Should I just get new brake cable?
For the rust around the metal parts new the pedals, should I worry about it?
Thank you.
by Cold_Two_4372
Should I just get new brake cable?
For the rust around the metal parts new the pedals, should I worry about it?
Thank you.
by Cold_Two_4372
9 Comments
I would go ahead and replace the critical parts instead of trying to restore them, but if that isn’t the preferred option, I guess some rust remover couldn’t hurt, just to see what it can do.
You can replace the parts afterwards anyway if it doesn’t work.
Those brake blocks need replacing. They’ll have gone hard and won’t stop anything.
people throw away bikes better than this, search Craigslist or fb marketplace. This needs quite a bit of work to get in decent condition.
You can try vinegar+ citric acid to fight the rust, i would pull the cables out, if you are lucky they are not rusted all the way inside the tubings then you could probably re-use them+oil them before inserting back OR sure you could just buy a new cable they cost a few bucks. Try to save the chain by cleaning it or u have to replace that one as well, others i only see optical stuff to do, handlebars and stem are cooked, sanding them down and repaint would be possible tho but if you want them clean i would try find a used one for cheap online :>
Oof that looks rusty AF. Has it been left out in the rain?
Before doing work on the bike, check the bottom bracket to see if there’s play. Basically with the bike upside-down, try to rotate the pedals laterally around the spindle (perpendicular to the usual axis of rotation). If there’s play there, then that’ll need replacing, at which point (along with the below) the bike probably needs more money than it’s worth to fix.
I would wager you for sure need new brake cables, also gear cables. These are relatively easy to swap, just need allen keys for the most part. You may or may not need a chain. For sure that one needs a good clean.
As for cleaning? Take the wheels off, take the brake blocks off. Scrub the bike down with soapy water, rinse. Don’t worry about rust, it doesn’t affect function and it deters theft. Get some WD-40 or GT85 in the brake callipers and jiggle them around, I can basically guarantee they’re seized up. Similarly the gear shifters, get some spray lube involved and move them around to free them up.
Honestly it looks rough but sometimes these end up riding okay with not much work
Replace the cables and the chain, I always do that in restoration projects as they’re in bad shape and it’s cheap and easy to replace. Then you need to see if the cassette/freewheel works well with the new chain, if it doesn’t you will need a new one.
For the rust, I just use vinegar, as that works perfectly. You can take it off the handlebar, pedals, etc, by scrubbing with fine steel wool and vinegar. The screws and small parts, you can take them off, put them in a jar for a day with vinegar then scrub them a bit, the rust will come right off.
I’d also replace the brake noodles, that’s a cheap part not worth restoring. Test the new cables by sliding them in the housing, if you feel friction you also need to replace the housing. This is important as with old and rusted cables and housing the brakes and shifting won’t work properly. Make sure to also clean and lubricate the brake arms, to make sure they work properly.
Another thing that’s often disregarded is the bearings. See if the bottom bracket is ok by checking for play at the pedals. If you have play, you need to replace the bb. Then take off the fork and clean and lubricate the steerer tube bearings (look on youtube for servicing a headset), it’s possible they’re also dry and rusty. Then assemble the headset and check for play by braking and rocking the bike, if there is play you need to tighten the top bolt. That’s it, off the top of my head.
I used to fix up cheap bikes like these all the time. Just a little wd-40 and sand paper is all you need.
For the really bad rusted parts just a light sanding and spray paint.
The surface rust won’t affect its functionality. Don’t worry about it. Focus on renewing the drivetrain and brake consumable parts and accept its weathered patina!
Easy. Sandblast the entire frame, fork, and handlebars and replace every piece on the bike.