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Thanks for the help! I have a couple more questions.
I've got a new freewheel (dicta), and the tool to change it, but I'm getting confiicted information regarding the use of grease. Should I grease the threads on which the freewheel is going to set? Should I grease in some way the inside of the actual freewheel? Should I not do either?
Also, for the front brake I got a Shimano R451, seemed like it was good to me. I'm gonna be mounting that today, although I'm still waiting for the levers.
Lastly, the tyres. I don't how old they are, the previous owner didnt say. I took some pictures. I don't know much about bike tyres but they seem a bit beaten up to me, but you guys tell me, should I replace them?
I've also included a picture of the missing chainring bolt. Should I get one?
Cheers to everyone. So close to the bike being finished!!!
Gus
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Hi there,
I've been busy for a while, but have gotten around to doing more work on the bike.
I've managed to fix the noise on the chain, I changed the chain and cleaned everything thoroughly. Turns out the chainring bolts were loose (and one of them is missing actually). That made the bike fine on fixed.
Then I flipped the hub and it got worse. At first the freewheel was very quiet, it didnt make the click noise that chains do when coasting (don't know if thats a good thing). I tried to clean it as much as I could without taking it apart, and managed to get it sounding better, but when I start riding or simply stand on the pedals to gain speed, the chain makes a very distinct noise. Doesnt sound like its going to break, but it smakes a chainlike noise, I don't think its right.
My guess is I might need to replace the freewheel? I could take it apart and clean it, but they cost £20 from what I see, I'd rather put a new one if I'm gonna end up replacing it within a year anyways.
How can I tell what freewheel is right for my bike?
As far as the front brake, I know my drop is 50-60mm, and my rear brake is Miche Performance, so I found the right one, but its both front and rear, can't seem to find just the front. I guess I might as well change both. Or is it worth it to buy a front brake even if they don't match? Can I just buy any calipers that fit my drop?
Lastly, I need a brake lever/s and brake cables. I'm guessing this time it is easier to just replace the existing rear brake lever and put two new ones that match. They just need to fit the diameter of my bar? And as far a cables go, I see a big difference in prices. Some cost 3-4 quid, and others cost 20. What is the difference? How much is reasonable for brake cables?
Cheers to everyone that's helping me out! Really making a difference.
Gus
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Well he said he got the frame and then put the rest together, so I guess that's why.
edit: will do tomorrow morning (pics)
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Thanks so much for all the info! Tomorrow morning I might be able to look into all this. I would normally just take it to the LBS but Im going to try figure it out myself first following your advice. If it proves too difficult I'll give in and pay a visit.
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Hi there,
After trying out a friends bike for a while, I've just bought my first ride, a Charge Plug 2011. The previous owner changed a few parts, so its not all stock parts. I think only the frame and bars are actually.
Firstly, he was riding fixed but I'm switching to single speed, and it has a rear brake but no front brake. How can I know which brake to buy for the front? I'd need a lever and the calipers, the whole thing.
Secondly, the chain makes a weird noise when riding it. The owner said the chain might need replacing, but I'm not convinced that's the issue. The chain does seem to be a bit loose, he said he had it that way to ride fixed better and be able to make turns easier. It sounds like the sound of a changing gear, every so often, and I've tried to replicate the sound, but can't find any particular action that will trigger it. It happens when riding forwards (every 5 seconds or so), and usually when accelerating, or applying more force to the pedal, although it doesnt always happen. I feel the chain tension might be it. Any ideas? I guess it's just as simple as tightening it and trying, but I won't be able to do for the next couple of days. Is that a thing, that when you ride fixed, chain makes some noises sometimes, especially if it's not tightened?
Lastly, the front wheel is a quick release. Im not too fussed, but might be thinking of changing it to one of those security skewers (i forget what they are called), that you can only open with a special key I think? Maybe do that in both front and rear wheel? How can I know which one will fit my wheels?
Thanks everyone for reading. I'm really excited.
Cheers,
Gus
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still available??
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Hi there,
I've been using a friend's bike for a while, about two months, and I'm getting addicted. Unfortunately my mate wants it back, but hey, perfect excuse to buy one!
I'm looking for something very simple. Ideally it would have all of the following:
-Single speed
-Drop down bars
-Light (10kg max)
-Front and rear brakes
-50 to 53 cm frame size (ideally 52)I don't really have a preference for color, since I'll probably personalise it myself. I don't mind if the bike needs some work (changing brakes, tyres etc) if that is reflected in the price, since that would give me a chance to learn a few things.
Budget is up to £200, obviously used bikes, but was looking to spend £150.
I've been looking at a few Fuji tracks and Feather, problem is it's not particularly light is it? Any specific models or brands that would do the trick, any come to mind? Out of all my requirements, probably the two most important are the frame size and the weight (although I guess the lighter the more expensive). But like I said, I'm flexible, so if your bike has gears but is lighter, or if it hasn't drop down bars and has bullhorn instead... shoot me anyways.
I have no accessories of my own since I'm gonna have to give most of it back to my friend, so if you have locks/lights/tape etc, I'm looking for the whole thing!
Sorry my requirements are boring and I'm that easy to please, I'm starting slow! Ha
Cheers,
Gus
Many thanks again for the comments, I'm so close... It's the never ending bikefix.
New update: The noise in the chain is gone, it was the freewheel. I changed that, I put the new brake levers and the calipers, but when I tried to change the cables i realised I don't have a cable cutter tool, so now I have to buy that. Any in particular that I should look at? Prices go from 8 pounds to 25. I'm going for somewhere in the middle I guess. Is there any way to cut the brake cables without this tool?
In theory that should be the end of this. Then I just need to scrub the handlebars, put some new bartape and done.
Last thing-- I've noticed my rear brake makes a funny noise, and upon closer inspection of the rear rim, it looks a lot more damaged than the front (because there was no front brake in the first place). I attached pics for reference. Do they need changing? Can I ride like this or is it a hazard?
Cheeeeeers