What to service??

[rossoreed]

I have just bought a second hand 7 or 8 year old Saracen Morzine road bike, which although rides fairly well, the gearchange is a bit 'lumpy' and does not engage cleanly, and am conscious that it has not had much service especially over the past 4 or 5 years. (It is fitted with the shimano sora 16 speed flightdeck groupset).
So being a complete newbie to cycles, I don't know what should be cleaned/adjusted/oiled or replaced!
Can you give me any pointers as to things that may need attention please.

 

[avsd]

Check the setup of the indexing (see youtube for demos), chain, cables may need cleaned, lubricated or changed. Rear cassette may be worn.

 

[rossoreed]

When you say replace cables, do you mean inner or outer or both?
...and is it easy to DIY?

 

[HLaB]

I would start with cleaning the front and rear derailleurs, shifters, the chain, cassette and the cables, relubing and reindex. If its still dodgy replace the cables (inner and outers) and reindex. If it still not right then you could maybe star looking at going to the further expense of new derailleurs.

 

[rossoreed]

Do you use a degreasing agent to clean, or just a dry cloth?

 

[HLaB]

Do you use a degreasing agent to clean, or just a dry cloth?

I just use babywipes to clean practically anything on the bike but if your mechs, etc are seized they may need something stronger.

 

[Monkspeed]

I quite like this guys explanations on indexing etc...

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkzvfCaIbyQ

 

[Enw.nigel]

+1 Monkspeed. Haven't seen this before but one of the best explanations that you will find anywhere.

 

[sabian92]

Degreaser is cheap for the work it saves you - Muc Off is a fiver for a big spray can and it lasts ages. It's worth the money, definitely. White spirit is good for chains too - if you've got a chain cleaner, fill it with white spirit, run it through, then fill it with water, run it through then repeat followed by running the chain through a dry cloth - it should be clean and not leave muck on the cloth.

You can get white spirit for dirt cheap compared to proper cleaners and it doesn't damage anything.

 

[HLaB]

+1 Monkspeed. Haven't seen this before but one of the best explanations that you will find anywhere.

Its a good video and made me realise that I previously had been tampering with my limit screws for no reason

 

[VamP]

There is a good chance the chain is worn, maybe the cassette too. Check chain wear with a chain measuring tool (inexpensive and a fairly essential home mechanic tool), and if worn replace. If you find the chain slipping under load then it's definitely worn, and so is the cassette. Replace both, you will need 8 speed chain and cassette. Both are inexpensive, and sorting out your indexing is easier on components that are in good working order, not to mention the joy of a properly working drivetrain

Also have a look at whether your wheels are true. If not I would recommend that you get a LBS to sort it for you, as you might suffer from ''too much to learn overload'' Further down the road you will be able to do this yourself too.

 

[Pedal pusher]

Great video, very clear and easy to follow. Is their a way of lifting the rear wheel of the ground with out a stand. Not got round to buying one yet

 

[Monkspeed]

Great video, very clear and easy to follow. Is their a way of lifting the rear wheel of the ground with out a stand. Not got round to buying one yet

Yes, flip the bike upside down so it is resting on the seat and handlebars. Not very graceful but it is a means-to-an-end. You might want to put a cloth down where the handlebar rests as the rubber covers of the shifters can pick up dirt off the floor.

 

[Pedal pusher]

Doh ..... Thanks

 

[rossoreed]

Great video and thanks for all of the tips.
I might get some time next week to make a start, so I'm gathering together some tools, cleaning materials, new cables, ect, and also learning from you guys and reading the forum!