Repair the bike or buy a new bike?

[si_c]

It's very unlikely that anything on the bike is permanently stuck and it's likely that a good clean and lubrication will fix the problems it does have.

First thing you need to do is find out what make of bike it is as well as the model if possible. A few pictures will help us narrow down exactly what bike it is and what it came fitted with.

Second thing is to thoroughly clean the bike a good video is here as you can then figure out what is actually moving and what isn't.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

We're probably looking at nothing more than a couple of hours messing around here, just freeing off things that have got stuck because of a lack of use and the bike may have been wet when it was put away.
I really don't get this thing where a bike is seen as a mysterious and complicated machine that requires a shop to do anything to. When I was a kid we were all taking bikes apart on a regular basis in our back gardens, and repairing the results of all sorts of stupid antics and mishaps. We would go to the bike shop if parts were required that couldn't be salvaged elsewhere, but no-one got bikes "serviced" or went running to the shop just because they had a sticky brake cable or their wheel bearing was rumbling.

 

[LemonJuice]

I got up nice and early and found some WD40 in the cupboard. The wheel hub had salt on each side of it so I sprayed the WD40 on both sides and loosened the nuts and cleaned them. I’m not an expert, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with the wheel hub because I am now able to move the pedals forwards and backwards.

I used my phone and looked on YouTube to see if I could narrow down the problems. In a nutshell, the chain is not staying on any cog, but is instead stuck between the last cog and the frame. I’m not entirely sure how it happened, but the cable to change the gears on the cog has snapped off. So, the bike definitely needs a new cable for the gears. The teeth on the cassette all look very worn. There is no cable to adjust the gears.

 

[biggs682]

I really don't get this thing where a bike is seen as a mysterious and complicated machine that requires a shop to do anything to. When I was a kid we were all taking bikes apart on a regular basis in our back gardens .

Some of us still do

 

[Globalti]

The bike needs the attentions of a professional mechanic. I'm no pro but it's a pity you don't live near me because I've got nothing to do and would sort it out fast for beer money.

Get on the phone to some local bike shops (proper bike shops not Halfords) and ask if they are taking in repairs. They will look at the bike and give you an estimate.

 

[LemonJuice]

The bike needs the attentions of a professional mechanic. I'm no pro but it's a pity you don't live near me because I've got nothing to do and would sort it out fast for beer money.

Get on the phone to some local bike shops (proper bike shops not Halfords) and ask if they are taking in repairs. They will look at the bike and give you an estimate.

What is wrong with Halfords?

Can small bike shops still order in new parts?

 

[keithmac]

It needs the high gear adjustment limit/ stop screw adjusting on the rear derailleur (so the chain won't go that far if cable snaps).

Put a set of cables on it and have a play about with the adjustment.

Sounds like an ideal project to get to know your way around a bike to me, taught my lad with his last "doer upper".

Post some pictures of the chain / chainrings etc.

 

[DSK]

When it comes to mechanics of any type, its the rounded quality of the mechanic that makes the difference be it a 1 man bad working from his man cave or in a shop.

The independent bike shops or mechanic are more into bikes with tons more knowledge and experience, carrying most common parts in stock. They will not only give you better advice but, the job will be done to a higher quality than the likes of Halfords. Small/independent bicycle specialists can order in what ever is required and to be honest are more likely to carry some bits in stock to enable to repair bikes quite extensively even while you wait!

 

[Globalti]

What is wrong with Halfords?

Can small bike shops still order in new parts?

I'm afraid I wouldn't let anybody who works at Halfords near my bike, not even to pump up a tyre. They are supermarkets not bike shops and they employ kids. Much better to find and support a small independent business which employs a proper mechanic.

 

[LemonJuice]

Thanks for the advice.

Do you think the small bike shops will be open still? I know that Halfords is open and the reason I thought it would be a better idea to go there was because that was the place my brother bought his bike.

Does anyone have any idea how much it is going to roughly cost to buy the new parts and get someone from Halfords or a small bike shop to sort everything out? Am I looking at roughly £200?

