Help turning a MTB into a commuting hack...

[woosey]

Hey Guys,

Recently tried cycling my commute (7.7miles good roads/cycle ways each way) on my old MTB (Raleigh max) things i like about it -

A) It's cheap (well free)
B) It's not going to get stolen...! (Live in london)

Issues i have with it -

A) Three teeth missing on the high chainset cog
B) Lack of speed...
C) Front derailer cage fouls the top end of the cassette.


I'm finding that with anything approaching flat/downhill sections even with MTB tyres fitted (maxxis ranchero) i can max the bike out, i could fit slicks to get to the limit even quicker...

Checking the specs of the front chainset i've got a 42 outside cog, what would be involved in swapping this with say a 48 (it's a square taper)? Are there any other methods to get the top speed up?

Regarding part C, i've tried adjusting my derailer but i can't get it to not foul the chain on either extreme if placed in the middle, so i made the choice to just ignore gears 1&2 and setup it up for the rest of the gears - any thoughts on how to fix this?

I'm trying to keep costs down as i want to try commuting as a long term solution, but want to try it out first before buying a new bike, but i'm doing this to get fit, so the heaviness of the bike doesn't really concern me (and the lack of desirability is a big plus!)

Thanks guys!

 

[grumpyoldgit]

1)Replacement chain sets can be had for next t nothing on the bay.
2)MTFU,it's the rules.
3)Not sure I understand this.
Bit of work,& a few beer tokens should have you heading the right way.

 

[woosey]

1)Replacement chain sets can be had for next t nothing on the bay.

Will i not need a new derailleur / chain if i move to 48T chainset?

2)MTFU,it's the rules.

It's the bike thats got to MTFU

3)Not sure I understand this.
Bit of work,& a few beer tokens should have you heading the right way.

Yeh didn't really explain that in the list -

i've tried adjusting my derailer but i can't get it to not foul the chain on either extreme if placed in the middle, so i made the choice to just ignore gears 1&2 and setup it up for the rest of the gears - any thoughts on how to fix this?

 

[grumpyoldgit]

A chain is as cheap as chips,dérailleur could probably be adjusted.
Have you got any pictures of the rear mech fouling?there are some good tutorials on YouTube,could be a good starting point.

 

[woosey]

A chain is as cheap as chips,dérailleur could probably be adjusted.
Have you got any pictures of the rear mech fouling?there are some good tutorials on YouTube,could be a good starting point.

Yeh followed the guides on there as to how to adjust it, i can dial it in so it *just* clears the chain in 7th gear on the back (21 spd bike) yet it fouls the chain by 2nd, again can then dial in 1st & 2nd to just clear, then 6 and 7 fouls

Been reading up on front chainsets and their advertised 'speeds' for example -

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=90253

says for 8 speeds, but from my understanding - this doesn't make any difference and i could infact use that front chainset? Being a shimano on the bike i'll assuming it's JIS.

My issue then comes with the chain - they are sold as 7-8 speed, so are the links removable, or might i be able to squeeze that on my existing chain?

Regarding the front derailleur - i did look for height adjustment on it, but it looks to mount onto a braket with 2 5mm hex and there are just driller bolt holes (i.e no adjustment) could well be wrong, and if i'm changing the chainset i'll have that area apart anyway - could just make a bracket.

Thanks for the help so far

edit: found a pic of my front setup -

http://d3d71ba2asa5oz.cloudfront.net/40000635/images/9344610.jpg

It looks exactly like that, it's a shimano atlas.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

A lot of the parts can be sourced s/h,the chain should be new,not worth the trouble using an old one. you will also need a chain link tool,as the chain will be supplied over length.
It sounds like the B adjuster needs attention.
Just a thought,are the rear mech & cassette original?

 

[woosey]

A lot of the parts can be sourced s/h,the chain should be new,not worth the trouble using an old one. you will also need a chain link tool,as the chain will be supplied over length.
It sounds like the B adjuster needs attention.
Just a thought,are the rear mech & cassette original?

yeh was an example, currently checking out ebay

I only have high and low adjustment on this derailer (to my knowledge) but i agree, if i could angle it in slightly i could get the clearance i need.

As far as i know everything on the bike is standard

just seen the other thread where your talking about the casette being changed - is that a better route to get more speed?

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Smaller cassette will increase speed,but you must change the damaged chainring.
The B screw adjusts front to back movement,not in & out.

 

[woosey]

yeh i don't think i have a B screw :S

checking the other thread i see a rear cassette that is only £10, so not a lot more, could just do it all at once (cassette, chain, chainset & tyres)