Originally Posted by o0akoni0o
the rear derailleur either needs to be repaired or replaced, i really don't know. should i take it to a local bike shop and have them have a look at it? and how much can i expect to have it repaired? or how hard with it be for myself to repair given i have no experience with bicycles but am pretty mechanically inclined? thanks and sorry for all the questions.
The four items most likely to be in need of replacement are brake cables/lining, derailleur cables/lining, chain, and bar tape. Fortunately, none of them is all that expensive, or difficult to replace by yourself. I suspect that the mechanics forum has postings to tell you all about all of these.
If you can't find a decent replacement derailleur for under $5.00 let me know (send personal message). I have one I'd be willing to let you have for the cost of mailing (just because you're new, you're rehabbing a Raleigh, and you seem like a nice person).
