I'm trying to help my parents salvage an old Ald-supermarket bike they bought second-hand recently. They're keen to make this bike work, rather than just buying a working bike. (I'm keen to work with them on that request, in the first instance).
It's a basic commuter bike, with a 7-speed Shimano rear-cassette, and Shimano RevoShift grip shifters, and front/rear rim brakes.
I don't have any of my tools with me, or any gear (no bike stand, no chain cleaner, no lube/degreaser etc) – but I'll can order in basic tools/consumables that you think are needed.
I'm uploaded a photo album of the chain, brakes, rear cassette etc here:
Let me know if there's something I missed.
I also uploaded a video of the noise from the chain whilst coasting, and whilst pedalling here:
https://youtube.com/shorts/ORI1FLDREv4
I took the bike for a test ride. Some things I noticed:
- It was a real struggle climbing hills, more than I would have expected. (I'm not exactly Lance Armstrong – EPO or not – but I do ride, and it shouldn't have been that hard). I'm not sure if it's because of wear/rust on the drive-chain or if something is rubbing etc…or maybe I am rusty.
- The brakes have very little stopping power – I'm around 65kg – and I had trouble stopping on a moderate downhill.
- There's a clicking noise whilst the bike is moving (without pedalling), and then when you pedal there's a crunching sound. (I'm hearing impaired though, so it's possible I missed some nuance to the sound – I tried to take a video with the phone whilst pedalling to show what I mean).
- Twisting the grip shifters is really hard. It does shift though.
My father has put a bunch of cheap dark-grey grease all over the front brakes, and possibly the chain (or maybe WD-40 – I know he uses that a lot on bikes), and possibly on the shifting/brake cables. I'm not sure if the grease is the right thing to use – but I don't want to start an argument over that, just to fix it up.
What do you suggest in terms of trying to get this bike riding better?
- What should I do about the brakes? Do I need to clean that grease off, or can I leave it on? Is there some way to tell if the brake cables are still OK? The pads seem like they have wear left, but I'm not sure why there's still so little braking power?
- Is the current chain still usable, or do I need to replace that? If I do need to order a chain, how do I find the right specs for a new chain?
- Anything else I should do about the drive chain?
- Is there some way to track down where the noise is coming from – both the clicking whilst coasting, and the weird brunching whilst pedalling? (My hearing isn't the greatest, unfortunately – I have hearing aids, but they need some parts/fixing).
- Anything else you'd suggest?
by victorhooi
2 Comments
This bike looks like a project for a couple of weeks. With non-predictable amount of investment.
The easy part is to check the cable tension for brakes. If this is ok, than remove the old brake parts, clean the rims with isopropyl alcohol from possible contamination, all unnecessary grease from the brake and install new brake pads.
For the drive train – new chain, shimano compatible, for the same amount of speed and same number of links. (Most probably you have to buy a longer one and to shorten it to the correct length).
After that it could be, that the new chain will slip (if the cassette is weared out) and you need new cassette or may be even new chain ring
Shifting cables has to be replaced probably as well, if you have issues with shifting.
Check the wheels, if they rotate easy. If not, bearings at hubs and free wheel has to be serviced.
For the noise, check if wheels do not touch the fenders, chain doesn’t touch the chain guard. It could be that bottom bracket is done as well.
In general, bike is in bad condition and it is definitely cheaper to buy the used on in normal condition.
Judging by the pedals, this bike hasn’t been used much.
Hang it with a rope by the saddle and handlebars to the crossbar at the desired height. Don’t rotate bikes in our workshop to avoid scratching the saddle or handlebars. The noise is likely coming from the fenders and chain guard.