ywchan

Update: Added some picture about the issue I am concerning, in the reply #6... Thank you very much.
All the pictures...
https://imageshack.us/g/577/dsc0028jg.jpg/

Hi,

I got a used bike from my brother in law for free today, it is a used Trek fx from like 2004 or 2005. There are a few problems with it, besides it is really dirty. I am not sure should I just bring it over to the LBS to fix it, because there are quite a bit of problem with it. And my budget is low, about $120 (max 150...), moreover, I do want to learn how to fix a bicycle... since the last one I own is a Target store bought bicycle which break on my after about 1 year.

* Most of the parts seems to the stock, please see below
https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...0+FX&Type=bike

This bike has been store under a rain sheet cover outdoor, for about 2 years now. Let me list the issue I see right away. I would like to get some suggesting on parts/components, because I am not sure which one is good & compatible.

1) The cables for the gear, brake are all rusty
Do I need to replace them? For now, they still seems to work okay. But removing all the cables and install them back seems to require quite a bit of work, I am not sure if I can do it myself. I know how to change flats, tires, and that's about it for now.

2) The brake pads are all completely wore
I think this one is relatively easy, which one would you guys recommend?
https://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-105-Brak...item35b4269718
Does Shimano 105 Brake Calipers fit?
https://cgi.ebay.com/Shimano-Tiagra-b...item2312f4c365
Or maybe these.... they are almost the same price as brake pad new.

3) Gears will not shift anymore
I am not sure if it is the cables or the shifter's problem

4) The chain is rusty
Does it matter? I can still ride it okay... Replacing seems easy enough I suppose, suggestions on parts?

5) The crankset seems to be not connected well (or dislocated)
There is a distance between the crank and the bike frame, not sure what's the problem. This is the part I worried the most, because the crankset is quite far away from the frame, I am worried it will just disconnect in the middle of my commute...

6) The handler bar's rubber grip need to be replaced

For now I see these problems... I think for the budget I have, I only have enough for parts, but not the labor. (I was hoping to upgrade some parts to nicer components).
What are you guys's thoughts and suggestion? Base on the issue and the cost of replacing the parts, which one should I fix / replace? I want to upgrade to better parts, but I know for my limited budget, maybe not even enough for fixing it. Plus, I don't have the tools like a bike mechanics does. I only have what a normal person has, typical tool box stuffs, not bike specific. So.... thoughts? Lastly, while the tube and tubes seems to be okay, do you guys think I should replace it?

Thank you in advance for all the help and suggestions.
George

Jeff Wills

Not to be rude, but:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ease-READ-THIS

ywchan

I am sorry, did I post in the wrong section?
Or the question I posted is best answered by LBS?

Sorry for not be specify enough about the parts,
because I am not sure which "type?" of parts I
should look into.

Kimmo

You should do some research and learn a bit more for yourself; we'll be able to help you more when you have a better idea what you're talking about.

It's too much work for us to explain the basics every time.

If you take some pics, that will help a lot. Depending on the exact condition of the parts, you should be able to hold off on this or that; $120 should be enough to get you rolling if you do the work yourself.

What tools do you have? You may have to spring for a couple more.

If there's really no rubber left on the pads, I hear Kool-Stop Salmon pads are meant to be the bomb.

fietsbob

Highly Recommend: put a bike repair book on your book shelf.
refer to it after first reading it cover to cover..

ywchan

Rusty components, and the chain


The crank seems to be loosen, and there are rust there too


Two of the three cables are quite rusty


Brake pad is wore off completely, but the fender is touching the front wheel a little bit.


The wheelset seems to be okay

Thank you for your help, I will go visit both the library and bookstore to see what kind of information are out there. But I think for some of the parts, maybe it just require some cleaning, tho, the screws, bolts, and rusted parts might require some replacement. Is that sort of the right way to go about fixing this bicycle?

I think the best would would be taken the bike completely apart and clean everything, since try to clean it as it is quite hard.

Mondoman

The bottom bracket (the spindle and bearings that the crankarms bolt onto) is what I'd focus on first. A decent-quality replacement will only cost about $20, but you will need some specialized tools to remove the crankarms and old BB. See if they have Zinn's book on bicycle repair in the library, or Todd Downs' book. Both books have diagrams/pictures and good descriptions of the tools for each procedure, tips and tricks, how to do the procedure, and good reference/background info. The www.parktool.com website also has procedure descriptions with pictures and tool lists.

As mentioned above, new KoolStop salmon-colored brake pads will only cost $20-30 for front and back, and will greatly improve stopping power.