Can this bike be saved?
09-12-07, 10:47 PM
#1
Clipless faller
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Can this bike be saved?
I have a 1981 Raleigh Super Record. It has sat in the garage for quite awhile, but I started riding it this summer, and do about 35-40 miles a week on it. But it's basically a 5-speed. It won't shift from small to large chainring, and LBS says the inside of the front derailleur is worn. They say that it needs another Suntour derailleur to fix it, and they don't have any. Should I bother trying to fix up this bike? I am not the vintage bike enthusiast most of you folks seem to be.
09-12-07, 10:53 PM
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I have a 1981 Raleigh Super Record. It has sat in the garage for quite awhile, but I started riding it this summer, and do about 35-40 miles a week on it. But it's basically a 5-speed. It won't shift from small to large chainring, and LBS says the inside of the front derailleur is worn. They say that it needs another Suntour derailleur to fix it, and they don't have any. Should I bother trying to fix up this bike? I am not the vintage bike enthusiast most of you folks seem to be.
Check out the community bike shop here in town. They will help get you going in no time and they ar sure to have a front derailler that will work for you!
https://www.austinyellowbike.org/
09-12-07, 10:55 PM
#3
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Not only can it be saved, it should be saved. Plus, a FD swap is an easy fix. Vintage FD's are a dime a dozen, and everywhere.
Check with the local folks at the link above. If you can't get one locally, most of us can send you one for the price of postage.
Check with the local folks at the link above. If you can't get one locally, most of us can send you one for the price of postage.
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09-12-07, 11:00 PM
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Nice Bike!,
Honestly, I'd find a different LBS, I bet that they are just too lazy to properly adjust your derailleur. And by the condition that your bike is in, I really doubt that it's worn out.
Honestly, I'd find a different LBS, I bet that they are just too lazy to properly adjust your derailleur. And by the condition that your bike is in, I really doubt that it's worn out.
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09-12-07, 11:27 PM
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That bike would be a shame not to fix, it seems to be in great condition.
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09-12-07, 11:41 PM
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It isn't. From what I can tell, it looks nearly mint, and hardly used...and it also is a reverse-action FD, which probably took the "know-little-about-anything-made-before-1999" repair wrenchers at the LBS for a loop.
In other words, this is the reasoning behind your LBS's thinking:
Never seen it before + don't know how to fix it = "It's bad, gotta replace it."
Find a new LBS or start by doing some simple adjustments yourself - it isn't hard to do. Lots of info in the Mechanics forum and on Sheldonbrown.com. When in doubt, give the C&V group a holler - there isn't anyone here that wouldn't want to help you.
-Kurt
In other words, this is the reasoning behind your LBS's thinking:
Never seen it before + don't know how to fix it = "It's bad, gotta replace it."
Find a new LBS or start by doing some simple adjustments yourself - it isn't hard to do. Lots of info in the Mechanics forum and on Sheldonbrown.com. When in doubt, give the C&V group a holler - there isn't anyone here that wouldn't want to help you.
-Kurt
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09-12-07, 11:59 PM
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Or come to your local all-volunteer, non-profit, community bike shop and learn how to fix it!
09-13-07, 12:15 AM
#10
Pwnerer
09-13-07, 02:43 AM
#11
Lanky Lass
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09-13-07, 03:17 AM
#12
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Originally Posted by East Hill
I think we should let Pastor Bob handle that question...he's the professional.
We're supposed to help the OP out--- not waste his/her time by miss-quoting ancient theologians.Rainycamp, forgive the ignorance of the orginal LBS and head over to the Community Bike Shop suggested by huerro. That sounds like a great plan to "save" your front derailleur on an otherwise very sharp looking ride!
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09-13-07, 04:26 AM
#13
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Before you replace the front derailleur I would have some one who you trust and knows bikes look at it again. If the bike is in such good condition with so little use
1) the cable might just need to be adjusted
2) the derailler may need to be lubed and exercised (I like to use Mobile 1 (auto shop) in a oil can (Home Depot). You should lube the pivot points on the brakes/deraileurs/levers anyhow.
3)the derailleur may need to be adjusted.
