Originally Posted by
caunyd
Hi guys, I bought a 2009 Trek FX 7.3 bike from Craigslist for $300. It's in working order, but cosmetically it needs work. There's some paint scratches and chips. And the tension wires/cables, screws, nuts, and bolts have rust on them.
I plan on repainting it, so obviously I need to disassemble it, but I am a complete bike rookie. I'm afraid of touching the gears, derailer, etc. Are there any detailed tutorials on how to disassemble a Trek bike?
Also, what do you guys recommend to treat the rust on the wires/cables, scews, nuts, and bolts, etc. Thanks.
Hey there Caunyd!
Just relax about it. You're now here with people who can help you.
First of all, if your bike is that rusty, you're right to want to disassemble the bike for proper maintenance.
Sounds like you're going to need some liquid wrench or something to loosen things up, before you actually begin taking the bike apart.
Things you'll most definitely need:
(1) Screw Drivers
a. Phillips
b. Flathead
(2) Metric Wrenches # 8,9,10,12, 13, & maybe 15
(3) An Adjustable Wrench
(4) Cone Wrenches for your hubs
(5) Allen Wrenches 4, 5, & 6
(6) Cable Cutters
(7) Fourth Hand
(8) Chain Break Tool
(9) Tire Lever
(10) Camera
(11) Hammer ( Hopefully, you won't need this one)
(12) Patience
(13) Third Hand
(14) Pliers
Procedure:
Day 1
First, take close-up pictures on your derailleurs (both front and back), your brakes (both front and back), your chain arrangement (especially how its aligned with both the front and rear derailleurs). Also, take pictures of your headset and handlebar arrangement. You might want to take pictures of the rear hub area where your cassette is located. Of course, you should have already done that when you snapped pics on the chain. Spray liquid wrench on all really super rusty parts.
Day 2
Second, take the bike to the garage or some place where you can hang it up. Or rent a bike stand. Or just turn the bike upside down and rest it on its handlebars and seat.
If you can hang it up, make certain that you're working at eye-level or you're looking down on your work area. Tie rope up under the bicycle stem and the seat. Attach this rope to the above beam, hanging across the roof or ceiling.
To be continued...