General Cycling Discussion - What Kind Of Road Bike Do I Have Here?

...



I bought this bike used about 6-7 years ago and after a 5 year hiatus, I dusted it of today and went for short stroll. Unfortunately, it will not downshift the sprocket. :cry: The crank works though, so I'm basically down to a 3-speed. :( Any idea what year this bike was made ?

I forgot what I paid for it. Everyhing on it says Shimano RSX and the frame has CR-MO 4130 on it, whatever that means. The wheels are 700 x 23c. I've tried searching the internet and can't find any information on this bike. When I search for GT Force, all I get are mountain bikes. How much is this thing worth? Is it considered any good? Thanks.

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/3987/gtthewholething.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/117/gtfrontcloseup.jpg

http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/4052/gtsprocket.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/9136/gtcrank.jpg

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/4310/gtfrontbrake.jpg


...

First analyze the concept of a 'bicycle.' It is actually a frame & fork with a collection of components that are supposed to work in harmony with the frame & fork. Now this bicycle has been sitting around for 5 years. And you're having difficulty with the rear-derailleur (RD) not shifting. And I'm not surprised.

During long-term storage, the grease and oil and dirt and grime can form something that works best as a glue - not a lubricant. So I would suggest a thorough cleaning of both front and rear derailleurs. WD-40 will work well for dislodging grime - just don't use it as a lube. As the cable-housing has likely become internally affected by the grime - get new housing. And new cables as well. The brake-cables look good from here, but I'd replace them as well - to be safe. Once both derailleurs are clean, add one drop of good oil to every moving part - bolts, pivots, springs, etc. Then replace the cables and housing. Here are instructions for doing the adjustment on these components:

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-rear-derailleur/

http://bicycletutor.com/adjust-front-derailer/

Or: Bring it to a shop you trust and ask them to do this for you.

Your old bike looks to be in fine condition. Get it fixed-up and ride it before you think of selling it. Looks like a nice bike!

It felt pretty smooth when I rode it today and I was able to upshift the rear derailleur but then I couldn't shift back down. It sure was a heck of a lot faster than my 40+ pound Diamondback Outlook with 26" x 1.95" Armadillos that I often commute on. LOL.

Thanks for the advice!

It's a late-90s, back when GT was a good brand. Lube the derailleur cable and adjust it up, it should be fine. RSX stuff was about the same level as Sora is now, I think. Not fancy but perfectly functional. It's probably not worth a lot, simply because of its age and old componentry.

The bike seems to be in a very good condition. I.e. not used.
You should really clean up & relube the moving parts.

BTW, you still have small plastic adjustment indicator (the tape-like thingie with red band) on the front RD. Remove-it.

As for the downshift, maybe it's just the RD/cable, but it could also be the brifter. Do not disassemble it, but try to flush with some WD40 or something.