Yesterday I just put on a different tire and tube.
Also at some point this evening the shifter would randomly and eventually constantly shift to highest gear unless I held the shifter or cable.
Later I noticed this at home. First time I’ve seen anything like this myself.
by ProExpert1S500
2 Comments
I’d guess that this frame is probably about late ~1980’s vintage.
Unfortunately a crack like that means it’s probably time to retire this frame unless you can find someone who can weld it up without burning through the tubing.
Even with welding I’d still treat it gently. But that’s part because of the repair and part because it’s some ~40 years old at this point.
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The shifting could be a problem with your friction shifter. If it’s losing tension then it might cause the problem that you’re describing.
If the shifter has detents they might be wearing out.
That frame is done. While it *can* be repaired most likely by replacing the chainstay. To repair it will almost certainly cost more money than buying a nicer used bike. On the good side that shifter is most likely able to repaired by simply tightening the screw/bolt which holds it down. There should be a screw or bolt which goes through the center of the thumb shifter. Tightening that screw/bolt should take care of it. Unfortunately even if the shifter is fixed you shouldn’t ride that bike unless that frame is repaired (which is in my opinion not worth the money unless you have sentimental value.