New to biking: upgrades?
 

Hey guys,

I'm new to biking and I bought an 07 KHS Flite 220 for $400. And I am glad I got it, but I can already tell that I have issues with certain components of the bike. (Please bear with me, as I don't know the proper names/terminology for the parts)

I use my bike primarily for commuting and leisure (no racing or anything). But is there a way to replace components like derailleurs and the gears (?) or is it better to just get a new bike?

I noticed at the fastest gear, I tend to get a skipping feeling where it seems the chain doesn't catch. And though it's a minor inconvenience (for now), I don't know if it's damaging, and I once fell off the bike while pedaling while standing. Also I can't bike in that gear in the rain because it becomes more frequent.

Any suggestions for parts or bikes that could replace?

Thanks!

Odds are that it's only out of adjustment, and nothing's broken. I don't think that you'll need to spend any money on anything.

Go here:
http://www.parktool.com/

Specifically here:
http://www.parktool.com/repair/byregion.asp?catid=53

Also:
http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html#front

There's a lot of info on both sites, but just focus on two things -- high-low limits, and cable tension.

I had trouble with the chain skipping gears in back because I had foolishly thrown the tension WAY out of whack. I figured it out one night, and posted about it here:
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=356374

Oh sweet. Thanks so much!

How many miles are on the bike? If it is a lot, your chain may be stretched/worn and may need to be replaced. A good local bike shop should be willing to take a look at the bike and give you a free estimate. A new chain should be rather inexpensive, and may be all that is required.

If your'e commuting. The important thing is to be seen. Get some lights, front and back. Use reflective tape, anything that will make the cars see you.

Yeah. I need to get lights. Luckily for now, most my commute is down the lake front (i'm from Chicago) with only about 5 miles down actual roads. So it's good. But I'm definitely gonna get stuff like that.

Also, should I get a speedometer/trip meter thing? I would guess it's good to know how much my bike has traveled?

Speedometers are fun things to have but not entirely necessary. That being said, I refuse to ride without my cyclo-computer.

They're fun, but I'm beginning to think that the computers on my bikes are mostly unnecessary. About the only practical thing that they're good for is to keep track of mileage for scheduling maintenance. But, with chain checking tools like rohmen mentioned (and the variety of conditions that can make some chains wear faster than others), and every other part's tendency to make weird noises when it needs attention, even mileage numbers don't always apply.

Get some stuff for cleaning & lubrication, and you should be good to go.

Once you get competent at making adjustments, you'll be able to keep the bike running well, and you'll know for sure when something actually breaks. I did have a shifter crap out on my older MTB, but I only took it in after I couldn't get it to shift right with any possible adjustment I could make.

I just got the bike so there's a little less than 50 miles on it. I've only ridden it twice so far.

It doesn't take hundreds of miles to make the cables stretch. It only took 2 days of riding and less than 40 miles to make my first new bike to start chain skipping. I took it back to the LBS I bought it from and they adjusted free of charge.

ahhh ok.. thanks so much.. ill do that this weekend.

Since regular commuting puts the miles on fast, you may find that your bike needs adjustment more often than you're willing to drag it into the shop. Learn to adjust your derailers and brakes yourself. You'll save time and money, and keep yourself safer concerning problems on the road. I do this kind of maintenance, plus cleaning and lubing my chain, about every two weeks, or whenever it's needed.