jasonw

Maybe the derailleur spring is wearing out, cables housing needs to be replaced, tension adjusted...

Or could be worn out chain and gears.

jasonw

Oh yeah, I'm pretty sure it's at least 20 lbs, but you don't need to get too caught up over that.

espelirS2K

I watched him adjust the tension and it would solve it for the gears at the bottom of the rear sprocket, but then it would go 5-7 instead of 5-6-7. Then when I got on it, I ran through all the gears just fine. One thing I noticed when I was at 1 (at the bottom.. maybe that's considered 7? haha i'm a bike n00b) on the rear sprocket, and then on the bottom on the front sprocket so the chain was like \ that across the side, it would rub on the guide. The guy said that's 'cause of the way the chain is bending they "all do that". But like I said, I'm so n00b I don't even know.

How much would it cost to change that stuff? Also, I plan on making this a learning bike. I'd like to change things out as I get better, before spending $900ish on a good bike. So I don't mind spending some coin over time (would like to get a carbon fork, carbon seat post, good pedals, seat) and so on. The frame I'm pretty happy with I think. But my main concern is it's good value for the money?


If I do end up getting it (which I'm about sure I will) I'd love to meet up with you and you can tell me everything that needs to be done Like I said.. I'm not afraid to replace stuff as I get better.

groundzero

crossing your chain big front+big rear or small front small rear will almost always cause rubbing on the front derailleurs. you should not ride those combos

stevoe88

If you ever wanted to go to the track (i.e hellyer velodrome) I think its required you have fixed gear + drop bars if you wanted to compete. I don't plan on competing but you honestly won't know why people ride fixed gear until you ride one. Maybe we can set up a bike meet where everyone can bring bikes (anything from bmx, mountain, road, fixed/single speed) You can ride my fixed gear and see if you like it. I find it more challenging and fun to ride than riding a road bike. But I do plan on getting one to commute around school when I transfer out of De Anza to a 4 year university.

jasonw

Well it could be the cable housing, like I said. Otherwise, next bet would be worn chain and gears. Those parts will be at least $50-$80(plus tools/time).

If you want to do long rides, that bike will probably never be comfortable. Your best bet is keeping the tire pressure a little lower. For 10 to 20 miles, it probably won't matter.

I guess if you get good pedals+seat+wheels, you can transfer that to a better bike eventually. But it's better to avoid buying two bikes like most people. If you can save up more, just skip the learning bike altogether.

Powerhouse

I would say buying a bike is a lot like buying a car. An older bike (mid-90's) with shifters on the frame is a radical concept to shifters nowadays that are on the handlebars, integrated with brake levers. It all depends on what you're looking for, a bike is an investment if you start getting serious about it.

If you're thinking about swapping out all the hardware within a year, it's better to just buy a used bike that has all the main components you want, plus usually a better built frame, and an overall better deal.

Your riding position, esp. on a road bike, is the important part. You're going to be riding for 2+ hrs eventually (if you start enjoying it) and riding with a bike not fitted for you is going to be painful, and un-motivating. Hope this helps.

S2020

sounds like you may already have problem with your bike. As a beginner, this can be frustrating (or rewarding if you like to be a wrench monkey), and may turn you off bikes. I suggest spending a little more ($500) to get a nicer ride.

espelirS2K

Am not, nor will be any time soon, to spend $500 on a bike. I picked it up today and so far I'm happy. I figured out why the chain was slipping.. due to my unfamiliarty with the shifters on the bike. They need a little "finessing" to get them in gear rather than just mindlessly shifting. This could be a fault or maybe just they way they are. Not sure, but I'm loving the bike so far. I'm going to adjust the handle bars to sit a little higher 'cause I'm a bit keeled over right now, and then I'll be set .

Went for a 1 block ride on my lunch break after picking the bike up and realized just how out of shape I was

Time to go buy a camelbak!

jasonw

Camelbacks are for mountain bikes.

Water bottles are cheaper and it's better to not have things strapped to you. Plus you can put them in the dishwasher...