Ressurecting old bike

-null- · 10-07-09, 05:16 PM

My old bike has been hanging in our shed for several years now. AFAIK it's in one piece (other than the front wheel which was removed to fit it in the shed) but will probably be a bit rusty and dirty (it's currently home to a spider).

Can anyone advise me what I would need to clean it up so I can get back on it.

Jon · 10-07-09, 06:00 PM

Definitely get new brake blocks and brake cables.

You would need to give it a good clean, muc-off products are easy to use or some car shampoo would do the trick. Don't use washing up liquid as it will contain salt which will just add to the rust.

Once you have cleaned it you may need to clean and re-grease the bearings in the wheels, headet (were the handlebars meet the frame) & possibly the bottom bracked if its a old bike and not a sealed unit. To test for these, turn the bike upside down and spin the wheels, if you can hear a grinding noise or the wheel has a bit of play in it if you try to wobble it side to side, the wheels will need doing. Hold onto both crank's (bit that the pedals are screwed into) and see if they wobble in the frame, if they do bottom bracket may need some attention. Try the stearing, if it feels like its "notched" or bumpy when you turn it they will need attention.

The chain will want a clean and re-oiling, and you will also need to check the spokes on the wheels all have the same tension.

**the_icks** · 10-07-09, 07:11 PM

.....or just buy a new one!!

-null- · 10-07-09, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_icks

.....or just buy a new one!!

Which I may end up doing if the repairs are going to cost more than a new one would (and I can scrape up enough spare cash).

Thanks Jon.

Jon · 10-07-09, 09:29 PM

so long as there is no serious damage it should only cost £30/40 maxx

10-07-09, 05:16 PM	#1
-null- Mini Mac Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3,135	Ressurecting old bike My old bike has been hanging in our shed for several years now. AFAIK it's in one piece (other than the front wheel which was removed to fit it in the shed) but will probably be a bit rusty and dirty (it's currently home to a spider). Can anyone advise me what I would need to clean it up so I can get back on it.

10-07-09, 06:00 PM	#2
Jon MJ lady with maracas Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leeds Posts: 12,798	Definitely get new brake blocks and brake cables. You would need to give it a good clean, muc-off products are easy to use or some car shampoo would do the trick. Don't use washing up liquid as it will contain salt which will just add to the rust. Once you have cleaned it you may need to clean and re-grease the bearings in the wheels, headet (were the handlebars meet the frame) & possibly the bottom bracked if its a old bike and not a sealed unit. To test for these, turn the bike upside down and spin the wheels, if you can hear a grinding noise or the wheel has a bit of play in it if you try to wobble it side to side, the wheels will need doing. Hold onto both crank's (bit that the pedals are screwed into) and see if they wobble in the frame, if they do bottom bracket may need some attention. Try the stearing, if it feels like its "notched" or bumpy when you turn it they will need attention. The chain will want a clean and re-oiling, and you will also need to check the spokes on the wheels all have the same tension. __________________

10-07-09, 09:29 PM	#5
Jon MJ lady with maracas Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leeds Posts: 12,798	so long as there is no serious damage it should only cost £30/40 maxx __________________

10-07-09, 07:11 PM	#3
the_icks Mr Baldy Chicken Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 13,977	.....or just buy a new one!!