Hi guys, just got a free bike off back street (ask home owner for permission) it needs fixing up but looks in decent enough condition

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Ajax Bay

Guru
Location
East Devon
I've taken some photos. Hope they're clear enough.
What do you think?
Since you ask, and bearing in mind this is a dual suspension (and therefore heavy) bike - and I'm guessing rough cross terrain riding is not your primary use.
The rusty freewheel (6sp?) and rusty chain could be made to work. The freewheel might come off, if you're lucky skillful and strong. I'd be taking a wire brush to it and then oil will lubricate. A replacement chain is cheap (6-7sp). Need to remove the chain (by pushing out a pin) in order to get it in better nick. But then refitting with a quicklink will cost almost as much as a new chain. Procure new chain.
The chainset looks pretty far gone. I assume it is a cheap MTB triple with rivetted rings and a 'guard' screwed on. Square taper. Any MTB chainset will do as a replacement. The bike charity list might have somewhere close to you and they'll have tens, or more.
You talk about buying a seat for £30. How will you decide which one is comfortable, before buying?
It's certain that all the cables, inner and outer will need replacing. Perhaps the brake pads will be OK.
I also note the nipples are showing rust: these are steel nipples (as opposed to brass) and mean the spokes are galvanised (and rusting where not black).
Tyres look OK though I see a displaced inner tube (see valve).
What do I think? I think you should return it to its previous neglecter and go to your local tip/recycling centre where you'll find a better bike which will offer you an opportunity to learn and a far better end result.
 
OP
OP
D

Drencrom

Member
Since you ask, and bearing in mind this is a dual suspension (and therefore heavy) bike - and I'm guessing rough cross terrain riding is not your primary use.
The rusty freewheel (6sp?) and rusty chain could be made to work. The freewheel might come off, if you're lucky skillful and strong. I'd be taking a wire brush to it and then oil will lubricate. A replacement chain is cheap (6-7sp). Need to remove the chain (by pushing out a pin) in order to get it in better nick. But then refitting with a quicklink will cost almost as much as a new chain. Procure new chain.
The chainset looks pretty far gone. I assume it is a cheap MTB triple with rivetted rings and a 'guard' screwed on. Square taper. Any MTB chainset will do as a replacement. The bike charity list might have somewhere close to you and they'll have tens, or more.
You talk about buying a seat for £30. How will you decide which one is comfortable, before buying?
It's certain that all the cables, inner and outer will need replacing. Perhaps the brake pads will be OK.
I also note the nipples are showing rust: these are steel nipples (as opposed to brass) and mean the spokes are galvanised (and rusting where not black).
Tyres look OK though I see a displaced inner tube (see valve).
What do I think? I think you should return it to its previous neglecter and go to your local tip/recycling centre where you'll find a better bike which will offer you an opportunity to learn and a far better end result.

Thanks for all that advice. I'll buy a new chain.

Can I remove the rust from the spoke nipples?

I'm gonna get a bike pump and deflated the wheels. Can the displaced inner tube me mended?

I'm going off reviews on Amazon for the seat.

Will send it back if I'm not satisfied.
 
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