Recycled cycle questions
October 24, 2018 10:40 AM Subscribe
Historically, bicycles have not ended well for me, but I've purchased this elderly lady and decided to give it one more go. Unfortunately, I know nothing about bicycles and would appreciate some advice.
This bicycle will be travelling exactly 1.3km on totally flat surfaces each way a few times a week and that's pretty much it. Here are some things:
1. It needs new tires. How do I know what size to get, and should I expect to need new tubes and... other things relating to tires? (We've essentially exhausted my bicycle vocabulary now!)
2. It needs new brake pads. Are they just a standard size?
3. I VASTLY prefer to sit upright -- due to a previous bicycle collision with a truck, I cannot really support the weight of the lean-in for drop or mixte handlebars using my left shoulder. Is replacing handlebars a thing? Like will I be able to put more Dutch-style handlebars on this bike?
Anything else I don't know enough to ask also appreciated :)
This bicycle will be travelling exactly 1.3km on totally flat surfaces each way a few times a week and that's pretty much it. Here are some things:
1. It needs new tires. How do I know what size to get, and should I expect to need new tubes and... other things relating to tires? (We've essentially exhausted my bicycle vocabulary now!)
2. It needs new brake pads. Are they just a standard size?
3. I VASTLY prefer to sit upright -- due to a previous bicycle collision with a truck, I cannot really support the weight of the lean-in for drop or mixte handlebars using my left shoulder. Is replacing handlebars a thing? Like will I be able to put more Dutch-style handlebars on this bike?
Anything else I don't know enough to ask also appreciated :)
Best answer: 1. The size will be printed or (I think more likely here) molded on the side of the existing tires. If they hold air you ought to be able to reuse the tubes.
2. Pretty much.
3. Yes, the critical thing is the clamp diameter where they attach to the rest of the bike at a piece called the "stem" (the silvery thing that looks like an upside down L). The new bars would need to have the same diameter as the existing bars or else you'd need to replace the stem as well.
posted by exogenous at 10:52 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
2. Pretty much.
3. Yes, the critical thing is the clamp diameter where they attach to the rest of the bike at a piece called the "stem" (the silvery thing that looks like an upside down L). The new bars would need to have the same diameter as the existing bars or else you'd need to replace the stem as well.
posted by exogenous at 10:52 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Best answer: What a pretty bike! It looks perfect for what you'll be using it for. I would also suggest bringing it to a bike shop and ask them to talk with you about what it'll need in the way of new rubber parts or any other required maintenance. Most bike shops should be enthusiastic about this request, provided they're not super-busy at that moment. (If they are not interested in helping you learn about how to maintain your bike, find another shop.) If there's a bicycle co-op in your area, they could also be a great source for repairs, parts, and instruction in how to do repairs yourself if you're interested.
They should also be willing to talk with you about what adjustments or replacements are possible for your handlebar setup. It could be that replacing the handlebars with a larger set would be the way to go, or you could get what you need with a shorter stem or different grips. Brake cable length could be a problem if you're changing the handlebar position significantly, but they'll be able to help with that question as well.
posted by asperity at 10:53 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
They should also be willing to talk with you about what adjustments or replacements are possible for your handlebar setup. It could be that replacing the handlebars with a larger set would be the way to go, or you could get what you need with a shorter stem or different grips. Brake cable length could be a problem if you're changing the handlebar position significantly, but they'll be able to help with that question as well.
posted by asperity at 10:53 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Yes, take it to your local bike shop and have them do an general tuneup and safety inspection. Tell them the specifics you posted when you begin, and ask for an estimate first.