I know it’s my brother’s bike, but I’ve told him that I’ll get it sorted for him whilst he’s at work. Plus, it gives me something to do at the moment.

 

[vickster]

Thanks for the advice.

Do you think there small bike shops will be open still? I know that Halfords is open and the reason I thought it would be a better idea to go there was because that was the place my brother bought his bike.

Does anyone have any idea how much it is going to roughly cost to buy the new parts and get someone from Halfords or a small bike shop to sort everything out? Am I looking at roughly £200?

I know it’s my brother’s bike, but I’ve told him that I’ll get it sorted for him whilst he’s at work. Plus, it gives me something to do at the moment.

Yes bike shops are open, but busy. Where do you live?
A new chain and cassette shouldn’t be more than £50 online, maybe another £20 from shop depending on what they have in stock. Maybe £50 to fit with all new cables. Plus whatever else might be needed. Still far cheaper than a new roadbike

 

[LemonJuice]

Yes bike shops are open, but busy. Where do you live?
A new chain and cassette shouldn’t be more than £50 online, maybe another £20 from shop depending on what they have in stock. Maybe £50 to fit with all new cables. Plus whatever else might be needed. Still far cheaper than a new roadbike

I live in a place next to Middlesborough. I can travel to Newcastle or anywhere else in the North East, I don’t mind.

You have stated that bike shops are busy, should I rule out taking the bike to Halfords? How long do you think it will roughly take to sort everything out?

I don’t have a clue how to upload photos. I am using my phone to message on here.

The bike is a Boardman.

Although I want to learn how to sort things out myself, this time I want to take it to a shop to make sure everything gets sorted properly.

 

[vickster]

I don’t have an issue with Halfords myself, but they can be hit and miss.
Better to find a local shop, do you not know of any locally? If not, google bike shops Middlesbrough and start phoning around unless the website says they are closed for servicing.
Call and see if they’re open, and book in for a gear service explaining the issues (or get your brother to do it!) When they see the bike, they can tell you what it needs, how long and get a quote for the work
I expect Halfords will be as busy.

To post pics, take photos on phone, use the attach files button and attach from your photo ‘library‘

 

[Ajax Bay]

Earlier on I bought Lennard Zinn’s book “Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance Book”.

I earnestly and politely recommend that, having bought it, you read it.

I sprayed the WD40 on both sides [of the wheel hub] and loosened the nuts and cleaned them. I’m not an expert, but I don’t think there is anything wrong with the wheel hub because I am now able to move the pedals forwards and backwards.
. . . the chain is not staying on any cog, but is instead stuck between the last cog and the frame. . . . the cable to change the gears on the cog has snapped off. So, the bike definitely needs a new cable for the gears. The teeth on the cassette all look very worn. There is no cable to adjust the gears.

So the cranks (them's the levers with the pedals screwed into the ends) now turn backwards. And with the chain unstuck and on a sprocket (cog)) they turn forwards and the wheel turns. Remove the wheel.
You may think the cassette is worn, but it starts off looking like that, by design. Spray it with WD40. Unless the chain is very rusty, a good repeated spray with WD40, followed by a good wipe (kitchen towel or spare cotton rag), letting it dry, and then applying some oil will revitalise it. You do not need to replace it.
The rear gear cable is either "snapped" or it's missing: from your text it's not clear. Either way you need a new cable fitted and the gears indexed. I'm going to take a punt here and reckon you think you are incapable of this. You might be right. This is an inexpensive and quick (?10 minute) job for your LBS. Phone them and inquire: https://www.yell.com/s/cycle+shops-middlesbrough.html "Replace gear cable and index rear gears (Make/model of bike)."
Replace the wheel, putting the chain on the smallest sprocket (cog) and tighten the nuts/QR lever to secure the wheel in place. Using a small screwdriver on the rear derailleur, turn the little screw marked 'H' one turn clockwise (for the time being). Turn the cranks (with the rear wheel held off the ground). Does the wheel turn (yes). Refit the brake calipers (you will likely have had to undo them to get the wheel out earlier).

 

[LemonJuice]

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