slack chain ..

[007fair]

I have just bought a second hand Giant SCR 2

I took the bike to the LBS to get a broken spoke fixed and they had a quick look over and said the bike looked 'alright' but that the chain was a bit slack - they would recomend changing it and the rear cassette (about £40 for both)

How long does a chain and cassette last ?
If it still works Ok what damage can it do ..? Is it dangerous?

As I have just spent £300 on the bike and need shoes I don't want to spend more if I need'nt as this is my first road bike for 20 years and at the moment its just to see if I can enjoy it

Thanks!

 

[Will1985]

Chains and cassettes last a few thousand miles each. Chains stretch and cassette teeth wear which reduce shifting accuracy and cause chain skipping.

£40 is reasonable I suppose unless you already have the tools to do the cassette swap yourself.

It's like buying a second hand car - until you have it and get it checked over, you don't know exactly how much outlay there will be.
If you get shoes and the overhaul now, you'll be good for another few thousand miles as long as you keep the drivetrain lubed and in working order.

Did they say anything about the tyres?

 

[rich p]

If it still works ok then I'd leave it if money's tight until it starts misbehaving.

 

[007fair]

Did they say anything about the tyres?

No The guy gave me the original tyres but this is because they gave him too many punctures The ones on the bike are gator skins but I think are a bt worn Theres a pattern on the sides but not on the part that hits the road

I'll take the last advice and ride it for a bit (gently ish) then see how things run
Thanks

 

[Joe24]

No The guy gave me the original tyres but this is because they gave him too many punctures The ones on the bike are gator skins but I think are a bt worn Theres a pattern on the sides but not on the part that hits the road

I'll take the last advice and ride it for a bit (gently ish) then see how things run
Thanks

No, thats how they are supposed to be. The pattern is the triangle thing, thats on the side of the tyre, not on the section you ride on when going in a straight line.
Look at the back tyre. If its worn, the middle bit with be flat and not round. So the back tyre will be square, as apposed to round.