Unless the shop is busy at the moment, they should be able to do the inspection/recommendations on the spot, so you can nix some things that are non-essential for you ("I don't really need a new chain, thanks..."). Depending on the parts needed & repairs you approve it's likely under $100.
and you can replace the handlebars, but those look pretty 'upright' already and are about as high as the stem will go. You may be able to buy bars that curve more toward you, but that will likely cost more that the tubes/tires & brakes.
posted by TDIpod at 10:56 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Unless the shop is busy at the moment, they should be able to do the inspection/recommendations on the spot, so you can nix some things that are non-essential for you ("I don't really need a new chain, thanks..."). Depending on the parts needed & repairs you approve it's likely under $100.
and you can replace the handlebars, but those look pretty 'upright' already and are about as high as the stem will go. You may be able to buy bars that curve more toward you, but that will likely cost more that the tubes/tires & brakes.
posted by TDIpod at 10:56 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I'd also bring it to a bike shop, but if you want to arm yourself with some information first:
1) The current tires will have their size either printed or molded in to the sidewall. It will probably look something like "AAAxBB" where AAA is the diameter and BB is the width of the tire. The diameter is most important because your wheel won't accept larger or small diameter tires; the width can be changed within certain limits. Common tire diameters are 700c, 650b, and 26 inches. You can replace the tire without also replacing the tube.
2) Brake pads don't vary a ton, but you'll need to find ones that fit the pad holders. Bike shop will be the easiest way to figure this out.
3) Handlebars can be swapped, again within certain constraints. New handlebars will need to a) be a compatible diameter for the stem (that other shiny metal bit that comes out of the bike frame and clamps the bars) and b) be compatible with your brake levers and shifters. You will need handlebars that can accept "mountain bike-style" levers and shifters (as opposed to "road style" or "race style"). Dutch-style handlebars should not be a problem. You could replace the handlebars with something designed for different style levers and shifters, but then you have to replace those also (and then make sure that those are compatible with your brakes and derailleurs) which starts getting very expensive.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:56 AM on October 24, 2018
1) The current tires will have their size either printed or molded in to the sidewall. It will probably look something like "AAAxBB" where AAA is the diameter and BB is the width of the tire. The diameter is most important because your wheel won't accept larger or small diameter tires; the width can be changed within certain limits. Common tire diameters are 700c, 650b, and 26 inches. You can replace the tire without also replacing the tube.
2) Brake pads don't vary a ton, but you'll need to find ones that fit the pad holders. Bike shop will be the easiest way to figure this out.
3) Handlebars can be swapped, again within certain constraints. New handlebars will need to a) be a compatible diameter for the stem (that other shiny metal bit that comes out of the bike frame and clamps the bars) and b) be compatible with your brake levers and shifters. You will need handlebars that can accept "mountain bike-style" levers and shifters (as opposed to "road style" or "race style"). Dutch-style handlebars should not be a problem. You could replace the handlebars with something designed for different style levers and shifters, but then you have to replace those also (and then make sure that those are compatible with your brakes and derailleurs) which starts getting very expensive.
posted by backseatpilot at 10:56 AM on October 24, 2018
That bike will take any handlebars you like.
posted by rhizome at 11:00 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by rhizome at 11:00 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Other considerations!
There are two types of valves on tires: Prestas and Schraders. You'll likely want to have (or have access to) a bike pump, because you'll need to check your tire pressure and top off air, but make sure you have the right pump for your valves (or get a dual pump to cover your bases). No one ever told me this, and the first time I had a flat, I wasted three hours and good number of cusses and tears thanks to not knowing the difference. So. Relatedly:
Consider run-flat or thorn-proof tires if you're likely to encounter rough pavement, broken glass, or literal thorns in your area. There are many options at various price points, but it can be nice for peace of mind (and to limit your punctures). Do be sure you keep one or two spare tubes around, as well as a patch kit -- you're not going far, but you may want to commute with the kit on your person, so you don't have to walk your bike home if you do get a flat. You may also want to get some bike tools -- again, these vary in terms of price and fanciness, and you don't need all of them (or any of them, if you have a shop), but a basic tool to let you tighten or loosen nuts and bolts can be quite handy, especially if you have an adjustable stem or seatpost. (Adjusting your seatpost can also help with back and shoulder positioning!)
