It seems that by the time I buy the tools to replace chainwheel and freewheel, and possibly risk doing some damage I may as well pay the pros to do it.
Stopped at LBS today to ask for labor cost to do both replacements. They charge me $35.
I can do the derailers myself.
Adding the cost of parts from Walmart it'll come to $100 total.
Shimano Chain Wheel FC-M151 25.00
Shimano Front Derailleur 9.00
Shimano Freewheel 10.00
Shimano Altus Rear Derailleur 21.00
Installation by LBS 35.00
So I think I can now go ahead and order these parts. They are all Shimano products, and should work well with each other.
To compare the new drive train with my current one, here are the ratios at extreme ends:
Now (with Double 52-42, 6-speed 16-29)
Highest gear 42:29 =
1:1.448
Lowest gear 52:16 =
1:3.25
New (with Triple 48-38-28)
Highest gear 28:28 =
1:1
Lowest gear 48:14 =
1:3.428
Worth a hundred bucks? I think so!
