Recommisioning - where do I start?
Discussion
Hello, Pedallers.
Apologies for the drawn out intro - skip bracketed area to avoid background.
(I haven't biked off-road seriously for twelve years or more - but I did know Dalby Forest quite well at the time. I always dreamed of owning a top-end Marin but had to settle for expensive Emelles and cheap Diamondbacks. A few years later, I bought a grey Team Marin from York Cycleworks; it was owned by one of the members of staff there. Obviously, it was already a few years old, but it was in top nick, despite a distressed patina which I rather liked. It had had a hard life, but had been taken care of. Depressingly, I only use it to go to and from work now, where it's not at its best, but I love it so much I could never swap it for the road bike/hybrid I really need.
But I've been invited by colleague to go for a ride on Sunday morning. Despite my protestations, he basically bullied me into it - in a nice way. Now I want to be ready...)
Where do I start sorting out a old Team Marin? Cables, brakes, chain? Everything's worn, and I can do the work myself. It's an old, low-tech bike, judging by the beauties I've seen whilst lurking in this forum, but I don't know where to start. Nothing's been done to it -except some lubricating- since I bought it ten years ago. I think it's a 1995 model: no suspension, just v-brakes, etc.
Any suggestions?
Apologies for the drawn out intro - skip bracketed area to avoid background.
(I haven't biked off-road seriously for twelve years or more - but I did know Dalby Forest quite well at the time. I always dreamed of owning a top-end Marin but had to settle for expensive Emelles and cheap Diamondbacks. A few years later, I bought a grey Team Marin from York Cycleworks; it was owned by one of the members of staff there. Obviously, it was already a few years old, but it was in top nick, despite a distressed patina which I rather liked. It had had a hard life, but had been taken care of. Depressingly, I only use it to go to and from work now, where it's not at its best, but I love it so much I could never swap it for the road bike/hybrid I really need.
But I've been invited by colleague to go for a ride on Sunday morning. Despite my protestations, he basically bullied me into it - in a nice way. Now I want to be ready...)
Where do I start sorting out a old Team Marin? Cables, brakes, chain? Everything's worn, and I can do the work myself. It's an old, low-tech bike, judging by the beauties I've seen whilst lurking in this forum, but I don't know where to start. Nothing's been done to it -except some lubricating- since I bought it ten years ago. I think it's a 1995 model: no suspension, just v-brakes, etc.
Any suggestions?
First thing I'd do would be to have the wheels trued.
Second thing would be to lubricate everything.
Third thing would be to take it for a ride, checking the brakes and gears and other stuff work.
Fourth thing - make sure you've got a good emergency kit, spare tube, puncture repair, multitool, cash, cable ties, etc.
Also get a shock pump and check the pressure in the fork is optimal.
Second thing would be to lubricate everything.
Third thing would be to take it for a ride, checking the brakes and gears and other stuff work.
Fourth thing - make sure you've got a good emergency kit, spare tube, puncture repair, multitool, cash, cable ties, etc.
Also get a shock pump and check the pressure in the fork is optimal.
Parrot of Doom said:
First thing I'd do would be to have the wheels trued.
Second thing would be to lubricate everything.
Third thing would be to take it for a ride, checking the brakes and gears and other stuff work.
Fourth thing - make sure you've got a good emergency kit, spare tube, puncture repair, multitool, cash, cable ties, etc.
Thanks so much for taking the time to post! Will set about it tomorrow morning...Second thing would be to lubricate everything.
Third thing would be to take it for a ride, checking the brakes and gears and other stuff work.
Fourth thing - make sure you've got a good emergency kit, spare tube, puncture repair, multitool, cash, cable ties, etc.
change pads and all cables and cable housings..
.. that would be a start, thn on to true wheels, check if rubber is to perished on tyres and tubes (pump them up and wait over night) Lube chain and check for seized links, chuck lube into all hinges and pulleys on derailleurs. Check headset for seizing or binding and pull apart and regrease as necs..
Take it for short ride and tweak as needed.
.. that would be a start, thn on to true wheels, check if rubber is to perished on tyres and tubes (pump them up and wait over night) Lube chain and check for seized links, chuck lube into all hinges and pulleys on derailleurs. Check headset for seizing or binding and pull apart and regrease as necs..
