What drivetrain for Crossfire 3?

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Milena

Active Member
I have a Carrera Crossfire 3 which I have had for 1 year now. I paid £400 for it from Halfords.

Spec of the bike is here - https://www.halfords.com/bikes/hybr...d-bike-2020---grey---s-m-l-frames-346094.html

My drivetrain is damaged and worn. Gears slip often.
Chainset has a sheared off tooth and is worn out.
Chain is beyond 1.0 worn.
I failed to clean and lube it regularly. I do not commute using it, but I ride it in all weather 2-5 times a week, on gravel at times too.

The bike is pretty crap. I was recommended to buy it on here. I regret not buying a better bike. I knew nothing about bikes to start with and I still know very little.

I live in the UK. The cycle market is very bad at the moment I have been told. I would be lucky to get £100 for my bike... if I could even sell it that is I was told. Nobody wants used bikes because new bikes can be had for cheap I was told.

1) My first option is to simply replace the drivetrain. Obviously I will have a bike mechanic do it. Note the bike mechanic is free. He does not charge for labour.

I will clean and lube the bike this time.

>>> Given that I ride on gravel, use it 2-5 times a week, what would be the most cost effective but most durable drivetrain?

I am NOT looking for the lightest drivetrain. I am looking for the most durable, that would make financial sense for this bike.
So new cassette, chain and chainset.

Also note that a new better chainset (not the same prowheel one which I do not think you can even get anymore), may require a new bottom bracket due to the spacing. So what BB too?

Need new pedals too as the standard ones on the bike are crap and they have a bit of play in them now.

Need new grips too as the standard crappy ergo ones rotate.

Seat has a bit of play in it but does not need replacing yet.

2) Another option is to attempt to sell the bike on FB marketplace as is, making it clear that a new drivetrain is needed, and get a new, better bike.
A gravel bike maybe this time. Ideally I do not want to do this as money is an issue and a decent gravel bike is still going to be £1,000+ and I still need to buy pannier rack etc.
 
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vickster

Squire
If you do want a new gravel bike, Merlin Malt Tiagra is £700 currently.
https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-malt-g2p-tiagra-gravel-bike-2024-197427.html?
 

the snail

Guru
Location
Chippenham
Disposable bike syndrome - you wore out the consumables because you didn't maintain the bike. Well that would have happened on a more expensive bike, but you'd be looking at more expensive repairs. You might get away with new chainring/chain/cassette which won't break the bank. Handlebar grips can be secured with hairspray, or replaced fairly cheaply, as can pedals.
 

vickster

Squire
I have a Carrera Crossfire 3 which I have had for 1 year now. I paid £400 for it from Halfords.
….

The bike is pretty crap. I was recommended to buy it on here. I regret not buying a better bike. I knew nothing about bikes to start with and I still know very little.
Were you recommended the Crosstrail or Subway. Normally latter is suggested as it doesn’t have the bouncy fork
 
OP
OP
M

Milena

Active Member
Disposable bike syndrome - you wore out the consumables because you didn't maintain the bike. Well that would have happened on a more expensive bike, but you'd be looking at more expensive repairs. You might get away with new chainring/chain/cassette which won't break the bank. Handlebar grips can be secured with hairspray, or replaced fairly cheaply, as can pedals.

Please don't comment when it's not helpful. I have health issues that often mean I'm bedridden and I live with ongoing lifelong domestic abuse. Not everyone is able to do the things they need or want to do.

I was very specific in what I asked in my original post. You should have specified the drivetrain components as I asked if you think that's the best way forward as per your reply.
 
OP
OP
M

Milena

Active Member
I did 24 miles on my bike yesterday. Except I applied oil to the chain because it was dry. The chain didn't slip once. Weird isn't it?
 

OldShep

Veteran
The bike is pretty crap. I was recommended to buy it on here. I regret not buying a better bike. I knew nothing about bikes to start with and I still know very little.

There are 43 pages over on CyclingUK helping 'Summit Freedom' 😜 choosing a bike. IIRC Halfords won the day, over a LBS and a Giant, because their servicing was going to be cheaper.
 
OP
OP
M

Milena

Active Member
There are 43 pages over on CyclingUK helping 'Summit Freedom' 😜 choosing a bike. IIRC Halfords won the day, over a LBS and a Giant, because their servicing was going to be cheaper.

Not true. Please don't post if you're not replying to the original message and related replies.
 
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