smeltjr

For my wife-12 speed. Its pink-but I actually kinda like the color-not obnoxious at all. From original owner with original receipt. Bought 11/86. Says it has a "triple butted mangalite" frame. Isn't particuliarly light, but way lighter than the Murray she trashed. Note that I am a forum newbie, but have perused around the site a bit. Anyway, the frame and paint on this are in excellent condition. But, owner said she had never had the bike "tuned up" and felt something wierd when cranking, so she got a new bike. I did not feel anything that out of the ordinary and figure with some work and maybe replacing a part that is shot, it will probably work fine. I have not done much work on bikes, but lots on cars, etc., am mechanically inclined enough to figure most stuff out, and like playing with stuff. I'll handle the tuneup end (looks like I also get to buy some new goodies for tools/pullers too), however if something is bad due to never having any maintenance, would like some opinions. The bike has nameless, obviously low end, shimano stuff-whole group except araya alloy rims and sansin(?) hubs and an aftermarket tall stem that is part metal and part plastic.

1. If freewheel is bad, will any 6-speed freewheel work-Shimano, Suntour, etc. as long as the teeth combination is similar and has correct threading? What would anyone recommend-without going overboard? They look to be fairly cheap and easy to come by on ebay.
2. If rear deraileur(sp?) is bad, same question. Recommendations-whats decent? Will the bike "know" or not work or shift correctly if I put a Suntour deraileur on and leave the other stuff the same?
3. If bottom bracket is bad, go sealed? Is there a standard size? Looks like these are only $20 or so.
4. 20 year old chain on bike. Are there different sizes and what would it take?
5. Hubs-are these Sansin ones garbage? I am hoping these are OK as I do not want to buy wheels. Will pull em apart and check bearings. The rear does not have quick release.

Don't mind spending a few bucks on a couple tools stuff as I can also play with my 78 Supercourse, but I am not looking to upgrade everything or even anything-only if something is shot. Realize that this bike was probably at the bottom of the food chain and not looking for real high end stuff. Bike was cheap, so even if I went overboard and spent $150 (that leaves me with over $100 left to spend-tools don't count), including the cost of the bike, it is probably a better machine than I can get for that $$ today. What are good solid middle of the road components? BTW, we are by no means bike enthusiasts, and at, best leisure riders. I guess I might be making an excuse to get out into the garage and tinker with something to get it in dependable riding condition and cleaned up. Thoughts? Thank you.

crazyb

I would recommend that you take the bike apart, clean up the components and lube, then see where you are. probably all you will need to replace will be the chain, cables, and maybe the brake pads. tires? Unless the bike has many many miles on it, the rest should clean up and work fine.

ollo_ollo

+1 on cleaning, relubing and I'm going to predict you will only need to grease, new chain & possibly tires to get it rolling again.

top506

IIWM, I'd re-pack the hubs and BB, check the brakes and tires, and ride it for a while. Odds are, that's all you need, if that.
Top

Blue Order

It all depends. Is it indexed or friction shifting? If it’s indexed shifting, you’ll need a freewheel that works with all the other drivetrain components. If it’s friction shifting, you can mix and match, although some freewheel cog teeth will be easier shifting than others. Maybe some of the experts here can advise you about what works best.

See above answer.

That would be my choice.

You need to know what threading your BB has, as well as shell width and spindle length.

There are different width chains, depending on the drivetrain.

Dunno. Experts?

If the bearings aren’t pitted, you can pack them with fresh grease and you’re good to go. If the bearings are pitted, I dunno—Experts: Do you replace the bearings, or the hubs?

You can get some really good SunTour components for little money.

Yes.

smeltjr

Well the front hub is done. The freewheel is off. Grease is pretty caked up and kina dry in both. Bearings did not look bad, bur for 5 cents apiece, got new ones. Standard "solvent" for cars and parts is called brake cleaner. I used it to clean out the hubs because they are completely apart, but I am not taking apart the freewheel. There is significant junk caked on the cogs of the freewheel and derailleur. I am hesitant to spry this istuff on them as I am not taking them apart and it dissolved grease. What is the best way to clean these? I am guessing that these are lubricated and I am hesitant to use this or water.

crazyb

Go ahead and clean it up. I use Greased lightning. Once you have it cleaned up, squirt some motor oil in the back seam of the freewheel. Don't need to take it apart. just squirt the oil in. Take a look on Sheldon Browns site.