Take it for short ride and tweak as needed.
If you're short of time I would make sure the brakes are working - they are your single most important safety and control device - that could include making sure the wheels run true (use a spoke spanner to gradually bring the warps back in line) and new brake pads and cables.
Then oil everything that moves - dismantling, soaking in oil and then put back again if you have time. Pay attention to chain links that may have stiffened and cause the chain to jump around in the gears. Penetrating oil, lots of wiggling, a chain tool (I have used a screwdriver in the past) can also loosen the links.
If you have time left over, check the gears. Cables may be replaced and indexing reset. As long as you can get bottom (low) gear in all front cogs that should be ok for you at least to keep you moving and out of the worst trouble.
As above take some tools to help adjust and fix on the trail, but above all, enjoy getting back in the saddle! A bike doesn't have to run perfectly to have fun on, and It might hurt the lungs, but you'll feel good afterwards, and perhaps even motivte you to get a full service at the bike shop or a new bike and get out more regularly.
Then oil everything that moves - dismantling, soaking in oil and then put back again if you have time. Pay attention to chain links that may have stiffened and cause the chain to jump around in the gears. Penetrating oil, lots of wiggling, a chain tool (I have used a screwdriver in the past) can also loosen the links.
If you have time left over, check the gears. Cables may be replaced and indexing reset. As long as you can get bottom (low) gear in all front cogs that should be ok for you at least to keep you moving and out of the worst trouble.
As above take some tools to help adjust and fix on the trail, but above all, enjoy getting back in the saddle! A bike doesn't have to run perfectly to have fun on, and It might hurt the lungs, but you'll feel good afterwards, and perhaps even motivte you to get a full service at the bike shop or a new bike and get out more regularly.
Edited by prand on Friday 10th October 14:40
Fantastic response, guys! Thanks very much indeed. Got myself a program (although I think I may need more work than the bike).
Non-suspension bikes are call 'rigids'? God, times have changed; I remember being mightily impressed witht he first set of front shocks I saw on a bike, then horrified by how they much they weighed! I'm guessing technology's advanced just a teensy bit since then...
At the risk of prattling, I really appreciate the advice given. Much more confident sorting the Marin than the TVR...
Non-suspension bikes are call 'rigids'? God, times have changed; I remember being mightily impressed witht he first set of front shocks I saw on a bike, then horrified by how they much they weighed! I'm guessing technology's advanced just a teensy bit since then...
At the risk of prattling, I really appreciate the advice given. Much more confident sorting the Marin than the TVR...
Post some pictures of it.
After five years of no use I'd assume the bottom bracket, cables, chain, tyres, tubes and brake blocks would all need changing.
Then grease the headset and check the hubs still work. Might be cheaper / easier for this weekend to hire a bike for the day - can you do this at Dalby?
Rigids are a laugh and you'll have a whale of a time.
After five years of no use I'd assume the bottom bracket, cables, chain, tyres, tubes and brake blocks would all need changing.
Then grease the headset and check the hubs still work. Might be cheaper / easier for this weekend to hire a bike for the day - can you do this at Dalby?
Rigids are a laugh and you'll have a whale of a time.
mk1fan said:
Post some pictures of it.
After five years of no use I'd assume the bottom bracket, cables, chain, tyres, tubes and brake blocks would all need changing.
Then grease the headset and check the hubs still work. Might be cheaper / easier for this weekend to hire a bike for the day - can you do this at Dalby?
Rigids are a laugh and you'll have a whale of a time.
Thanks for your points. The bike is used daily and lubed as necessary; I just wanted some advice before I got it dirty for the first time in ages (and ages). And I didn't go to Dalby: that was just the last place I went! After five years of no use I'd assume the bottom bracket, cables, chain, tyres, tubes and brake blocks would all need changing.
Then grease the headset and check the hubs still work. Might be cheaper / easier for this weekend to hire a bike for the day - can you do this at Dalby?
Rigids are a laugh and you'll have a whale of a time.
