Hello all. Today on a beautiful day, decided to take my bike out to get a little exercise. Noticed that when I went to shift gears, nothing happens and my pedal is free spinning. I think I might need new shifters. The bike is an older Marin kentfield hybrid I believe. Bought it off someone on Craigslist a few years ago. have only ridden it a few times around the block. It sits outdoors all the time. will be getting a bike shelter for it. Unfortunately since I just registered, can't post any pictures until I've posted a few times according to the forum guide lines. Thanks
need to do some repairs.
- Thread starter rickshaw1
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Punkawallah
Veteran
What’s the rust situation like?
You might need new gear cables, inner and outers, for a start as it has been outside for a while.
Firstly, give the bike a really good clean and lube, including the chain and cables, I take it it has derailleur gears, or does it have hub gears? Then see what happens.
It could be various things, but start with the easiest.
nogoodnamesleft
Well-Known Member
How confident is OP at cycle maintenance? As it seems likely the bike has suffered and if OP not particularly confident, maybe see if a local bike shop (LBS) offers a safety check (maybe free, maybe a small charge).
I good LBS would be fine with discussing what OP can do themselves (as they'd sell the parts anyway) and what is more involved (mine would be very happy to do that but I expect larger chains might be less cooperative beyond "we'll give you a quote"). Maybe a good way to find a good LBS - call them and see how they can help.
eg some jobs might need tools that not everybody has eg torque wrench or more knowledge eg I wouldn't be happy changing headset or bottom bracket bearings so that's something when needed I'd get getting LBS to do whilst other jobs I'm very happy doing. All a very individual thing.
I good LBS would be fine with discussing what OP can do themselves (as they'd sell the parts anyway) and what is more involved (mine would be very happy to do that but I expect larger chains might be less cooperative beyond "we'll give you a quote"). Maybe a good way to find a good LBS - call them and see how they can help.
eg some jobs might need tools that not everybody has eg torque wrench or more knowledge eg I wouldn't be happy changing headset or bottom bracket bearings so that's something when needed I'd get getting LBS to do whilst other jobs I'm very happy doing. All a very individual thing.
