Shimano parts, sensible price for my Giant

mikemusic
mikemusic Posts: 6
edited July 2014 in Commuting general
Need chain, chainring, cassette, possibly more

I've done about 10,000 miles from new and the drive is now unrideable. 3rd chain, original chainring and cassette

The shop price for parts is up to 30-50% more than online so I'd like to buy online
Can I get away with just the chainrings for the front, rather than the cranks as well ?
Do I need a new bottom bracket as well ?
What else might I need ?

I want to change the gearing slightly on the front Shimano 6700 from 34/50 to more like 39/50.

Any suggestions welcome

Mike

Comments

  • Daz555
    Daz555 Posts: 3,976
    Just replace the worn parts as they wear.

    Sounds like you need rings, chain & cassette.
    You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
    If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
    If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.
  • mikemusic
    mikemusic Posts: 6
    Thanks Daz
    That thought crossed my mind.
    I can probably do the work, but I'm a bike parts swapping novice

    I complicated it by wanting Sigma, just up the road to do a service and replace the parts.
  • davis
    davis Posts: 2,506
    You can do it yourself - it is really easy.

    Chaining the chain is dead easy, just get a KMC one of the correct size (e.g. 10 speed) and it'll have a quick-link in to make fitting easy. Make sure it's the same length as the one that's coming off.

    To swap the cassette over, you'll need a cassette lockring tool and a chain whip to turn the cassette. Here is a set to get you started.

    Swapping the chainrings over usually involves taking the cranks off, and the tools for that vary depending on exactly which crankset you've got.

    None of this is hard, watch youtube videos, read the Park Tools guides, buy decent quality tools and do it yourself. You'll save loads more money and you'll learn how to look after your own bike. It's only a bicycle.
    Sometimes parts break. Sometimes you crash. Sometimes it’s your fault.
  • mikemusic
    mikemusic Posts: 6
    Thanks.
    Put 2 KMC chains on and borrowed a link remover to right size.
    I need to buy a decent link remover at a sensible price - any ideas there ?
    Loads of dead cheap ones for a few quid that may or may not work

    I was hoping to replace only the outer rings for the front chainring. The cranks and bottom bracket don't need renewing do they ?

    Edit
    And a great album for your avatar !
  • Initialised
    Initialised Posts: 3,047
    Get this chain tool, I've been using one for years, it's never let me down.

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/par ... e-ec005489

    Plus one for KMC chains, they last ages and the quick release tool makes taking them on and off the bike really easy

    Check the BB for grinding with the chain off press your ear to the saddle and rotate the cranks, if it sounds bad change it. Check for play with the cranks at quarter to three push and pull them toward and away from the frame. Cranks should be fine and you may be able to change the rings without removing the cranks.
    I used to just ride my bike to work but now I find myself going out looking for bigger and bigger hills.
  • mikemusic
    mikemusic Posts: 6
    Thanks. Years is good.

    Thanks also for the BB and crank tips
    I'm gradually doing more and more with the fixing
    My big breakthrough came after an imperial size wheel replacement.
    The metric wheel actually allowed me to get the tyre on and off 10 times more easily, to sort my then, many punctures. Since then a few more bits like changing my own chain, rather than being talked into new chain, front chainring and cranks and rear cassette every couple of years

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