at Todmorden Makery.

 

[avfc1982]

Chances are it's a freewheel rather than a freehub. If so, this is good news for you. Could you take the wheel out of the frame and take a photo looking directly at the sprockets at the back? This will tell us two things, firstly if its a freewheel rather than a freehub, and also if it is the brand of freewheel.

You can take a freewheel off with a £5-£10 tool and simply screw a replacement on - hence why it could be good news for you.

Ultimately that bike is probably about 15 years old and if as you say it's been left out doors for most of that time lack of maintenance could be problematic. I'd also want to make sure that the seatpost comes all the way out and check the bearings elsewhere to make sure they're in good condition. So that's headset (where the handlebars rotate), the bottom bracket (where the pedals and crankset attach) and the wheel bearings in the hubs. If the grease has washed out you run the risk of ruining the frame/component, worth checking on youtube how to service a bike - of course if you're not confident / interested a service from your local bike shop wouldn't be the worst choice.

Thanks for the advice,I will get the wheel out tomorrow and get some pics on here.ill have to get a bike maintenance tool kit as I don't have the proper tools.seatpost comes out no problem and all the bearings seem good,no play that I can see.ill get to it tomorrow, as it's dark now.ill also give it a run around the block that should tell me a bit more about the bike.

 

[avfc1982]

You might find some kind of community bike servicing evenings in your area.

We have those here - Bike Repairs and Advice at Todmorden Makery.

Great idea,thanks.

 

[avfc1982]

i have to agree this could be a real money pit

I'm not going to spend much on it,not looking to make it mint condition,just rideable and safe.

 

[Drago]

might be cheaper to buy a new wheel with gears already included by the time you have paid someone to sort it out , 26 " wheel with a7 speed freewheel ?
you can pick one up for under £60

Thats probably the easiest and least expensive route if the OP isnt adept enough to be stripping free hubs themselves. Cost effective too, as any more than that would likely exceed the bikes value.

 

[All uphill]

might be cheaper to buy a new wheel with gears already included by the time you have paid someone to sort it out , 26 " wheel with a7 speed freewheel ?
you can pick one up for under £60

Or get a good used one from a local bike recycling project.

 

[Bristolian]

Thanks for that,will see how it goes,if it seizes up again I'll replace it.

Be aware that if it seizes up when you're standing on the pedals putting some effort in then you could end up with some nasty injuries. Stamping down on the pedals only to find there's no resistance and consequently having your soft tissue impacting on the steerer tube can really spoil your day ... and several days after that too