Old bike, gear shift problem. Can anyone help me fix it?

iantib

Hi, I have an old mountain bike (about 15 years old) & because the kids are now old enough I've dusted it off, changed both tyres, inner tubes & rim tape. But I have a gear problem & I have no idea what to do to fix it.

It has 21 gears, 3 chain rings, but I think I have a derailer problem. It will only select 2 of the 3 chain rings. If I tighten the cable, it selects middle & large one, if I slacken it off middle & small one. Any other combination the chain hits the derailer & gets jammed.

I have never attempted to fix such a repair, although taking it to a bike shop isnt an option as money is tight at the mo.

Is it fixable or am I throwing good money after bad by attempting to repair it.

Money is tight although I have recently seen a saracen element 2 for sate for £149 & also know costco are selling muddy fox fikes for £180.

Thanks for your time.

nicklouse

it will be fix able but at a guess the cable will be rusted/gunked up.

i would sat that the cable will need lubing/replacing.

have a read of the info on Parktools

iantib

Thanks for your reply nicklouse.
One more thing to throw into the mix. My friend has offered me a muddyfox wrecker (only has 8 gears though I think) for £160. unlike mine though this one works as its brand new & has suspension, where as mine doesnt.

Would you advise me to try & repair mine or get a new one? As the 160 offer wont last long.....

Andy B

Either fix what you have*, or buy that Element 2, not the Muddy Fox.

Element 2 is a pretty good bike, better than the Muddyfox.

*which sounds like either a new cable (inner & outer, just to be sure) or possibly the dérailleur is a little too high off the chainrings as well as needing a new cable.

All the info you need for these repairs is on Parktool's website in Nicklouse's signature.

iantib

Andy, thanks for your reply. Please Can you say why I should avoid the muddyfox?
The spec's between the saracen & the mf look similar except that the mf has disc brakes, which I thought were supposed to be better, plus its a bit cheaper.

Thanks

Andy B

The frame on the Muddy Fox isn't as good as the Saracen (think it's a butted frame), nor is the fork as good.

the M.Fox has cable discs, which are ok, as are a pair of properly set up V brakes

iantib

Chaps, I'm nearing the end of my search & in true style may be going over budget by £30. Does anyone know if the giant rincon 2009 bike is any good? Below is what the blurb says, although it means nothing to me.

Ready for a new adventure? Then the Rincon is your perfect partner. Featuring Giant’s AluxX Aluminium Fluid Formed frame, grab a Rincon and discover your next adventure.

Key Upgrades (over Boulder Disc):
- Lighter AluxX aluminium, Fluid Formed frame
- Suntour XCM 80mm travel fork with lock out
- Shimano EZ Fire 50 24 speed shifters with Alivio rear derailleur
- Shimano FCM 191 chain set
- Sizes: XS (14”) S (17”), M (19”), L (21”), XL (23”)
- Colour: White, Black

Specification
SIZES XS (14”) S (17”), M (19”), L (21”), XL (23”)
FRAME ALUXX aluminium, Fluid Formed
FORK Suntour XCM 80mm travel, lock out
SHOCK N/A
HANDLEBAR Aluminium riser
STEM Aluminium ahead
SEAT POST Aluminium
SADDLE GIANT
PEDALS Steel with resin body
SHIFTERS Shimano EZ Fire 50 24 speed
FRONT MECH Shimano C050
REAR MECH Shimano Alivio
BRAKES Tektro linear pull
BRAKE LEVER Shimano
CASSETTE Shimano HG30 11-32
CHAIN KMC Z7
CRANKS Shimano FC-M 191 24/34/42
BOTTOM BRACKET Cartridge
RIMS Alex CR18 26"
HUBS Formula
SPOKES Black stainless steel
TYRES Kenda 26x1.95''

supersonic

Spec wise ticks my boxes for an entry level MTB.

Chuck the pedals though and spend a tenner on some Wellgo V8.