See if any local bike shops or organisations near you offer bike repair clinics! Sometimes these are free community events, and they're empowering and fun! Doing basic routine maintenance on your own bike can save you a fair bit of money and can be quite satisfying. You can also learn this stuff on YouTube if you're so inclined, but it's often easier to figure things out hands-on, in-person, on your own bike. Plus you can make friends!
Make sure you have reflectors and/or lights -- and check your local regulations! In some places it's illegal to ride without a helmet, or without proper reflectors, or without your lights on at certain times of day.
One last thing: depending on your location, bike thieves will steal anything that's not locked down, whether or not it's even valuable, so make sure you have a secure spot to lock up, that you follow good locking protocols, and that you put on locking nuts if you have any quick-release equipment.
posted by halation at 11:33 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
There are two types of valves on tires: Prestas and Schraders. You'll likely want to have (or have access to) a bike pump, because you'll need to check your tire pressure and top off air, but make sure you have the right pump for your valves (or get a dual pump to cover your bases). No one ever told me this, and the first time I had a flat, I wasted three hours and good number of cusses and tears thanks to not knowing the difference. So. Relatedly:
Consider run-flat or thorn-proof tires if you're likely to encounter rough pavement, broken glass, or literal thorns in your area. There are many options at various price points, but it can be nice for peace of mind (and to limit your punctures). Do be sure you keep one or two spare tubes around, as well as a patch kit -- you're not going far, but you may want to commute with the kit on your person, so you don't have to walk your bike home if you do get a flat. You may also want to get some bike tools -- again, these vary in terms of price and fanciness, and you don't need all of them (or any of them, if you have a shop), but a basic tool to let you tighten or loosen nuts and bolts can be quite handy, especially if you have an adjustable stem or seatpost. (Adjusting your seatpost can also help with back and shoulder positioning!)
See if any local bike shops or organisations near you offer bike repair clinics! Sometimes these are free community events, and they're empowering and fun! Doing basic routine maintenance on your own bike can save you a fair bit of money and can be quite satisfying. You can also learn this stuff on YouTube if you're so inclined, but it's often easier to figure things out hands-on, in-person, on your own bike. Plus you can make friends!
Make sure you have reflectors and/or lights -- and check your local regulations! In some places it's illegal to ride without a helmet, or without proper reflectors, or without your lights on at certain times of day.
One last thing: depending on your location, bike thieves will steal anything that's not locked down, whether or not it's even valuable, so make sure you have a secure spot to lock up, that you follow good locking protocols, and that you put on locking nuts if you have any quick-release equipment.
posted by halation at 11:33 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: This is all incredibly helpful, thank you so much!
The reasons I am not just dropping it at a bike shop are varied: 1) The guy at my local bike shop is a douche and the good bike shop is annoyingly far; 2) As backseatpilot sugggests, I'm uncomfortable knowing nothing and would prefer not to get screwed because I'm clueless (see 1); 3) This bike was purchased for a very minimal investment of €45 and there's a limit to the amount I'm willing and able to spend right now so I'd like to minimise what I have to pay a bike shop to do.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:33 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
The reasons I am not just dropping it at a bike shop are varied: 1) The guy at my local bike shop is a douche and the good bike shop is annoyingly far; 2) As backseatpilot sugggests, I'm uncomfortable knowing nothing and would prefer not to get screwed because I'm clueless (see 1); 3) This bike was purchased for a very minimal investment of €45 and there's a limit to the amount I'm willing and able to spend right now so I'd like to minimise what I have to pay a bike shop to do.
posted by DarlingBri at 11:33 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
It is totally possible to replace the handlebar, you can likely even reuse your grips and brake levers. However one important note: when you move the brake levers to your new hand position, the brake cables may be too long or too short and will need to be either cut shorter or replaced. Heck, if it is an old bike, they may be frayed and may need to be replaced anyway. It is totally possible to DIY this - there are tons of videos on youtube - but it does require a wire cutter. There is definitely a trade-off between spending money at the shop vs. spending money on tools that you may only need once. However there may be a bike co-op that can rent you tools and a repair stand. There is a co-op in my town that charges $10 an hour for a bike stand and all the tools someone could ever want.
posted by muddgirl at 11:43 AM on October 24, 2018
posted by muddgirl at 11:43 AM on October 24, 2018
Best answer: I'd like to minimise what I have to pay a bike shop to do.
