Bicycle experts anyone?

[bhrm]

Soooo
I'm bringing my bike back out as I haven't touched it much since I learned how to drive.

8 years.

Its a Huffy Titanium bike and nothing too exciting. It does have front shocks, 21 speed, V-brakes.

I'm going to get it trail/road worthy tonight. What are the big things I need to do?

Cables? Brake pads? Gears? Chains? Lube?

Back in the day I used to ride everywhere. I used to be really fit. I'm a cubicle sloth now.

Help!

Or should I just give up and buy a new $200 bike?

[SonicBoy]

Nah, just clean it up, lube the chain and jump on. Oh, pump up the tires too! You never forget how to ride a bike.

Now if things are rusty and fuzed together, you might want to be looking for a new bike. Also if you touch the rubber for the brakes and they crumble make sure to get those looked at.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Where did you store it? Indoors our outdoors?

If it was out doors...

Indoors (ie garage) check the tires for dry rot, make sure they hold air, clean then lube the chain (not wd-40),

I personally would replace the cables and housings but if you want to save a bit of money just check the housings for cracks and the cables for fraying if they are not cracked or fraying you could get by for a bit without replacing.

Check the wheels make sure they are not rubbing the brake pads, true if necessary and you know how.

Derailuer I would leave alone unless you know what you are doing, chances are you could just mess your gears up.

Huffy isn't really a high end brand so it might be worth just buying a new one depending on what you need it for, however most 200 to sub 200 bikes probably won't get you much better parts so you might be better off just getting a tune up, depending on where you go the cost anywhere from $20-$99.

I used to do tune ups at Sport Chek and the techs there are pretty used to fixing bikes that have not been used for years.

[mogul_pro]

Clean gears.(de-geese and then re-lube).
Use Judy Butter for your front shocks.
Lube derailleur s.
Check brake line tension.
Check proper derailleur function. (Have the bike up on a stand, as your moving the crank manually with your hand use your other hand to change gears and lube derailleur as its changing gears. Use the same method for the lubing of the gears.)
Tire pressure obviously.

Thats what I pretty much do to my bike, but its 2000$ not 200$.. The judy butter is 40$ and the proper lube is 65$.

So if its just a cheap bike.. wd40(not the best but i mean if the bike is cheap use what u have kinda thing..)the gears after u clean them off so the old geese is gone. Find some lube that simulates soft butter like you would put on bread... and lightly put on the part of the shock that compresses into the shaft, then just check tire pressure... should be good enough.

[bhrm]

Where did you store it? Indoors our outdoors?

If it was out doors...

Indoors (ie garage) check the tires for dry rot, make sure they hold air, clean then lube the chain (not wd-40),

I personally would replace the cables and housings but if you want to save a bit of money just check the housings for cracks and the cables for fraying if they are not cracked or fraying you could get by for a bit without replacing.

Check the wheels make sure they are not rubbing the brake pads, true if necessary and you know how.

Derailuer I would leave alone unless you know what you are doing, chances are you could just mess your gears up.

Huffy isn't really a high end brand so it might be worth just buying a new one depending on what you need it for, however most 200 to sub 200 bikes probably won't get you much better parts so you might be better off just getting a tune up, depending on where you go the cost anywhere from $20-$99.

I used to do tune ups at Sport Chek and the techs there are pretty used to fixing bikes that have not been used for years.


It was garaged.

What do I use to lube the chain besides WD-40 (which was the one I was thinking...)?

I'll check out sport chek definitely.
Thanks for the tips!

[Ex-Rolla]

Make sure the spokes on the rims are the right tension as well... Just like any nut/screw, they can loosen over time. Unfortunately, you would have to have a pro shop do that though.

I used a be a (self proclaimed) pro, but like you, since i got my liscence, it's been down hill from there lol

I know places like cyclepath offer a "tune up" for bikes... not sure exactly what it consists of, but if you can find out, you can try to do those things on your own. Re-greasing the hubs would be a good idea as well, but again... should be a pro doing it...

happy biking!!!

Edit - check out http://www.cyclepath.ca/newsite/techtipsnew.htm. they have some info that may be useful (didn't read through the whole thing)

Edit 2 - see here - http://www.bikewebsite.com/bike_tune-up_index.htm... might be overkill, but i'm sure you can do many of these on your own.

[Swerny]

bring it to a local bike shop (LBS) for a tune up.

They will advise what needs to be done for safety as well as your riding pleasure.

8 years is a LONG time for a bike to sit.

[sp3GT]

bring it to a local bike shop (LBS) for a tune up.

They will advise what needs to be done for safety as well as your riding pleasure.

8 years is a LONG time for a bike to sit.


Bring it to cyclepath, I got my bike tuned their last year. They do a really good job but it's not cheap.

