Bike gears gritty, hard to shift
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jrs961 posted 22 weeks ago.
Go to your local bike shop and have them tune up the bike. Or... Have sister rent bike from local bike shop so you know you have a bike that is in good repair that fits her.
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Anton posted 22 weeks ago.
Cables could be rusty or dirty if it really old. You can try cleaning the chain and cogs and chain rings with just mild soap and water and a brush...in fact, do the whole bike. Then hit the LBS for some good lube....I use Cross Country. It's a brand with various types for different riding conditions.
If the bike is old and hasn't been used much, it's probably very sad and could use some cheering up...I agree with jrs961 that a trip to the LBS is not of of line...your bike may thank you for it. (I know your Mom will!)
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
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groovyjen posted 22 weeks ago.
Thanks for the lube suggestion. I'll check it out.
Jen
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...
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theShiba posted 22 weeks ago.
Personally, I like to use Simple Green solution to clean things, then follow-up with Boshine t-9 lube... but I live in pretty dry conditions, and I know that's not the best all-weather lube.
If you're not sure, it may be best to take it to a shop, because they will be able to tell you about anything that you might not have been able to catch on your own.
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Leroy Bonkers posted 22 weeks ago.
Like the Shiba and the incredible hulk... I'm a simple green man myself.
But the LBS is the way to go.
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azmojo804 posted 22 weeks ago.
I use Tri-Flo (maybe Flow) for the lube. But like the others said, Simple Green, toothbrush, and water.
But, I would 100% bring the bike to the shop for them to look it over. I took an old bike once, cleaned it, and then was pushing up the hill and the chain broke. It suck. I almost flew off, actually instead of flying off, I had my (cough cough) in my stomach since I fell onto the top tube. :(
Definitely since newbie on bike maintenance, bike shop for tuning the old bike for now.
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ChunkyB posted 22 weeks ago.
I would use simple green, or some kind of bike degreaser (I use Giant Agent Orange). With gritty shifting, I would concentrate mostly on your derailleurs and chain. The gears are probably all gunked up too, so you should probably try to clean everything. I have one of these brushes and I really like it. You use the back end to get in between all the gears, and then you can use the brush to get all the grease off.
Honestly, though, just get a good degreaser and go to town. Don't use any high pressure spray on your rear hub because you can get water inside the bearings, but other than that, just go to town. I would concentrate on the chain first of all though.
Then, after you degrease the heck out of it, get some lube. I use dry lube (white lightning), and I really like it. It seems to last longer than wet lube, but you have to really degrease things before you apply it or it won't stick or whatever. So, get some lube, and run through all the gears, and you should be good to go.
"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice
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Nutty posted 22 weeks ago.
I go with carb cleaner personally (cars are my other hobby so i have it laying around usually). Its like citrus degreaser times ten. Dont use it if you like the stickers/print on your parts like the logo on the side of the deraileur or things like that, as it takes them right off.
I use white lightning clean ride for lube. Keeps the chain pretty clean since you need to reapply it once every 100 miles or so. Makes for more frequent, but less exhaustive cleaning and lubing.
Also, +1 to the cables being rusty. Swap those out and you should be good to go. I would go with everyone else and say take it to the LBS, but im a do it yourself person. I dont let anyone touch my cars or my bikes and would recommend the same to anyone. The only way to learn is to continually tackle projects you dont know how to do, and do them.
-Alan
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http://therunningfridge.blogspot.com/
So, I'm trying to get my old bike in good shape. Doing a relay tri with my Mom and sister (mom is biking) and I suspect she'd more comfy on the old bike than the new bike (not used to a road bike).
Anyhow - the gears feel, I don't know, gritty? It is hard to shift.
Is there some sort of bike WD-40, or what should I use for degritting?
Thanks all! As you can tell, bike maintenance newbie here.
I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...