Do you want to do the labor yourself? Changing tires and brake pads is pretty easy, and you could buy parts on Amazon if you want. The only tools you'll need are an adjustable wrench (maybe two if the nuts are stubborn so you can grab the other end of the axle) and a set of tire levers. I'd probably still pay a bike shop to replace the handlebars.
Swapping tires - you'll be concerned with the sections on "removing the wheel," "removing the tire," and "reinstalling the tire." (More information about tire sizes than you may ever want to know)
Too much information about brakes - should help you figure out what kind of pads to buy and if you want to dive in to replacing them yourself. I think you have some sort of caliper brakes on that bike.
posted by backseatpilot at 11:50 AM on October 24, 2018
Do you want to do the labor yourself? Changing tires and brake pads is pretty easy, and you could buy parts on Amazon if you want. The only tools you'll need are an adjustable wrench (maybe two if the nuts are stubborn so you can grab the other end of the axle) and a set of tire levers. I'd probably still pay a bike shop to replace the handlebars.
Swapping tires - you'll be concerned with the sections on "removing the wheel," "removing the tire," and "reinstalling the tire." (More information about tire sizes than you may ever want to know)
Too much information about brakes - should help you figure out what kind of pads to buy and if you want to dive in to replacing them yourself. I think you have some sort of caliper brakes on that bike.
posted by backseatpilot at 11:50 AM on October 24, 2018
That's a cute bike!
I'm a bikey person. I have three bikes of my own and want more. I ride bikes on roads and dirt, for exercise, transportation, and recreation, almost every single day. I can't do much mechanical stuff on my bike, but I do small regular maintenance things.
I would bring this new bike to a bike shop to do these things. You can also ask them to give it a once-over and let you know what else you might consider. You can also ask them to give you maintenance tips.
The handlebars seem to be a good height for what you have in mind, but you want something that swoops back more, which is totally reasonable. Swapping out handlebars requires some though, to make sure you get new bars that will work, and it also requires, generally, new brake and shifter cables. I'd also suggest getting new bar grips, something that's a better aesthetic match.
Brake pads can be a bit tricky to install correctly.
Also, whoever installed that rack did it weirdly. Ask the shop to have it be parallel to the ground.
I paid $200 for a 1970s steel mixte about seven years ago and have since spent far more on everything I've done to it. Spending more than what you paid is totally reasonable with bikes!
posted by bluedaisy at 11:53 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm a bikey person. I have three bikes of my own and want more. I ride bikes on roads and dirt, for exercise, transportation, and recreation, almost every single day. I can't do much mechanical stuff on my bike, but I do small regular maintenance things.
I would bring this new bike to a bike shop to do these things. You can also ask them to give it a once-over and let you know what else you might consider. You can also ask them to give you maintenance tips.
The handlebars seem to be a good height for what you have in mind, but you want something that swoops back more, which is totally reasonable. Swapping out handlebars requires some though, to make sure you get new bars that will work, and it also requires, generally, new brake and shifter cables. I'd also suggest getting new bar grips, something that's a better aesthetic match.
Brake pads can be a bit tricky to install correctly.
Also, whoever installed that rack did it weirdly. Ask the shop to have it be parallel to the ground.
I paid $200 for a 1970s steel mixte about seven years ago and have since spent far more on everything I've done to it. Spending more than what you paid is totally reasonable with bikes!
posted by bluedaisy at 11:53 AM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
I'm uncomfortable knowing nothing and would prefer not to get screwed because...there's a limit to the amount I'm willing and able to spend
The Bike Bag Book! (probably at your local used bookstore too)
posted by rhizome at 12:24 PM on October 24, 2018
The Bike Bag Book! (probably at your local used bookstore too)
posted by rhizome at 12:24 PM on October 24, 2018
Another good resource for bicycle tech knowledge is Sheldon Brown's website.
posted by exogenous at 12:43 PM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by exogenous at 12:43 PM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
Nice bike!