[3GFX]

Just clean it up. You won't need to replace the brakes thats for sure. If they seem they're not doing their job take of the wheel and sand the brake pads a little.

Clean and relube the chains and gearset and you'll be fine. If it has shocks, lube those as well. If they have a grease port go and buy the appropriate grease and gun and lube em up.

EDIT: Wouldn't hurt to take it to a shop, by now your rims might not be true so the shop could tune em up. I tune my rims myself but its a PITA and I dont have the tool in Toronto to be able to do it for you :p

[b]

I can't add anything more than what was said above. I have 3 bikes 1 for every type of ride... but I take it pretty seriously. Your best bet is to take it to any bike shop. Tell them how long it has been sitting and get them to do a tune up. Expect to pay between 25 - 100 bucks depending if you need just a tune up or even replacing some stuff. The cost of upkeep & repair sucks but it is worth it if you want to keep it for a few more years or you can put that money towards a new one.

If it was my bike and it had been sitting that long I'd want them to repack the hubs & headset, bottom bracket, replace cables & housing, check the break pads, tires and tighten the spokes.

[bhrm]

sooo the damage is

- bent rear rim (brings back memories, i hit a concrete block someone put in tall grass...)
- bald spots on rear tire
- front deraileur thingy gear won't shift back to 1, only 2 and 3 (simple adjustment i used to know how...)
- need new brake pads
- rear derailuer gear thingy shifts like an automatic transmission: slow and sloppy


the plus side
- no rust!
- shocks are fine, a bit on the softer side
- it moves!
- has a new mud guard unused
- tires hold air at 45psi

I'm not going to spend $100 to fix it when a brand new bike is $150 of equiv.

time to go bike shopping!

and now a new question

how do must folks here store their bike in their mazda 3 sport?

I was planning to shove it in the trunk but need to fit 2 bikes for my gf.

What's a good cheap method.

[garboui]

with the wheels off ive had 3 bikes in the trunk of my 3 before. allthough a rack is a much better solution as your not going to fill your car with mud after a ride.

[dentinger]

here is what i do when i bring my bike back out:
1) take it for a ride first, to see what it needs.
then, if needed, i do the following,
2) clean it the best i can top to bottom
3) WD40 the chain, then re oil it.
4) adjust the brakes if needed.
5) adjust the derailers if needed
-> while the bike is upside down, pedal it with your hand, while shifting gears. each gear should shift almost immediatly, and the chain should be centered on the sproket
6) inflate the tires, if needed
7) make sure the handlebars, seat, forks, etc etc is tight and aligned.

and i think thats about it.


Edit:
if your going to get a new bike, dont cheap out and get a Supercycle. i did, and it was crap after about a month.
i originally had a Diamondback mtnbike, then when it got stolen, i upgraded to this:
http://www.norco.com/2006bikes/bike_enlarged.php?lang=en&loc=fs&sloc=fr&tabloc=1&id=bigfoot&col=green

it was rather pricy, but i beat the shit out of my bike, and i have had nothing break. i just replaced the pedals to some with more grip to them.

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I have fit 3 bikes and 3 people in my car no problem. However I ride much smaller bikes than most people :)

And as for what lube, pick up some chain lube from your local bike shop.

[tweak_s]

glad to see a bmxer on the board save ;P. I ride street/urban but..i ride a mtb.

As to the original poster... most of what has to be said has already been said lol. but I also will add on that chain lube is best for your chain after you wipe off the rust.

[Wild Weasel]

if your going to get a new bike, dont cheap out and get a Supercycle. i did, and it was crap after about a month.

Also, riding a lighter bike is far more enjoyable than riding a cheap heavy one.

Mine's no hardcore machine, but it's better than the average big box store bikes and makes a world of difference.

You'll find that you can go out riding for a few hours and be far more comfortable and less tires rather than being whipped after an hour.


Then... when you've got a quality bike, it will be worth a few bucks to maintain it rather than just tossing it and replacing it with another crappy bike every few years. :)

[Swerny]

I'm not going to spend $100 to fix it when a brand new bike is $150 of equiv.


Don't buy a $150 bike.

realistically, to get a decent hardtail mountain bike, $500 is a good starting point.

I would look for a lightly used bike which would let you get better quality for the same price.

[bhrm]

Don't buy a $150 bike.

realistically, to get a decent hardtail mountain bike, $500 is a good starting point.

I would look for a lightly used bike which would let you get better quality for the same price.

Yeah I get the whole "you get what you pay for". As a kid, I rode the bike like a maniac, resulting in a trashed huffy. I used to do Markham to North york in 30-45 minutes.

