Do I dare get my bike checked over?

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Matthew_T

"Young and Ex-whippet"
I was going to go to the shops today to get some bits and bobs so opted for my commuter. I got everything setup, put panniers on, clipped in, set off, and then I was in a whole new world!

The main problem was the chain slipping (I suspected it would) which now means a new cassette (one ring has worn right down). This meant it was unrideable.
As I turned around, I realised that I have a little bit of play in the front wheel and a smaller amount of play in the rear. The brakes are absolutely useless and do not work in the wet, I have about 3 bent spokes on the rear wheel (due to weight of panniers probably). I have just removed my front mudguard due to it snapping. The rear tire might need a change as it very poor. The front tire is about 2 years old and is growing moss in places. And recently there has been a growth of rust around the stem.
To add to all that, the brake levers have been grated and are very sharp (currently covered in tape), and the bar tape has got plenty of rips and shreds in it where it has been scraped and rubbed on walls.

I try to keep my bikes in good nick but this one has just gone beyond the point of repair. If I were to sell it, it would be of scrap value around £50. Compared to the new price of £250 (to which it is insured at).

It is really on its last legs and I need it for commuting. I was contemplating taking it to the LBS to get checked over but do I really dare? The list of problems will just go on and on.
As an estimate, a full restoration would cost around £400 (wheels, cassette, BB, frame restore).

It was my first ever road bike so it holds a small sentimental value to me but I am willing to get rid of it. But doing that then causes another problem, what do I commute on?

I have my Spesh road bike (will not use that due to cost) and a cheap MTB. I could stick the MTB on slicks but I havent tested that yet.

Another option is getting a new bike. However, the bike would probably be a fixie and I wouldnt be able to get it until May (when I am paid).

I am seriously concerned with what to do. Please help.
 

AndyRM

XOXO
Location
North Shields
A basic service wouldn't set you back that much. At my LBS, replacing stuff like spokes and tightening up wheels is included in the price.

A cassette isn't that pricey and you can get a pair of decent tyres cheaply as well. Bar tape too.

Depending on the level of rust, that should be salvageable too. And you could probably sand your brake levers down a bit.

I don't think you'd spend £400 repairing your commuter. Take it to your LBS and see what they think!
 

HovR

Über Member
Location
Plymouth
Vittoria Rubino tires: £20
SKS Commuter guards: £20
New cassette: £15
New BB: £15
Miche Performance dual pivot brakes w/ pads: £18
New cable set: £20
Entry level wheelset: £100
Bar tape: £5

Take a file to the levers to file down any sharp edges, and take some wire wool to the stem to remove the rust.

Job done at £213. All that work is also fairly easy to do your self, you'll need a few specialist tools for the BB, cassette and some sharp cable cutters but I suspect you could borrow things like that off local club cyclists?

That said at £213 you're getting pretty close to buying a new Triban 3, although you'll still need some new accessories such as mudguards.

Also keep in mind that this is complete cost for replacing everything you have mentioned. I suspect you could get away with just servicing the wheels, and possibly with just servicing the brakes. If I lived closer I'd offer to give you a hand with these!
 
OP
OP
Matthew_T

Matthew_T

"Young and Ex-whippet"
Also keep in mind that this is complete cost for replacing everything you have mentioned. I suspect you could get away with just servicing the wheels, and possibly with just servicing the brakes. If I lived closer I'd offer to give you a hand with these!
Thanks for the offer. I am just praying now that the weather gets bad enough to need to take the bus on Monday. This project of restoration will probably last a week or so (taking my time).
 

Scoosh

Velocouchiste
Moderator
Location
Edinburgh
Sounds like you have a wonderful "learning bike maintenance opportunity" coming your way ! :hyper:

If cost is a major factor - do you really need to replace everything that is worn ? Would a good service do the job ?

I'm not suggesting that you compromise your own (and others :ohmy:) safety.
 

AndyRM

XOXO
Location
North Shields
£25 sounds like a good price. If you go with your club mate, might be worth asking if you can watch so that you get an idea of what he's doing so that you can do it in future.

I reckon you'd be better off spending money on what you have, rather than getting one of those single speeds. They look cack.
 

HovR

Über Member
Location
Plymouth
If you want a single speed/fixed I'd look at getting a proper track bike with brakes fitted, not one of these florescent hipster bikes. Second hand might be the best way to go in your budget.
 

wisdom

Guru
Location
Blackpool
Most of those jobs are easyish to do yourself.You may pick up some of the parts required on here.One thing thats guaranteed is the help on here to guide you through the tasks.Give it a go you have nothing to lose.
 

400bhp

Guru
... chain slipping (I suspected it would) which now means a new cassette (one ring has worn right down). ...a little bit of play in the front wheel and a smaller amount of play in the rear... brakes are absolutely useless and do not work in the wet... about 3 bent spokes ..front mudguard snapping... rear tire poor. ... front tire growing moss in places....rust around the stem.
...brake levers have been grated and are very sharp (currently covered in tape)...bar tape has got plenty of rips and shreds in it

I try to keep my bikes in good nick


hmmmmmm:whistle:
 
A lot of the bits you mention could be viewed as consumable items and I'd have thought you would be capable of fixing these yourself.

Have you Googled local cycle servicing companies in North Wales for other quotes to compare?
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
Most of what you mention are consumables, and should have been sorted out already if you are maintaining the bike. You will need to spend a few quid to get it right, but if you do it when needed, then it's not too expensive.
 

musa

Über Member
Location
Surrey
I'd say you buy the tools and have a go yourself. There will be only so much your club member will do.
£50 on some tools = chain whip spanners alen/hex keys cone spanners then buy the bits you need as mentioned above

Then where your stuck go to your club member for help ie cable fitting and adjusting

I don't know what services are available for you at your LBS, but a guy at mine runs workshops I paid £45 for about 2 hours of guided maintenance, I learnt how to take my BB out regreased refitted, cassete and chain removed cleaned and fitted...headset and forks removed cleaned and refitted

Then if I require more skills then simple case of arranging time to learn how to service my hubs and cable fitting then wheel truing. My OH bought me the Haynes bike book today, so if I was you being young myself, I'd invest for the future rather than forking out every 6 months or whatever
 
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