Getting back in the saddle
Discussion
Hi all
Well, with today's glorious weather and recent advice from the Doctor that I shouldn't be running or playing football (bad back), I've decided that this summer I will take up 'casual' cycling again. I used to cycle a lot, and loved it, but unfortunately real life gets in the way and these leisurely pursuits get put to one side.
I was going to purchase a 2nd hand MTB, as I would like to go off-road now and then. But, I've got a Scott Yecora bike that has been in the shed for a number of years...
I've just pulled it out and it seems to be in reasonable condition, save a bit of surface rust. I'm a complete beginner when it comes to maintenance, but would it be advisable to get the bike 'serviced' before I start using it? Is that something I could do myself? Or there's a place near me that will do Strip down, clean and re build with all bearing arrangements re greased. All bolts torque set. for £65.
I'd also like to put some road tyres on it as most of my riding will be on the road at the moment. Schwalbe City Jet any good?
Would it be ok to jetwash the bike to get rid of all the cobwebs and years of crud?
Any general advice greatly appreciated.
Many thanks!
Well, with today's glorious weather and recent advice from the Doctor that I shouldn't be running or playing football (bad back), I've decided that this summer I will take up 'casual' cycling again. I used to cycle a lot, and loved it, but unfortunately real life gets in the way and these leisurely pursuits get put to one side.
I was going to purchase a 2nd hand MTB, as I would like to go off-road now and then. But, I've got a Scott Yecora bike that has been in the shed for a number of years...
I've just pulled it out and it seems to be in reasonable condition, save a bit of surface rust. I'm a complete beginner when it comes to maintenance, but would it be advisable to get the bike 'serviced' before I start using it? Is that something I could do myself? Or there's a place near me that will do Strip down, clean and re build with all bearing arrangements re greased. All bolts torque set. for £65.
I'd also like to put some road tyres on it as most of my riding will be on the road at the moment. Schwalbe City Jet any good?
Would it be ok to jetwash the bike to get rid of all the cobwebs and years of crud?
Any general advice greatly appreciated.
Many thanks!
carreauchompeur said:
I'd be tempted just to lube the chain and any other visible moving/turning bits and crack on... IMO not worth spending £65, if it ain't broke don't fix it!
My main concern is that I'll be flying along at 17mph, hit a pothole, and my front wheel will fall off 
I do intend, in the long-term, to do some reasonably long rides on this bike.
I changed my tyres to road tyres recently went for http://www.wiggle.co.uk/geax-street-runner-mtb-tyr... which seem pretty good. If your changing your tyre make sure you double check your inner tube will fit! 
happy cycling!
happy cycling! If it's not been used it shouldn't be broken...
Don't jet wash it!!! The pressure blasts all the grease out of the bearings and oily bits. Just use hot soapy water, rinse, and give it a wipe.
When it's dry, get your spanners out and check everything tight enough. If something 'important' (like a wheel!) works loose, you'll probably feel it before it falls off!
Then spray the chain with oil, (WD40, GT85, etc) and you can also spray the cables, gear mechs, and any other bits and pieces, as the oil will protect them. Just don't spray the rims and brake blocks...
Don't jet wash it!!! The pressure blasts all the grease out of the bearings and oily bits. Just use hot soapy water, rinse, and give it a wipe.
When it's dry, get your spanners out and check everything tight enough. If something 'important' (like a wheel!) works loose, you'll probably feel it before it falls off!
Then spray the chain with oil, (WD40, GT85, etc) and you can also spray the cables, gear mechs, and any other bits and pieces, as the oil will protect them. Just don't spray the rims and brake blocks...
mongoose94 said:
If it's not been used it shouldn't be broken...
Don't jet wash it!!! The pressure blasts all the grease out of the bearings and oily bits. Just use hot soapy water, rinse, and give it a wipe.
When it's dry, get your spanners out and check everything tight enough. If something 'important' (like a wheel!) works loose, you'll probably feel it before it falls off!
Then spray the chain with oil, (WD40, GT85, etc) and you can also spray the cables, gear mechs, and any other bits and pieces, as the oil will protect them. Just don't spray the rims and brake blocks...
Don't jet wash it!!! The pressure blasts all the grease out of the bearings and oily bits. Just use hot soapy water, rinse, and give it a wipe.
When it's dry, get your spanners out and check everything tight enough. If something 'important' (like a wheel!) works loose, you'll probably feel it before it falls off!
Then spray the chain with oil, (WD40, GT85, etc) and you can also spray the cables, gear mechs, and any other bits and pieces, as the oil will protect them. Just don't spray the rims and brake blocks...
So last night I tidied her up and fitted two new tyres ( Continental Travel Contact) and inner tubes. Went for a quick spin down the road and it feels great, if a little cold (it was 10pm by this time).
Cheers guys, can't wait to get out and have a proper ride now. Just need to find my CatEye computer
Just been out for my first proper ride. Well, 8 miles, but it's a start!
A few observations:
Loving it so far. Back out tomorrow.
A few observations:
- I need padded shorts. Does anyone enjoy sitting on a razor-edge for any period of time?!
- I need to wear gloves, my hands were killing.
- Drivers get very close when overtaking when a car is coming the other way. This is unfortunate when it coincides with a drain in poor disrepair right in my path.
- Road tyres really make a difference!
Loving it so far. Back out tomorrow.
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