Biking to work... and maintenance.

[benyl]

Alright, my ass has gotten fat enough that I need to exercise.

I have an old 1999 Cannondale F500 that I think would work for commuting:
http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...F500&Type=bike

I pulled it from storage and wiped it down. Aired up the tires and went for a slow ride to see if I remembered how.

Tried shifting into the granny gear and well, right shifter won't go past gear 4. Haven't had a chance to take it apart.

It is a Shimano SL-MC41.

When I push the bottom lever, it shifts up from the smallest cog, but it doesn't ratchet back so that I can shift up again.

Is it serviceable, or do I have to buy a new shifter?

[TYMSMNY]

serviceable for sure. probably a loose screw or needs an adjustment.

Bring it down to Bow Cycle and they'll have a look for you. Then you can decide if it's worth it to fix.

how long has it been in storage? prob needs a good clean and lube too.

[benyl]

I haven't really used the bike in 10 years. haha.

The price of a complete overhaul at Bow Cycle is nearly the cost of half a new bike! haha.

I used it when I was in University, but that was long time ago.

I also have a habit of buying things and not really using them.

I have one of these that has maybe seen 300 kms.

http://www.trekbikes.com/ca/en/bikes...chive/madone52

[msommers]

Just have money to burn eh? Must be nice!

[bigboom]

Originally posted by benyl
Alright, my ass has gotten fat enough that I need to exercise.

I have an old 1999 Cannondale F500 that I think would work for commuting:
http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...&Type=bike

I pulled it from storage and wiped it down. Aired up the tires and went for a slow ride to see if I remembered how.

Tried shifting into the granny gear and well, right shifter won't go past gear 4. Haven't had a chance to take it apart.

It is a Shimano SL-MC41.

When I push the bottom lever, it shifts up from the smallest cog, but it doesn't ratchet back so that I can shift up again.

Is it serviceable, or do I have to buy a new shifter?

sounds like shifter might be seized...i'm not sure how willing you are to do this but open up the shifter and take a look at the cabling, you will see a head on a cable nestled in the shifter make sure that is seated correctly.

the other thing that you can check is cable tension, make sure that there isnt a high level of tension in the cable. with the symptoms you are describing though it sounds like a seized shifter, shifters arent really all that serviceable and most likely you wont find a mechanic in town willing to service it.

[benyl]

4-8 seems fine. Everything clicks like normal.

I'll drop it off at bow cycle today and see what they say. Might end up with a new bike.

Any recommendations for a path warrior commuter?

[Penguin_Racecar]

Likely dirty shifter housings/cables, which would be a relatively cheap fix.

If you're buying a new bike for commuting - I'd buy a Kona Dew of some variety. They're great bikes. Option 2 would be a Kona Jake cyclocross bike if you want to have something sportier and are willing to pony up the extra coin.

[benyl]

Where is the best place for good bike accessories at reasonable cost? (I am half asian after all).

MEC? Bow cycle?

[98type_r]

Prices at MEC are usually hard to beat.

[msommers]

MEC or online for parts and clothes. I found a pair of PI thermal tights online for half price from The Bike Shop.

For a commuter, the bike you have sounds totally fine. Hell the Trek bike is amazing and it's also sitting around lol. Don't waste your money in buying another bike.

[lint]

I had the same issue with an old bike I pulled out of storage as well. took it to bow, they cleaned out the shifter cables with solvent, and shifts as good as new. didn't even charge me for it. But I did buy a new wheel on the same visit since it was bent when my wife ran over it

[BrknFngrs]

There was a thread a whille back that mentioned an individual who runs a bike repair business; but I can't seem to find the thread.

Apparently he was reasonably priced and even picked up and dropped off your bike at your home.

Anyone remember who/which company this was?

[Canmorite]

Originally posted by BrknFngrs
There was a thread a whille back that mentioned an individual who runs a bike repair business; but I can't seem to find the thread.

Apparently he was reasonably priced and even picked up and dropped off your bike at your home.

Anyone remember who/which company this was?

There's a house on 2 ST and 31 AVE NW where the guy (Jay) services bikes out of his garage. Got a full tune up and new chain for $90. I'll dig up my invoice to get a number if anyone's interesed.

[Moonracer]

Originally posted by Canmorite


There's a house on 2 ST and 31 AVE NW where the guy (Jay) services bikes out of his garage. Got a full tune up and new chain for $90. I'll dig up my invoice to get a number if anyone's interesed.

I second that

http://mechanahands.com/

[benyl]

Took the bike to Jay.

Good as new.

Rode it in today. not looking forward to the hot ride home.

[msommers]

Regarding cleaning and greasing the chain, what products/tools do you guys prefer to use?

[J-hop]

Originally posted by msommers
Regarding cleaning and greasing the chain, what products/tools do you guys prefer to use?

I personally don't grease my chain. I use a chain wax instead and generally apply every day. The chain wax gives the chain good lubrication and flakes off when saturated with dirt. I've noticed my chain runs way cleaner (haven't given it a full clean since the beginning of this season and probably won't need to this season) and things like rear derailers don't get gummed up anymore. I still grease the derailer itself with some bio grease stuff I got from Ridleys though. It's ok stuff but if I didn't have a full tub left to go through I would have bought some Park grease, I love that stuff!!

[msommers]

Ended up hitting The Bike Shop as they had the Park Tool cleaning kit with the brush and cleaning solution. The PT cleaning unit seemed to get more solid reviews than the Filzer one at MEC and after buying the other bits, there really wasn't much difference in price.

[flipstah]

Bumping because spring is here and I'm planning to ride to work.

How do you bring a change of clothes without wrinkling them?

[a social dsease]

I fold my shirt in half, then roll it up. Same thing with the pants, fold once then roll.