Ffranzwa

My son rides a mid 90's Giant mountain bike w/ a Shimano SIS RD-R552 derailleur. He lost the upper chain gear (guide roller) and I can't find parts for it. I need the bolt and nut that holds the gear onto the derailluer itself. Can anyone direct me to a website specializing in older parts?
Thanks,
Fred Franzwa

Jeff Wills

Loose Screws is very good: https://www.loosescrews.com/index.cgi , but pulley screws on Shimano derailleurs are pretty generic. Most bike shops have broken derailleurs that they strip for small parts. Ask them- if you buy replacement pulleys (these are common wear 'n' tear items) then I bet they'll give you the screws.

And since when is "mid-'90's" "vintage"? I've been fixing bikes since the late '70's... I don't feel vintage.

Sixty Fiver

That is the Shimano Light Action rear derailleur which is a beautiful unit when new but the "light action" also means that it uses lighter springs and as such, they do have a tendency to wear out faster than other derailleurs.

Before you invest in new jockey wheels make sure the derailleur is not exhibiting undue wear, play, or a lack of spring tension... I just replaced one of these (because of the aforementioned wear issues) and if yours is in good condition I have one that can be parted out as the pulleys are in good condition.

robert schlatte

Do you have a bike co-op in your area? I find they are an excellent source for older parts. The co-op in my area has bins and bins of parts and if you are patient you can score lightly used quality replacement parts that you can purchase for next to nothing.

corynardin

You can always check ebay as well.

jimc101

Yep, mid 90's only just scraps into the retro category, and is 20-30 years of being vintage.

fietsbob

+1, Cannibalizing another one at the LBS, old parts bins are a common thing
in them.