progmac

Last year I bought an '85 or so Schwinn Mesa Runner at a garage sale for almost nothing. I rode it quite a lot last year and really enjoy the feel of the bike. The gears didn't really adjust properly and it has a lot of squeaks and creaks. This winter, I stupidly let the bike get buried in snow and the bobcat machine hit it and ruined the back wheel (the frame is still fine, however).

So my goal is to completely redo the bike. After substantial research, I came up with the following "shopping list:" (this reflects what is currently in my cart over at bikepartsusa)

Shimano FD-2200, 2 sp, Braze-on, Derailleur (front) $17
Shimano RD-TY18 Tourney, GS 6speed, Direct Mount, R. Deraillure $10
KMC Z 50 chain, 1/2x3/32. 6/7 SPEED IG/HG-compatible $7
Shimano TZ-06, 14-28, 7sp, Freewheel $12
Wheel Master 26x2.125, Rear, B/O, 5/6/7 Speed, H/D, Chrome, Wheel $25
Cheng Shin 26x2.125, Cruiser, 40 PSI, White Wall, Tire $13
Park Tool PPL-1 Grease Green Poly-lube 4oz Tube $4

Am I missing anything obvious? I know these are all low-end parts and I'm fine with that. Might I get all this stuff and realize it "just won't work?"

I don't really know much about bike repair other than what I'm reading at this great forum and elsewhere online.

AndrewP

Get aluminum wheels not steel https://www.bikepartsusa.com/bikepart...ategory=search
This has a freehub which is less likely to suffer axle breakage. It will also require a cassette instead of a freewheel. You will need shifters.
Have you got tools. Spoke wrench, cone wrenches, hex keys, cable cutter. Get a SRAM chain with the reusable master link so you dont have to bother with pushing in pins - you will still need a chain tool to bring the chain down to length.

progmac

Thank you so much for the reply. I have an Alien Multi-tool like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Alien-2.../dp/B000FIE4AE

It includes a spoke wrench,hex keys, and a chain tool. I'm not sure about the cone wrench and I have cable cutters in the garage.

When you said I need shifters...is that only if I go with the aluminum wheel / cassette combo, or will I need new shifters in any case?

CaptCarrot

I'm in the UK, and i picked up a basic all purpose toole kit out of halfords for £27.

See here....

• 1 x Adjustable ring spanner
• 1 x Crank remover
• 2 x 13, 14, 15, 16mm Cone spanners
• 1 x Cassettes locking tools
• 1 x Adjustable bottom bracket tool
• 1 x Cartridge bottom bracket tool
• 1 x Multi sized spoke tool
• 1 x Cross point flathead screw driver
• 1 x Chain tool
• 1 x Hex key set 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10mm
• 1 x 14, 15 mm Spanner
• 1 x 8, 10mm Spanner
• 3 x Glass reinforced tire levers
• 1 x Headset spanners and chain whip

I just needed to get a freewheel removal tool to complete what I needed for the time being.

In my view GRP tyre levers are crap though, so I invested in a set of round ended metal ones a while ago.

keisatsu

I have an old Mesa Runner hanging out in my pile of bikes, and unless yours is substantially different I'd have to say that braze on FD will not work, you will need a clamp on.

I second aluminum wheels over steel, braking will be MUCH better, on top of that they will be lighter and you won't have to worry about rust.

you most likely will not need new shifters, unless the ones you currently have are indexed and you get a cassette with more gears than the original freewheel had.

EDIT: You might be better off taking your bike into a used bike shop and asking them exactly what you need, then getting all the parts you need as used parts, it will still be cheap and you will be sure everything will work properly.

That is if you have a decent used bike shop in your area.

progmac

This is exactly the kind of info I need. I would take it to a bike shop, but I live in a very isolated place. I'm about an hour and fifteen minutes from a full service grocer, much less a great bike shop. I need to learn how to do these things.

What is the difference between a "direct mount" rear derailleur and a "hanger mount?" Will either work for me?

cbchess

you need to buy a book first
get Zinn's
https://www.amazon.com/Zinn-Art-Mount...6115047&sr=1-2

this will help you answer these questions and tell you what tools you need and what parts you need very easy to follow and understand.

AndrewP

If you have a friction shifter it will work for you, but if it is indexed you will need one that matches the number of cogs you have at the back. This site will show you how to fix/adjust. https://www.parktool.com/repair_help/index.shtml

CaptCarrot

May I recommend the Haines Bicycle Book.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Haynes-Bicyc.../dp/1563921375
or
https://www.amazon.cm/Haynes-Bicycle-.../dp/1563921375 for the yanks

Unlike the Zinn book it has lots of photo's. Also deals with road and MTB in the same book, don'y have to buy one for each.

It may be a little more generalised than the Zinn, but I think it would suit newcomers more as there are more real pictures (not just drawings).

keisatsu

Another nice online resource is Bicycle Tutor, he has a lot of good basic stuff in video.

Panthers007

The Topeak Alien II multi-tool is good as a take-along tool-kit, but it's not designed to be used in a shop setting. Which is what you'll be doing. You might be able to "get away" with using it this time, but no multi-tool can replace real, full-sized tools for working on a bicycle.

DieselDan

You need a MTB front derailer like an Acera, Altus, or even Deore. The FD 2200 is a road derailer and won't shift well with an MTB shifter. Get an aluminum wheel, possible with a freehub, then get a cassette. For aesthetics, loose the white walls.

progmac

Well, I finely placed my order. My final shopping list differs quite a bit from my first, thanks to you all. I decided to clean up and adjust my existing front derailleur. It seems quite workable (and if its not, I'll then order a new one).

I chose a rear derailleur with a hanger to match the one I'm replacing. New chain and cables, a non-whitewall tire and a new back rim to replace the one damaged by the bobcat. I'll report back once I get started.

Mondoman

Good luck and have fun!