Bicycle Mechanics - Old Sun Tour Chain & Chain rings

I commute on a 1994 Specialized Rockhopper with Suntour Expert drivetrain.

The chain is getting a little long and my chain rings are getting pretty scalloped. It's a 24 speed. Is this Old Sun Tour group standard enough to replace the worn parts on? Harris Cyclery has a number of chainrings and such that might fit.

Can I replace the cluster at the same time? Replacing the 2 chain rings and chain might cost $50 if this stuff is not unavailable. The cluster is steel and might still be ok.

If not, I might just donate it to the chinese restaurant down the street and keep my eyes open on Craigslist.

For that matter, where could I find a cheap group to replace the lot?

After scoping Craigs out, I can see now that my beloved commuter is close to the recycle bin.

For the cost of a chain and 2 chain rings, I can get a garaged bike with 100 miles on it. I guess when the chain is slipping much too much, I'll just heave it into the maws of the 'metal truck'. It served me well.

Soon to be RIP.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v467/BumbleFish/5boro_theHumbleRig.jpg

After scoping Craigs out, I can see now that my beloved commuter is close to the recycle bin.

For the cost of a chain and 2 chain rings, I can get a garaged bike with 100 miles on it. I guess when the chain is slipping much too much, I'll just heave it into the maws of the 'metal truck'. It served me well.

Soon to be RIP.
-Snipped image of nice bike-

It would be a real shame to just trash/recycle that bike, which looks to be a fine ride other than the drivetrain. If the bike fits you well enough and you like it, why not just pull the drivetrain off of a cheap bike you can get on craigslist and put it on your current bike? At the very least, if you do get another bike, try to find a new home for your current one by selling it for cheap on craigslist. Also, if you have a local bike co-op, you may be able to find a used drivetrain (and possibly a new chain) for $20 or less.

Dude, it's your bike. It looks fine to me. You should replace the chain only to begin with for $10-15. You mention that the chain rings need to be replaced. I've ridden the same chain rings for thousands of miles and they ain't near ready to replace. Maybe just cleaning thoroughly and lubricating all of your parts will be enough. And, you won't have to remove and reassemble all of your bag gear.

I wish you lived near me so I could get from you. I would hate to see it crushed in a trash truck. I've got an old Hard Rock and it's a great bike. I've replaced a few bits.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b152/ad6mj/SimpsonRide011.jpg

That's too solid of a frame to just throw away!:eek:

I'll check out recycleabicycle in Brooklyn. http://www.recycleabicycle.org/

The chain rings are aluminum and the middle ring is fairly worn. So you don't think it will be hard to find chain rings?

For the cost of a chain and 2 chain rings, I can get a garaged bike with 100 miles on it. I guess when the chain is slipping much too much, I'll just heave it into the maws of the 'metal truck'.
It seems that your bike is small for you. If you find a bike that fits and isn't from Walmart, it would be great.

If you shop at cheaper places, you'll be able to find a couple of good Sugino chainrings and an 8-speed chain for $50. The rear cassette is more likely to be worn than the chainrings. You should buy more chains and change them often. That insures that the more expensive chainrings and cassette wear more slowly.

try www.lickbike.com www.aebike.com