Real bike brands are sweet, just not in the budget at the moment even though my desire to pedal is strong. I was looking at Trek's website and they do have a pretty sweet bike for $350, lower end series.

I just remembered.

I was also hit by a car too while on my bike! I was too young (14) and stupid to not press charges or anything. That lady could've bought me a nice bike.

[Wild Weasel]

Don't buy a $150 bike.

realistically, to get a decent hardtail mountain bike, $500 is a good starting point.

I would look for a lightly used bike which would let you get better quality for the same price.

Right. And don't buy any full suspension bike for less than $1500 or so. All you'll get is extra weight. They sell them because they look fancy, not because they're good.

[Zaku_4]

ahhh back in the days

like others here, i too stopped riding when i got my licence. my velo cateye (christmas present some time ago) last said i had 147km on the ODO.

maybe i should bring mine back out. i remember trying to ride it a while ago, and i couldnt get used to the seat i put the 147km on anymore. to narrow for my now fat ass? lol

[Wild Weasel]

I'll probably be taking my bike down and getting it prepped tomorrow. Have to start getting in shape so I can do the Ride for Heart. :)

[Swerny]

Right. And don't buy any full suspension bike for less than $1500 or so. All you'll get is extra weight. They sell them because they look fancy, not because they're good.

agreed 100%.

I prepped my bike last night and am heading out for the first ride of the year tonight after work....can't wait!

[bunchi]

if your bike was just sitting there for years just clean it and lube it up. which reminds me I should bring my bike for tune up. all banged up the last 2 yrs :chuckle i won't consider riding on the streets hard... it's not hard for your bike... only for you :chuckle bring it to a mountain bike trail then and going to be hard on the bike AND you, and then you'll see the difference between a $200 and a $2000 bike. and if i go biking... it's going on the suv! i have a bike rack on the roof there and really not planning to install one on the 3.:)

[BLKOUT]

I'm not looking to get a professional mountain bike, I just want a mountain bike to ride with my wife and to maybe hit the trails once in a while. What are peoples thoughts on the Nakamura or Reebook brands @ SportCheck?

[BLKOUT]

im looking @ these 2 bikes:

http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=231&styleId=47480

or

http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=231&styleId=47071

[yearoftherat]

OMG Reebok now makes bikes...:whoa
Its a taiwanese brand with the Reebok name on it...
I use to work for SportChek and the Nakamura is the SportChek line of bikes. Not bad but not great IMHO, for the same amount of money and riding you do get a hardtail instead. Dual suspension bikes at this price point are friggin heavy.

[BLKOUT]

OMG Reebok now makes bikes...:whoa
Its a taiwanese brand with the Reebok name on it...
I use to work for SportChek and the Nakamura is the SportChek line of bikes. Not bad but not great IMHO, for the same amount of money and riding you do get a hardtail instead. Dual suspension bikes at this price point are friggin heavy.

hardtail? where would I find that?

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Ya Naks are a sport chek house brand.

By hardtail he doesn't mean a brand, he means only suspension in the front.

[bunchi]

assuming it's just for the streets, those would be good enough. They'll be haevy though. if the trails you are talking about are those off road trails, it'll be hard on you and the bike. they're not built for those kinds of conditions. again, it depends on your riding style. for you if it's fun to do some scary stunts in the woods where there's drops and stuff, those bikes are not what you want to be on.

[Swerny]

those are both complete shite.

As yearoftherat said, get a hardtail (front suspension only bike).

It will be lighter and will pedal better (less bob).

[Swerny]

something like this if you insist on buying from Sport Chek (I would buy from a bike shop as you often get free maintenance for several years).

http://www.sportchek.ca/sportchek/do/style?menuId=231&styleId=47503

[Dave_The_BMXER]

Ironhorse's are decent. Some years had the worst bottom brackets but thats fixed now.

I was considering a Mavrick Disc at one point cause I could get it for filthy cheap.

[b]

All this bike talk has made me think about going out to buy a new wheel set. Looks like I have a good way to spend saturday now :)

[mazdaagain]

Try Costco. Prices are better

[b.rabbit]

I was really interested in seeing if people were able to answer the "bike in the hatch" question 'cuz that's a question I had in mind too. Haven't heart that many responses about that though.

For bike selection, you could go to Gears Bike Shop, but it's in Mississauga, located at the corner of Lakeshore Road and Mississauga Road. They have a huge selection of bikes to choose from. I got my Giant Rincon there (I think that's what it's called).

[Dave_The_BMXER]

I had a full size road bike in the back of my car last night, both wheels on both seats folded down. I carry my bmx with one side folded down both wheels on on the regular. Maybe tomorrow I will take some pics of both.

[Swerny]

Try Costco. Prices are better

the bikes at Costco are just as bad as CT...which is really bad