Neglected bike - what will need doing?

[DoubleSix]

Hi,

I bought a rather nice FS Trek Fuel Ex for about 2k about 3 years ago and ever since it has gathered dust as family life took over.

I went out to the garage the other day and it look very sad with deflated tyres, no brake pressure, sagging suspension etc

My past experience of servicing at a bike shop was that they change (unstretched) cables and hand it back whilst releaving you of large amounts of cash.

Can anyone advise of what it will take to get it in tip top state and how to avoid being bummed by bike shop etc?

[Jimbo.]

Don't bother with a bike shop.

Pump up tyres.
Bleed brakes.
Lube cables.
Check/adjust indexing.
Poss. lube/wipe suspension around wipers.
Pump up suspension.
Ride.

That's about it really, assuming it wasn't rotten and filthy when put away.

[DoubleSix]

Twas mint went it got put away.

So, I dragged it in covered in cobwebs and spiders, and am setting about it. Guess I need to buy a bleed kit?

Front brake is jammed full on, what does that indicate? Back wheel rotates but brake unresponsive.

Amazingly the tyres are holding air as i imagined the rubber would have perished somewhat...

I have a suspension pump somewhere with all the stuff from purchase.

Just got my 3 year old her first pedal bike (CNOC 14) so motivated to sort this for the summer!

Edited by DoubleSix on Wednesday 15th February 20:09

[davepoth]

DoubleSix said:

Front brake is jammed full on, what does that indicate?

If it was a car I'd say there was water in the brake fluid. You'll need to drain and replace, and you might need to do some work on the calipers and master cylinder if they're rusty.

[DoubleSix]

Not going well.

Noticed fluid dripping from rear lever too...

So, an Avid replacement internals kit looks like £25, bleed kit another £30-40 - prob need a work stand too ££.

I like tinkering but this looks like a costly fiddle no?

[DoubleSix]

[Jimbo.]

They're Avid brakes so they're utter poo anyway (sorry!)

Bin then and fit these:

https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-m445-disc-bra...

...or some Shimano Deore brakes. Much better!

[DoubleSix]

yeah, I'd rather switch them out than spend a bucket load for an exercise in frustration.

RE the Avid vs Shimano thing there seems to be a lot of 'debate' on that one...

The Avids were fantastically consistent when they were working, solid, predictable. Lots of chat about shimano being solid one minute and mushy the next has me a bit hesitant... although the bleed procedure looks a lot easier on the Shimano (I'd probably go XT or XTR if I switched).

[JTSmith]

DoubleSix said:

Not going to get into Shimano VS Avid, but as someone has already pointed out, systems are so cheap now its a better idea just to buy a new one! (with the added bonus of a fresh set of pads!)

Maintenance wise;
- check the chain for any stuck links, these could potentially snap the mech hanger if they jam the mech (and Trek ABP mechs are a pain in the ass to source/get the right one)
- a little squirt of WD40 on all the bearings should force out any liquid thats got into them, saving squeaks
- new mech cables (and maybe the outers too) will make the gears feel/work like new... This isnt essential, but will make a lot of difference
- Leave the bike upside down for a while, then cycle the fork up and down a bit, this ensures that the foam stanchion boots in the fork are soaked in sus oil

Source: Worked at JeJames for 6 years or so

[JTSmith]

Oh and get a shock pump out to set the sus back to your required PSI!

[DoubleSix]

Do brake sets come with rotors or do I retain those I have?

[gazza285]

DoubleSix said:

Do brake sets come with rotors or do I retain those I have?

The ones you have now will be fine.

[DoubleSix]

New bits...




I note that bike shop folk haven't improved in the personality dept over the 20yrs, like pulling teeth getting advice/pleasantries.

[JTSmith]

DoubleSix said:

New bits...




I note that bike shop folk haven't improved in the personality dept over the 20yrs, like pulling teeth getting advice/pleasantries.

SLX brakes are ace, if I need to replace mine I'd probably choose 'm!

[DoubleSix]

Yeah did a bit reading and apparently these are more reliable than the XT jobbies.

Just scrubbing the bike down, degreasing drivetrain and then will try and fit!

[JTSmith]

Good idea cleaning it haha

If you are looking for a jaw droppingly good degreaser I can recommend Finish Line Clean Streak

http://www.finishlineusa.com/images/products/big_F...

[DoubleSix]

Cheers dude.

All fitted. Feel a lot more spongy than the Avids which isn't necessarily a bad thing although I can squeeze the rear almost back to the handle bar which isn't ideal.

These come pre-bled though I understand....

[Jimbo.]

DoubleSix said:

Cheers dude.

All fitted. Feel a lot more spongy than the Avids which isn't necessarily a bad thing although I can squeeze the rear almost back to the handle bar which isn't ideal.

These come pre-bled though I understand....

They do but rarely as good as they can be.

[Viperzs]

It'll be worth dropping the headset out and making sure it's well lubed. Same goes for the bottom bracket if you can. They'll be dry as anything no doubt.

[shouldbworking]

In my experience new shimano brakes need a few hard stops to bed in before they stop feeling spongy.

Shouldn't need a great deal more doing to it other than crossed fingers that the bearings and bushings haven't seized up