Help me out folks, my name is Ben and I just got a GT aggressor 1.0 (large)(2001?) mountain bike that needs a little work.

Now I haven't been really into bikes for a few years, I used to have a standard trail boss and be pretty heavy into dirt jumping. I also had a nice mongoose MTB back then and used to hit the trails very often.

I want to get this GT ready soon and start getting out to the trails again. It looks like it sat outside a little bit plus someone slipped a chain, bent the rear derailer and also bent a few rear spokes.

My main problem right now is I can't find a chain on the WWW! Its driving me crazy, to me this bike is a 24 speed. 8 in the back and 3 in the front... The old chain had 106 links, but I can't see the brand as its so rusty. I think the cranks are shimano. All I seem to see are 8,9 and 10 speed chains on the net... Maybe I should just head down to a local bike shop? I just thought I would get away cheaper avoiding them.

I fixed the rear brake last night by re-setting the spring on the V-brakes and adjusting the cable... I won this auction on ebay last night to finish up the brakes.

https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=014

So I need to get some brakes pads, and I need one spring for the front brake as one of mine is bent.

This is my list right now... Maybe this old bike isn't even worth the hassle?

1) Tires, at least a rear tire. Should really do the tube also.
2) replace bent rear spokes
3) Chain
4) Brakes, pads, re-do cables, need one spring, adjust brakes
5) Fix or replace rear derailer
6) derailer cables! (frayed and a little rusty)
7) new grips
8) new pedals
9) new seat

This is the bike, buts its raw aluminum with the stickers.
https://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Bike_har...ct_74785.shtml

I've found the LBS about as cheap as online or WM on things like chains, cables, tubes etc.

I'd take a hard look at my list and determine what is a "nice to have" vs a "got to have". For example, can you just sand the brake pads instead of getting new ones.

I'd replace the "got to have's" and ride a few trails to see if you even like the bike. Once you determine you want to keep it and are going to ride more, I'd look at some of your "nice to have's".

LBS? WM? Any idea on what chain will work for me? I am very confused about the different speed chains.

I agree about the list... I am going to take it one step at a time and see what I can make work for now. But I am not going anywhere without a chain so thats the first thing... Then I figured I need to stop, and then I will worry about getting the bike to shift properly. The other items are in the future maybe... Like you said, "Nice to have's".

You want an 8 speed chain. The chains are separated by the number of sprockets in the cassette, not the total number on the bike. As for the rest, you could try an online retailer like Nashbar or Performance Bike. By the way (BTW), LBS is Local Bike Shop and WM is WalMart.

OK, I get it now! Thanks for that info!
I am pretty sure the cranks and cassette are stock on this bike... The teeth look OK, so to just get the bike ridable without spending big bucks I can get a "cheap" chain right?

LBS, WM... Lol.

Well, you need to price out everything you need on that old bike, then weigh it against getting a used bike in better shape already (craigs list, thrift store, etc) or a leftover from a bike shop. Just don't buy a dept. store bike and expect it to last.

I am pretty confident I am going to keep the bike... It was free and yes... needs a chain, a tire, and some brake work. But I like the frame, the rock shock seems pretty good on the front and I hope I can get riding fairly cheaply right off the bat.

Can anyone recommend a chain brand? Like I said the old chain had 106 links and it has 8 sprockets on the cassette.

Thanks for the help so far... Seems like a nice forum and I am really looking forward into getting on a bike without a motor again!

Brand of chain is not so important because all of them are okay--it's the particular models within the brand where you'll find the most difference. That being said, I like SRAM chains because they come with a reusable master link that doesn't require a chain tool for un-installing and re-installing the chain. But, a $7 KMC (no need to de-acrononym that) chain from the LBS will do just fine.

I have been looking for a good site for MTB parts and jensonusa.com seems to be the best.
Would anyone have an idea on how long the spokes are on my bike? I am at work until late tonight and can't measure.

Any recommendations on "cheaper" tires?

Also you should get a chain tool to remove the extra links.
Learn how to properly size the chain. There's no guarantee that the existing chain is properly sized.
https://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#chain

You may want to replace the pedals. I don't know why you want to replace the petals, as all that will do is make it look pretty and attract bees.

I have a chain tool for removing links. But a grinder always worked fine before I had it.
I will rear the info about properly sizing my chain also! Thanks.

Another question to make it three. The bike currently has 26x2.1 tires, will 2.35 tires fit?

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...cs+K+Tire.aspx
So would I be wasting my money on these tires?

How about these tires?
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...tion+Tire.aspx

"Any recommendations on "cheaper" tires?"

"The bike currently has 26x2.1 tires, will 2.35 tires fit?"

Make up your mind!
The larger ones will probably fit, but will your riding justify a HEAVIER, larger tire? If you are going to ride pavement, you are heading the wrong direction. You'd want a skinnier, smoother, lighter tire like-

I am actually going to skip the tires for now... I have a little order coming and it should get me rolling. Then if all goes well I will start spending a little money.

I figured I had better get the chain and see how the derailers are first.

Good plan. Hit up your LBS for the chain and you should be rolling that day.

That's probably a better approach. Just get what you absolutely need to get on the road.
After that' you can pick and choose what you need the most and have time to research it. It's easy to stick $100 into a bike for "basic" needs and then discover a better alternative later.My brother discovered a near pristine 86 RockHopper, with "upgraded components" for $50! I spent $16 on 2 "bike path" tires to replace the very "aggressive" knobbies and I was in business.
Since then, I've changed the tires (again, to even skinnier pavement types), cassette and bars to better fit my riding style. That was another $80, but I was able to do it in "steps" as the budget allowed. You may also want to buy a few basic tools, if you don't have them.

I agree, you make a lot of sense. One step at a time.
I am set with tools thats for sure... The only thing I can't find are my old plastic bicycle tire spoons.