Advice on fixing rusty bike please

Jacqu79

Hi, I have a bike, which unfortunately has been left outdoors for a long time and the frame seems ok, but the chain and brake cables etc have rusted. My son would like to fix the bike and start using it, but we're not really sure if this is feasible, and if we could make it safe by buying a new chain and brake cables. We'll be using videos from youtube etc to learn how to fix it, as none of us know much about bikes, so any advice at all would be much appreciated.

I've added a few photos to show the rusted parts.

gardner1

if it was a run of the mill Halfords bike costing £100 bin it and buy new....if an expensive (hard to believe if left outside for ages) it might be worth repairing

Jacqu79

gardner1 wrote: »

if it was a run of the mill Halfords bike costing £100 bin it and buy new....if an expensive (hard to believe if left outside for ages) it might be worth repairing

It's a Ridgeback, so not that cheap. It was left outside as I can't cycle any more and to be honest, it was the last thing on my mind at the time. Now my son wants to use it.

fred246

I use KMC chain-need to get right size eg 6.7.8.9 speed. Will need to shorten chain to correct length with a chain tool off ebay(£5). Join with 'missing link' which comes with chain normally.
For new cables need "Forge Steel Cable Cutter 8" from screwfix £7.99 to cut cable inner and outers. Need to buy cable inner and outers and ferules.
For rusted nuts and bolts spray with penetrating oil and leave for 24 hours. Make sure tool is perfect fit before turning to avoid damaging heads.
Should manage it with a bit of patience. May lose the odd £ here and there which you have to put down to experience.

Jacqu79

fred246 wrote: »

I use KMC chain-need to get right size eg 6.7.8.9 speed. Will need to shorten chain to correct length with a chain tool off ebay(£5). Join with 'missing link' which comes with chain normally.
For new cables need "Forge Steel Cable Cutter 8" from screwfix £7.99 to cut cable inner and outers. Need to buy cable inner and outers and ferules.
For rusted nuts and bolts spray with penetrating oil and leave for 24 hours. Make sure tool is perfect fit before turning to avoid damaging heads.
Should manage it with a bit of patience. May lose the odd £ here and there which you have to put down to experience.

That's really helpful!

Thank you very much that.

fred246

I always buy stainless steel cables which shouldn't rust and you need end caps for the cut cables. All this stuff is very cheap to buy from chainreaction, ebay, wiggle etc.

mitchb

Nothing to add at the moment other than good luck op


I have a similar project I may try in the next few months so will watch with interest.

Hedgehog99

Borrow the Haynes bike manual from the library - excellent clear photo instructions for a novice to follow.

Jacqu79

fred246 wrote: »

I always buy stainless steel cables which shouldn't rust and you need end caps for the cut cables. All this stuff is very cheap to buy from chainreaction, ebay, wiggle etc.

Will check those places out tomorrow. Thanks again!

mitchb wrote: »

Nothing to add at the moment other than good luck op


I have a similar project I may try in the next few months so will watch with interest.

Thank you. Will update as to how we get on!

Hedgehog99 wrote: »

Borrow the Haynes bike manual from the library - excellent clear photo instructions for a novice to follow.

Great idea, thanks. Will pop in to the library tomorrow and look for a copy.

daivid

Chain and cables will need replacing for starters. Very possibly the brakes and derailleurs (gear mechanisms) too. The rest could well be fine with a bit of tlc. If you have no tools or expertise it might be worth taking to a local bike shop to get their opinion. In some places there are community projects that provide servicing and second hand bikes to promote sustainable transport if you have such nearby they could be ideal. They will often service bikes using second hand parts where possible and minimal labour costs.

Doing the work yourself would certainly be a good education in bike maintenance. On the other hand getting an opinion on the cost effectiveness of the project before starting might be beneficial. The option of buying a second hand bike in much better condition might be tempting.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Jacqu79

daivid wrote: »

Chain and cables will need replacing for starters. Very possibly the brakes and derailleurs (gear mechanisms) too. The rest could well be fine with a bit of tlc. If you have no tools or expertise it might be worth taking to a local bike shop to get their opinion. In some places there are community projects that provide servicing and second hand bikes to promote sustainable transport if you have such nearby they could be ideal. They will often service bikes using second hand parts where possible and minimal labour costs.

Doing the work yourself would certainly be a good education in bike maintenance. On the other hand getting an opinion on the cost effectiveness of the project before starting might be beneficial. The option of buying a second hand bike in much better condition might be tempting.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Thanks very much.

There's actually a place that recycles bikes and sells them cheap not too far from me. I totally forgot about it! I may try and get over there at some point this week with the bike, see what they think. I'm keen for my son to learn how to look after his bike by himself, but it wouldn't do any harm at all to get some pointers from people who know what they're talking about!

Thanks again!