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-   -   I got myself a new commuter bike! (https://www.bikeforums.net/commuting/346693-i-got-myself-new-commuter-bike.html)

Juha 09-24-07 06:30 AM

I got myself a new commuter bike!
 
Well, sort of.

My old Nishiki hybrid (about 21 000 kms) needed a complete drivetrain overhaul. It had been to the LBS for similar treatment at about 11 000 kms. This time, I just bought the parts and did the job myself. A first for me. In addition to the drivetrain I took care of a bunch of other minor repairs that had been queuing up during the last weeks. It took me ungawdly amounts of time compared to any semi-competent professional wrench I'm sure, but I got it done during a couple of maybe 3-hour stints over the weekend.

This morning, I rode to work on what felt like a new bike. Sweeeeeet! It still needs a few tweaks (SPD pedal release adjustment and such), but I like the ride already. It's responsive, it shifts promptly, it feels like it stops on a EUR 0,20 coin, it does not creak, tick or howl anymore. All of this only proves I should have done things earlier, I know. But I'm one VERY happy commuter right now.

There were snags, of course. Biggest learning experience turned out to be front derailleur adjustment. Taking my old el-cheapo chain break tool against the old (IG) chain did result in spectacular breakage, but sadly the chain remained intact. I had to buy a new, better chain break tool to finish that job. And whereas a thin adjustable wrench used to be OK with the old Wellgo pedals, the new Shimanos needed the special pedal wrench. Oh well, all is good now.

I would not have been able to do it without all the info I have been collecting from here, Bike Mechanics and Barnett's manual. A big thank you to everyone is in order. :beer:

--J

Twebs46 09-24-07 07:52 AM


Originally Posted by Juha (Post 5321813)
Well, sort of.

My old Nishiki hybrid (about 21 000 kms) needed a complete drivetrain overhaul. It had been to the LBS for similar treatment at about 11 000 kms. This time, I just bought the parts and did the job myself. A first for me. In addition to the drivetrain I took care of a bunch of other minor repairs that had been queuing up during the last weeks. It took me ungawdly amounts of time compared to any semi-competent professional wrench I'm sure, but I got it done during a couple of maybe 3-hour stints over the weekend.

This morning, I rode to work on what felt like a new bike. Sweeeeeet! It still needs a few tweaks (SPD pedal release adjustment and such), but I like the ride already. It's responsive, it shifts promptly, it feels like it stops on a EUR 0,20 coin, it does not creak, tick or howl anymore. All of this only proves I should have done things earlier, I know. But I'm one VERY happy commuter right now.

There were snags, of course. Biggest learning experience turned out to be front derailleur adjustment. Taking my old el-cheapo chain break tool against the old (IG) chain did result in spectacular breakage, but sadly the chain remained intact. I had to buy a new, better chain break tool to finish that job. And whereas a thin adjustable wrench used to be OK with the old Wellgo pedals, the new Shimanos needed the special pedal wrench. Oh well, all is good now.

I would not have been able to do it without all the info I have been collecting from here, Bike Mechanics and Barnett's manual. A big thank you to everyone is in order. :beer:

--J

Okay - now let's see some pics!

TW


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