What Kind Of Road Bike Do I Have Here?
07-19-09 | 06:33 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Intergalactic Excellence.
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
What Kind Of Road Bike Do I Have Here?
...
I bought this bike used about 6-7 years ago and after a 5 year hiatus, I dusted it of today and went for short stroll. Unfortunately, it will not downshift the sprocket.
The crank works though, so I'm basically down to a 3-speed. 
Any idea what year this bike was made ?
I forgot what I paid for it. Everyhing on it says Shimano RSX and the frame has CR-MO 4130 on it, whatever that means. The wheels are 700 x 23c. I've tried searching the internet and can't find any information on this bike. When I search for GT Force, all I get are mountain bikes. How much is this thing worth? Is it considered any good? Thanks.
...
I bought this bike used about 6-7 years ago and after a 5 year hiatus, I dusted it of today and went for short stroll. Unfortunately, it will not downshift the sprocket.
The crank works though, so I'm basically down to a 3-speed. Any idea what year this bike was made ?I forgot what I paid for it. Everyhing on it says Shimano RSX and the frame has CR-MO 4130 on it, whatever that means. The wheels are 700 x 23c. I've tried searching the internet and can't find any information on this bike. When I search for GT Force, all I get are mountain bikes. How much is this thing worth? Is it considered any good? Thanks.
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Last edited by JohnnyGalaga; 07-19-09 at 06:37 PM.
07-19-09 | 07:02 PM
#2
Great State of Varmint
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 18
From: Dante's Third Ring
First analyze the concept of a 'bicycle.' It is actually a frame & fork with a collection of components that are supposed to work in harmony with the frame & fork. Now this bicycle has been sitting around for 5 years. And you're having difficulty with the rear-derailleur (RD) not shifting. And I'm not surprised.
During long-term storage, the grease and oil and dirt and grime can form something that works best as a glue - not a lubricant. So I would suggest a thorough cleaning of both front and rear derailleurs. WD-40 will work well for dislodging grime - just don't use it as a lube. As the cable-housing has likely become internally affected by the grime - get new housing. And new cables as well. The brake-cables look good from here, but I'd replace them as well - to be safe. Once both derailleurs are clean, add one drop of good oil to every moving part - bolts, pivots, springs, etc. Then replace the cables and housing. Here are instructions for doing the adjustment on these components:
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75
https://bicycletutor.com/adjust-rear-derailleur/
https://bicycletutor.com/adjust-front-derailer/
Or: Bring it to a shop you trust and ask them to do this for you.
Your old bike looks to be in fine condition. Get it fixed-up and ride it before you think of selling it. Looks like a nice bike!
During long-term storage, the grease and oil and dirt and grime can form something that works best as a glue - not a lubricant. So I would suggest a thorough cleaning of both front and rear derailleurs. WD-40 will work well for dislodging grime - just don't use it as a lube. As the cable-housing has likely become internally affected by the grime - get new housing. And new cables as well. The brake-cables look good from here, but I'd replace them as well - to be safe. Once both derailleurs are clean, add one drop of good oil to every moving part - bolts, pivots, springs, etc. Then replace the cables and housing. Here are instructions for doing the adjustment on these components:
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64
https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75
https://bicycletutor.com/adjust-rear-derailleur/
https://bicycletutor.com/adjust-front-derailer/
Or: Bring it to a shop you trust and ask them to do this for you.
Your old bike looks to be in fine condition. Get it fixed-up and ride it before you think of selling it. Looks like a nice bike!
07-19-09 | 07:32 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Intergalactic Excellence.
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
It felt pretty smooth when I rode it today and I was able to upshift the rear derailleur but then I couldn't shift back down. It sure was a heck of a lot faster than my 40+ pound Diamondback Outlook with 26" x 1.95" Armadillos that I often commute on. LOL.
Thanks for the advice!
Thanks for the advice!
07-20-09 | 05:58 AM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,559
Likes: 799
From: Middle of da Mitten
Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Bacchetta Quattro, Catrike Speed
It's a late-90s, back when GT was a good brand. Lube the derailleur cable and adjust it up, it should be fine. RSX stuff was about the same level as Sora is now, I think. Not fancy but perfectly functional. It's probably not worth a lot, simply because of its age and old componentry.
07-20-09 | 07:38 AM
#5
Gitane Fix(at)ed
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 1
From: Grenoble, France
Bikes: Nice Gitane Fixed Gear, Cheap and cheerful rigid MTB, Wonky commuter, A fully 105 road bike with a pipe steel frame
The bike seems to be in a very good condition. I.e. not used.
You should really clean up & relube the moving parts.
BTW, you still have small plastic adjustment indicator (the tape-like thingie with red band) on the front RD. Remove-it.
As for the downshift, maybe it's just the RD/cable, but it could also be the brifter. Do not disassemble it, but try to flush with some WD40 or something.
You should really clean up & relube the moving parts.
BTW, you still have small plastic adjustment indicator (the tape-like thingie with red band) on the front RD. Remove-it.
As for the downshift, maybe it's just the RD/cable, but it could also be the brifter. Do not disassemble it, but try to flush with some WD40 or something.