Actually, I've just got back. We started in from West Bridgford in Nottingham and went towards the A453 past Thrumpton. I was a bit disappointed I didn't make it to the top of the the gloopy hills but that was my own fault, not the bike's. I just wasn't strong enough. Felt as if I was holding the other two back a bit (which was not nice) but they were scrupulously polite. Next time...
As for the bike, I worked on it this morning (dismantled/oiled/greased the bits I could; fitted the low-rise handlebars and brake blocks I bought ages ago; and generally checked and tightened).
It was great, actually. I did think I would have enjoyed some suspension, though, which I would not have predicted beforehand. But I am a fool and behind the times. Also think I'd have liked some disc brakes - will look into fitting those. Sometime. If the TVR hasn't credit-crunched me very soon.
You were spot on, Mk1: I had a WHALE of time. And I WILL conquer those muddy, muddy hills.
Thanks very much again for all your advice. You're a friendly lot on this forum, I think!
Inny,
Join www.retrobike.co.uk , great friendly site with a lot of good used or NOS spares for sale.
Cheers
Matt
Join www.retrobike.co.uk , great friendly site with a lot of good used or NOS spares for sale.
Cheers
Matt
Glad you had a good time!
Re Upgrades - I'm presuming with the age of your bike, you wont have disc ready frame/hubs, so disc brakes might be off the cards.
Once you add in the price of a decent suspension fork, plus a set of decent disc brakes, you maybe looking at the price of a pretty nice new bike, or something nearly new/sale stock that could be really nice.
Stick with your current bike for the time being and concentrate on improving yourself, then if you find yourself getting back into it, you've got something to think about.
Re Upgrades - I'm presuming with the age of your bike, you wont have disc ready frame/hubs, so disc brakes might be off the cards.
Once you add in the price of a decent suspension fork, plus a set of decent disc brakes, you maybe looking at the price of a pretty nice new bike, or something nearly new/sale stock that could be really nice.
Stick with your current bike for the time being and concentrate on improving yourself, then if you find yourself getting back into it, you've got something to think about.
snotrag said:
Glad you had a good time!
Re Upgrades - I'm presuming with the age of your bike, you wont have disc ready frame/hubs, so disc brakes might be off the cards.
Once you add in the price of a decent suspension fork, plus a set of decent disc brakes, you maybe looking at the price of a pretty nice new bike, or something nearly new/sale stock that could be really nice.
Stick with your current bike for the time being and concentrate on improving yourself, then if you find yourself getting back into it, you've got something to think about.
Thanks, snotrag. Re Upgrades - I'm presuming with the age of your bike, you wont have disc ready frame/hubs, so disc brakes might be off the cards.
Once you add in the price of a decent suspension fork, plus a set of decent disc brakes, you maybe looking at the price of a pretty nice new bike, or something nearly new/sale stock that could be really nice.
Stick with your current bike for the time being and concentrate on improving yourself, then if you find yourself getting back into it, you've got something to think about.
I guess you're right. Thank you for putting me in the picture with regard to discs/forks; I have to resist the temptation to buy stuff!
The bike is, I feel, more than adequate, and again, you're right in that I need to improve myself first! Priorities...
Just whacked on a pair of slicks though (sorry) to make my commute easier.
MATRS said:
Inny,
Join www.retrobike.co.uk , great friendly site with a lot of good used or NOS spares for sale.
Cheers
Matt
Thanks for the link, dude! What a great site!Join www.retrobike.co.uk , great friendly site with a lot of good used or NOS spares for sale.
Cheers
Matt
www.singletrackworld.co.I'm has a very active classifieds section aswell, I think most of us onthis forum use it. Slicks carry no shame, commuting by bike is the best way to get miles under your belt as it can fit into your week much easier, specially in winter.
Fantastic. I feel better about the slicks now! They feel great (although I realise I've put them on backwards).
I'm on a mission to get miles under my belt now.
It's great: in the car, I fancy the long way home - now on the bike, I fancy the long way home, too!
I really appreciate the links and general support/info.
I'm on a mission to get miles under my belt now.
It's great: in the car, I fancy the long way home - now on the bike, I fancy the long way home, too!
I really appreciate the links and general support/info.
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