Originally Posted by
Velocivixen
For a rear derailleur, take ahold of the “arm” with the lower jockey wheel and try to jiggle it side to side. It easily moves side to side it could be replaced. If I were you I’d replace chain & cassette, then ride it a bit to see if anything else might need replacing or adjusting.
Cheers; the chain
definitely needs replaced, so that's where I got my casette suspicions from. Should I do chain rings as well if I'm doing casette? It's a two-ring piece, and I already plan to put some kind of chain guard there if I can since it is totally exposed.
Originally Posted by
dsbrantjr
It is difficult to tell if cogs or chain rings are worn by looking, but if you change the chain and it skips then you will know they are. No skipping, you are good. New cables and housings will help shifting performance a lot as well.
It's been some years so I don't remember if there were skipping issues. I'll definitely find out. That said a new cassette doesn't seem all that expensive (I don't know if it's a freehub or free wheel, need to pull it apart to check). The cables will definitely need replaced as some are looking less than good and the one on the derailleur is beginning to fray. Not ever having run cables before, I need to invest in a proper cutter. It'll also be an adventure as the housings run through the frame for some of the cables, which I've never dealt with before.
Originally Posted by
2old
You should determine how far out of spec the chain is by measurement or Park tool (see Sheldon Brown). If it's really toast, consider replacing it, the cassette (or freewheel) and any front rings that have the "scalloped" shape that is customary when they are worn out. Otherwise the old parts will wear out the new ones rapidly IMO. You can procure Shimano Altus level derailleur and cassette for about $20 each on Amazon, chain for $10 or so, keep the shifters (replace the cable and housing if necessary) and locate some chainrings (maybe only one needs to be replaced depending how the bike was used or will be used) on Amazon or ebay.
I do have one of those tools; first thing I invested in when I even floated the idea of a refurb to myself. The result was basically "hilariously stretched", as even the "replace now" tong had significant movement.