Derailleurs speed rating?

[Sittingduck]

Probably going to need replacement rear hub or wheel @ least. Then groupset....
Might be worth keeping an eye pout for a second hand bike for £100 or so, just as a plan B

See what your LBS has to say, as advised by craigwend and give yourself some options and an idea of cost.


SD

 

[ptolomy]

View attachment 3105 View attachment 3106 View attachment 3107

 

[ptolomy]

thankyou for your help guys, Is there anything i might need to know about this second hand bike, as in gear changing wise?

 

[accountantpete]

The Viking probably won't accommodate a 9/10spd system as you need 13cms inner gap between the rear chain stays (ie the part of the frame holding the rear wheel) -but measure it anyway.

That looks to be an old steel alloy - you should look at a more modern alumimium frame to start with.

 

[Will1985]

Steel can be respaced from 126 to 130mm quite easily, but as others have pointed out the cost mounts and it is easier to buy a more modern bike.

 

[ptolomy]

Is there much difference between the different "speeds" does it mean you will go faster? How does it all work?

 

[Will1985]

Not much - the higher the number, the more choice of gears you have. This usually means that the top and bottom ratios can be the same, but the gears in the middle are closer together for smaller and more comfortable jumps.

 

[ptolomy]

Would it make much of a difference on weight,? Thinking about distance riding? Is there anything that you would recomend for long distance?

 

[RedBike]

Would it make much of a difference on weight,? Thinking about distance riding? Is there anything that you would recomend for long distance?

It shouldn't really make much of a difference to the weight of the bike. It all depends on the quality of the parts involved. However, before you get too carried away there are a number of serious problems here.

Your rear wheel isn't compatible with a 'modern' gearing system and i'm afraid there's a very real chance that your frame is too narrow to accept a modern wheel. You need to get your tape measure out and meaure width of your rear hub/wheel. A modern rear wheel will be 130mm wide. I think yours will only be 120mm wide.

Luckly it's not all doom and gloom. 120mm axle width is exactly the same width as a track hub. Bikes built with track hubs and only one gear (fixed wheel / single speed) are currently very fashionable in most of the big cities and worth a fortune.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VINTAGE-PEUGE...s=65:16|66:2|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

 

[briank]

There are, as you will have begun to realise, many variables, and there's really no point in trying to upgrade, what is a decent enough old bike.
Your gear components look in reasonable shape though the teeth on the front chainrings are worn.
(BTW, you shouldn't have the chain on the big chainring at the front and the big sprocket at the back. Look down on the chain from above and you'll see how you're making it twist from side to side: chains don't like that.)
Personally I'd try replacing the chain and adjusting the gears.
You could buy a chain yourself - Ribble do a Sram PC830 for about £6 plus postage, which would work fine - but you probably don't have the tools or know how.
If so, then the most important thing to acquire is a relationship wih a local bike shop. Ask them to fit a chain and, since you're not just wanting free advice, they may answer some of your questions. The bike may need a general check over and service, especially if you're intent on "distance|".
But remember - you may have inherited this bike from your Uncle Harold or bought it off ebay for £30, but bike shops need to charge that much an hour to make ends meet.

Good luck.