Lester, I guess I got the deal of the century and that included the new chain, all installed. Had the Shimano cassette and new chain put on yesterday and the mechanic put on a new cable at no charge to me because he said it wasn't adjusting to his satisfaction. I call that service!

We got to talking about derailleurs and he said to take real good care of them because if I boing one up, he said they aren't available any longer. He also said GT 85 was good to clean and lube derailleurs with. Anyone use the stuff? What are the going opinions on it? Thanks!

Anything can be found.. 8speed is not gone rot, even 7speed freewheels are still ongoing.
(and if i check the local market with a lot of china-ware stuff for bikes I can pull out anything from 3speed freewheels to 7speed, 700B tyres, 700A tyres, even 635mm tyres, an all sort of oddity's that are quite common around here since we had a lot of "soviet" bikes that are built like tanks and are still rolling and parts are still available. The quality is preatty bad but works, and prices are sometimes incredible: 7speed freewheel 2$ (a 4speed is less than 1$), tyres 2$, cranks 3$, chain 1$, full front wheel 10$, full rear wheel with coaster brake 12$)

Anyway here price for replacing cassette is a freebie, for replacing a chain 1-3$, for redishing a wheel ~5$, for truing a wheel 1-3$, etc - just to get an idea about how economics work worldwide. In Africa for 100$ you could buy a whole village if you want ;)

Funny thing is that prices vary worldwide even for branded products. I replaced my chain with a HG-91 (it cost me about 20$)

That's one benefit of living in the heart of Dixie instead of NYC or SF. ;)

Never heard of that snake oil you mentioned. I just use WD-40 to clean mechanical bits on my bike and lube with either Tri-Flow, Synthetic motor oil or Valvoline grease - depending on application.

Not sure why the bent reaction from some.

Thought it was cool that your dad rode until he was 85... way to go! Hope I can still ride if I make it that long :)

That's too low a goal, though still laudable. Set your sights higher. Mine are to break this fellow's record. (or at least last long enough to try)

You've spent more time typing witty retorts than it would have taken to have a shop do it for you. Congratulations.

Another derailleur.....:roflmao2:

All this entertainment and still no cover charge.