Repair the bike or buy a new bike?

[vickster]

I don’t think so. But, I’m a perfectionist and I think a brand new cassette and a brand new chain with a used rear derailleur will look odd so I’m going to get a new one.

You'd perhaps be better off buying a brand new bike and sticking it on the wall if you truly want perfection (just check it over extremely carefully before taking ownership) - seems like you want a piece of art and not a functional piece of machinery that will go outside and get dirty and quite probably scratched You can sit on the sofa and look at it while wearing your £200 red disco slippers

Otherwise ... just get the Boardman back on the road as quickly and cheaply as possible and get riding while the sun is shining

 

[Ajax Bay]

get riding while the sun is shining

Less sun here today, but a lovely hilly 100 yesterday .

 

[DSK]

11-28 is for wimps ….. (I'm a wimp )

Despite the entertainment, I really hope the bike gets sorted and LJ actually enjoys cycling be it on this bike or another.

 

[vickster]

Less sun here today, but a lovely hilly 100 yesterday .

It's lovely here...unfortunately I'm working

 

[DSK]

You can have perfection and use it!

> Used almost daily in sunny conditions.
> I have applied clear vinyl wrap all over it to protect against stone chips/scratches. (Same goes for other bikes).
> I clean it weekly. I inspect it after every ride as its better than talking to the Mrs, removing any spec of dirt it may have picked up.
> It lives indoors in a climate controlled environment and not the cold garage, sacrificing valuable sitting room in a conservatory.

 

[vickster]

You can have perfection and use it!

View attachment 523353

> Used almost daily in sunny conditions.
> I have applied clear vinyl wrap all over it to protect against stone chips/scratches. (Same goes for other bikes).
> I clean it weekly. I inspect it after every ride as its better than talking to the Mrs, removing any spec of dirt it may have picked up.
> It lives indoors in a climate controlled environment and not the cold garage, sacrificing valuable sitting room in a conservatory.

That's so not my thing but each to their own

 

[C R]

You can have perfection and use it!

View attachment 523353

> Used almost daily in sunny conditions.
> I have applied clear vinyl wrap all over it to protect against stone chips/scratches. (Same goes for other bikes).
> I clean it weekly. I inspect it after every ride as its better than talking to the Mrs, removing any spec of dirt it may have picked up.
> It lives indoors in a climate controlled environment and not the cold garage, sacrificing valuable sitting room in a conservatory.

But do you treat your derailleurs as consumables?

 

[DSK]

But do you treat your derailleurs as consumables?

That depends if its dirty or not

Whilst I have not had to replace a RD on any bike I have owned (even those ridden in poor weather), for such matters I tend to heed the advise of those more experienced than myself and the local independent bicycle specialist.

 

[DSK]

That's so not my thing but each to their own

I was merely suggesting that Lemon Juice could buy some clear vinyl wrap to apply to his bike to maintain that lovely red paint work and crank arms (if they are not already scuffed up)

 

[carlosfandangus]

Enjoyed reading all 13 pages...... what was the question?

 

[LemonJuice]

This is complete b****ks - you're confusing perfection with perception. You don't need a new RD. The "brand new cassette and a brand new chain" with be 'used' and dirty after your first ride and noone will be able to tell or gaf.
Bicycle-rear-hub-compatibility
Think on these matters:
1) Have you got a chain the right length?
2) Is its colour going to suit the frame?
3) Is your hanger straight (make sure the bike shop commits to check this)?
4) Have you got a second bottle cage? (of a colour which matches the red frame)?

I’m paranoid that if I only take the new cassette and chain and not a new rear derailleur then when he is working on the bike he will find a fault with the rear derailleur and then I’ll not get the bike back the same day and have to wait even longer.

 

[Ajax Bay]

The rear derailleur is the least of your problems, imo. Worry about other stuff, if you must. Or rely on the LBS you've settled on to get it right.
While you wait for Leonard Zinn's book to arrive, here's a link to an interesting and informative set of articles be Relja, SE of UK: https://bike.bikegremlin.com/post-list-by-category/

13 pages...... what was the question?

Q: is the bike BER? [Answer: not even close.]

 

[DSK]

With all due respect its been almost a month of waiting and buying pricey accessories, which, for the same money could have got you a nice, used but fully serviceable bike like a Giant Defy/Specialized Allez etc.

Don't be worried about it, probably a couple of hours of work at best and the LBS will also give you an indication of service time when you drop it off.

On a more important note, have shoes arrived yet and do they fit correctly?

 

[vickster]

With all due respect its been almost a month of waiting and buying pricey accessories, which, for the same money could have got you a nice, used but fully serviceable bike like a Giant Defy/Specialized Allez etc.

Don't be worried about it, probably a couple of hours of work at best and the LBS will also give you an indication of service time when you drop it off.

On a more important note, have shoes arrived yet and do they fit correctly?

He's got a free bike and £30 of chain and cassette and will pay maybe £50-70 for the servicing.
Wouldn't get a second hand modern road bike that needs no work or parts for under £100 right now!

 

[DSK]

Correct but, it sounds irrational to be at this stage and then worry about not getting the bike back the same day, when we have all said its likely a couple of hours of work time.

£200 shoes + £100 repairs = £300 for a used functional road bike.