Replaced those tires with some Continental Ultra Sports ( fill them to 85psi if the rims dont have a lip thats curved in to hold the tire bead or 100psi if they do have this lip) and get some new brake pads while you are at it and it will feel like a brand new bike to you.
Regreasing the hubs/bottom bracket/ head set would also be a good idea soon.
1) the cable might just need to be adjusted
2) the derailler may need to be lubed and exercised (I like to use Mobile 1 (auto shop) in a oil can (Home Depot). You should lube the pivot points on the brakes/deraileurs/levers anyhow.
3)the derailleur may need to be adjusted.
Replaced those tires with some Continental Ultra Sports ( fill them to 85psi if the rims dont have a lip thats curved in to hold the tire bead or 100psi if they do have this lip) and get some new brake pads while you are at it and it will feel like a brand new bike to you.
Regreasing the hubs/bottom bracket/ head set would also be a good idea soon.
09-13-07, 06:12 AM
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Could the LBS just be TRYING to discourage fixing " the heap" in their eyes & WANT to sell a new bike!!
From what I have learned in a short time here on BF, just about ANY BIKE CAN Be Saved. Give it a shot, what do you have to loose?
Good luck,
Chris
From what I have learned in a short time here on BF, just about ANY BIKE CAN Be Saved. Give it a shot, what do you have to loose?
Good luck,
Chris
09-13-07, 06:29 AM
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09-13-07, 06:32 AM
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09-13-07, 07:43 AM
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You can probably fix it with a new cable housing, a new cable, and a little lubrication and adjustment. However, if you really do need a new front derailleur:
1) You can substitute a different brand of front derailleur, unless you have your heart set on normal-high (reverse-action).
2) You do not even need a front derailleur with a built-in cable stop. When I installed a newer-vintage front derailleur on Capo #1, I simply looped the cable housing under the bottom bracket shell and left its distal end unterminated on the way up to the front derailleur; works like a champ!
3) I probably have a spare normal-high SunTour derailleur in the "transmissions" drawer of my parts chest-of-drawers. (Other drawers include brakes, headsets/stems/seatposts, bottom bracket, ... ; PM me if you need something. )
I do have to wonder whether the guy at the bike shop missed the reverse action and assumed that the derailleur was shot.
1) You can substitute a different brand of front derailleur, unless you have your heart set on normal-high (reverse-action).
2) You do not even need a front derailleur with a built-in cable stop. When I installed a newer-vintage front derailleur on Capo #1, I simply looped the cable housing under the bottom bracket shell and left its distal end unterminated on the way up to the front derailleur; works like a champ!
3) I probably have a spare normal-high SunTour derailleur in the "transmissions" drawer of my parts chest-of-drawers. (Other drawers include brakes, headsets/stems/seatposts, bottom bracket, ... ; PM me if you need something.
)I do have to wonder whether the guy at the bike shop missed the reverse action and assumed that the derailleur was shot.
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09-13-07, 08:19 AM
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09-13-07, 08:31 AM
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09-13-07, 08:49 AM
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I do believe Heurro and the OP are in the same city.
As longtime posters here know, I have longstansing problems with most LBSs, finding their emphasis tends to be on BS and not much else. The "Your bike is old and about to fall apart so you need this new bike over here" is about the oldest scam in the book.
I have been encouraged by the recent wave in community bike shops (re-cycles in Richmond) and co-ops (Community bike in C'ville) over the last few years. There's hope for the human race yet...
As longtime posters here know, I have longstansing problems with most LBSs, finding their emphasis tends to be on BS and not much else. The "Your bike is old and about to fall apart so you need this new bike over here" is about the oldest scam in the book.
I have been encouraged by the recent wave in community bike shops (re-cycles in Richmond) and co-ops (Community bike in C'ville) over the last few years. There's hope for the human race yet...
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09-13-07, 10:18 AM
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Rainycamp, Is the front derailer cable stuck?
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09-13-07, 10:30 AM
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According to my LBS, none of my bikes are worth saving. But they did have a great deal on a brand new Lemond for only $800!
(I told him thats exactly what I paid for my car. And I left with my $10 chain tool)
(I told him thats exactly what I paid for my car. And I left with my $10 chain tool)