That age of bike is beyond super-confusing to get the right type of tyres and tubes. There are a bunch of sizes that are so close, but won't actually seat correctly. For these, you need the ISO rim size, a number xx-yyy printed on the side of the tyre. If I had to guess, those are either 35-590 or 35-584. For tubes, you have to get a size that's close, preferably identical. That bike almost definitely has either Woods/Dunlop valves or Schrader: they fit the same size of hole in the rim, but need different pump adapters.
If you're in Europe, most countries have sensible national bike societies that offer cheap membership, insurance and colossal discounts on bike repairs. They've got the 'toaster culture' right …
posted by scruss at 12:49 PM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
That age of bike is beyond super-confusing to get the right type of tyres and tubes. There are a bunch of sizes that are so close, but won't actually seat correctly. For these, you need the ISO rim size, a number xx-yyy printed on the side of the tyre. If I had to guess, those are either 35-590 or 35-584. For tubes, you have to get a size that's close, preferably identical. That bike almost definitely has either Woods/Dunlop valves or Schrader: they fit the same size of hole in the rim, but need different pump adapters.
If you're in Europe, most countries have sensible national bike societies that offer cheap membership, insurance and colossal discounts on bike repairs. They've got the 'toaster culture' right …
posted by scruss at 12:49 PM on October 24, 2018 [1 favorite]
That's a nice bike.
Taking it in to the further bike shop is extra distance & expense, but the cost of getting it set up & tuned by a friendly & informative technician is worth the cost if you're not totally skint, and will get you on the road soon with the least amount of fuss.
If you're really certain that you want to avoid bike shops, the you'll need to rely on bicycle friends & acquaintances for help & advice with tinkering & maintenance, who are always ready to tell you if you're doing something wrong in a friendly manner. This will take more time & fuss.
My personal advice: get the wheels turning properly and everything running smoothly first, and then think about getting new handlebars. You might even find a cheap or free replacement set if you look around a bit.
posted by ovvl at 3:51 PM on October 24, 2018
Taking it in to the further bike shop is extra distance & expense, but the cost of getting it set up & tuned by a friendly & informative technician is worth the cost if you're not totally skint, and will get you on the road soon with the least amount of fuss.
If you're really certain that you want to avoid bike shops, the you'll need to rely on bicycle friends & acquaintances for help & advice with tinkering & maintenance, who are always ready to tell you if you're doing something wrong in a friendly manner. This will take more time & fuss.
My personal advice: get the wheels turning properly and everything running smoothly first, and then think about getting new handlebars. You might even find a cheap or free replacement set if you look around a bit.
posted by ovvl at 3:51 PM on October 24, 2018
Response by poster: OK y'all win and I am deferring to the wisdom of crowds. It is going to go to the nice cycle place tomorrow evening for new tyres and brake pads. I'll chat with them about options for the handlebars later and maybe order some online, but will focus on just getting it on the road.
On an ongoing basis, I have an Uncle Jim, known locally as Jim'll-Fix-It. He will be able to fix the rack, attach a rear basket to it, attach a light, change tyres once we know the size etc, and he will be happy to show me how. (He built me an entire dog cafe, so this is well within his wheelhouse...)
Thank you so much, I'm looking forward to this now!
posted by DarlingBri at 4:37 PM on October 24, 2018 [4 favorites]
On an ongoing basis, I have an Uncle Jim, known locally as Jim'll-Fix-It. He will be able to fix the rack, attach a rear basket to it, attach a light, change tyres once we know the size etc, and he will be happy to show me how. (He built me an entire dog cafe, so this is well within his wheelhouse...)
Thank you so much, I'm looking forward to this now!
posted by DarlingBri at 4:37 PM on October 24, 2018 [4 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by metahawk at 10:44 AM on October 24, 2018 [4 favorites]