What do things do i need for a spring re-refresh?

[waterwonder]

Morning all,

I'm thinking about giving my bike a bit of a re-fresh as it's long overdue some proper maintenance and this has raised a few questions.

Background:
I've got this bike with Hope mini disk brakes and also some higher spec wheels.

http://fisherbikes.com/bike/archivemodel/145

After about 5 years of use obviously some of the components are past their best.

The idea is to get the bike running nicely again for minimal outlay not to get it up to top spec. I will probably get a new bike in the summer and demote this to spare / first bike for the GF as she's keen to have a go.

The wheel hubs don't seem to have any play in them and the BB was replacing in the summer and seems to be ok. Pad's replaced regularly and brakes seem ok.

I've got the following on my shopping list / bought already:

Gear Cables,
Brake fluid / bleed kit
Tool Kit - LifeLine Professional Tool Kit (I've survived on multi-tools and LBS so far)
SRAM PC951 9spd Chain
Rear cassette (I was bought an SRAM PG970 MTB Cassette 9sp - are they really that bad vs Shimano?)
Shimano XT M771 Front Derailleur
Shimano XT M772 Rear Derailleur
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/wishlistview.aspx?url=3fHB...


I'm going to borrow a work-stand in the short term but would this be ok when i come to buy: http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/W... ?


The chain rings don't seem to bad, but if they are slipping once i've done all of the above i'll sort them out will something like this just bolt straight on?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Categories.aspx...


I'm hoping this will get it working pretty sweetly again, the wheel hubs don't seem to have any play in them and the BB was replace in the summer and seems to be ok.


Questions:
Does the above approach seem ok; any other suggestions/considerations would be welcome?

Can anyone explain the number system on parts items e.g on derailleur's what's the difference between a 770 vs a 771)?

Lastly the front Forks probably need replacing and the rear needs a service. Any recommendations for new forks £200 mark (i've seen some Rock Shox Reba Race 26 Forks Pushloc which look ok) and a good/cheap place for servicing or is it easy to do at home?

How do I tell if the disks are worn/past their best?


Thanks in advance and sorry for the waffling.

Edited by waterwonder on Monday 24th January 12:53

[anonymous-user]

seems a bit excessive to be honest, its going to be a substantial outlay though i appreciate some things are service items.

have the rear suspension bushes and bearings ever been changed? that would probably be a priority rather than new XT mechs. SLX is very good stuff and a good deal cheaper. a fork/shock service might not be a bad idea either?

buy the best workstand you can possibly afford, the cheap ones are flimsy and fail. have a word with a mehcnaic in a local shop and see which ones they use, if its park tools stand then its a park tools stand for a reason....

[Gooby]

Not sure about changing the mechs, if budget is tight then first check hangers, change cables and if the mechs are good then spend the money on decent shifters.

Your SRAM Cassette is very good.

[waterwonder]

Thanks

Points noted on the mechs (although its only about £75 for both), i was going to replace the cables, chain and cassette first then change these if it still felt a bit sluggish.

I had assumed that the mechs would be more likely to wear than the shifters, due to greater exposure / abuse from the terrain and elements??? Shifters also seem to be very expensive.

The suspension has never had anything done. About 6months ago i went out with a mate who's a bit of guru on bikes and his opinion was that front was f*cked and the rear would be ok after a service - the forks do feel pretty knackered.

The bikes had a fair bit of abuse and everythings lasted pretty well, the only things i've changed are the BB a couple of times, pads, tyres and inner tubes. So the money i've saved in lack of servicing i'm quite happy to spend on sorting it.

Edited by waterwonder on Monday 24th January 12:51

[Gooby]

Mechs tend to break rather than wear out. Most shifting problems are down to cables and shifters really do make the feel and shift feel good.

[waterwonder]

Gooby said:

Mechs tend to break rather than wear out. Most shifting problems are down to cables and shifters really do make the feel and shift feel good.

thanks I'll revisit shifters the once the cables etc are done

[shalmaneser]

Replace the chain and cassette if you must. The mechs and shifters will be fine. You can check the wear on the chain by measuring 12 links; this should be exactly 12 inches long. more than a 1/16th out then it'll need replacement. any more than 2/16th and the cassette needs replacement too. much more than 2/16th then your chainring may be screwed as well, but you'll have to work hard to get to that point!!!

new cables all round are a great idea. Rebleed the brakes, very easy and plenty of guides online.

The forks, 'Manitou Splices' were fairly rubbish when they left the factory; will be worse now. Buy some second hand Rebas/Revelations on Ebay and treat them to new seals.

Regrease anything that needs it (probably headset).

All done!

[waterwonder]

Cheers all.

Ordered the bits today minus deraileurs.

So I'll have new toolkit, stand (needed these for donkeys anyway - main reason for lack servicing), cables, bleed kit, chain, rear cassette. All the gear no idea. I'm hoping common sense and you tube will get me through though

Suspension will be sorted out next month hopefully

Now looking forwards to the onslaught of parcels.

Edited by waterwonder on Tuesday 25th January 12:44