Cyclists of the org - a question for you

[Sir Trev]

Lady Poppy and I went cycling yesterday and although I keep the chain on my steed reasonably well lubed I've never really paid much attention to the sprockets. Putting the bikes up on the roof bar carriers to get to our start point yesterday though they were a bit more visible and I noticed the teeth on most of the gears are now pretty ropey.





This is a Raleigh Pioneer Classic 15 speed, about 18 years old and well used, with nothing more than lube and new brake blocks required so far. It's simply a commuter bike used for bimbling the mile into High Wycombe town centre every now and then and the odd longer run to the pub or exploring when on holiday.


First gear (chain is on it) is fine as I don't use it much, second is getting hooked, third and fourth both have chunks missing and fifth has several rounded over teeth. New cassette (is that the right term?) needed me thinks. The front three ratios are also worn and although the chain seems OK am I right in thinking I should change the lot? Assuming yes, how much is a shop likely to charge me? I only have one shop left in HW now so I won't know if they're using that to jack up the price.


From looking at several how-to's on You Tube I need a freewheel tool to remove the back thingamy and I have no idea how to remove the front set. Frankly, as some of the screws and bolts look rather rusty after so long I don't want to try it. I know I should but I'm getting lazy and if I break something I'll just be lost.


So how much is it going to cost me?

If it's working OK leave it until it isn't. When you do replace it replace the lot. Cassette should be less than £20 (not sure of current prices on 5 speed cassette), chain around £10 and the three chainrings could be most expensive, not sure but possible £50 for the set. Shouldn't take more than 30 mins to fit and adjust the gears, so probably an hours labour!

[maviczap]

As its 5 speed at the back, it won't be a cassette & freehub system, it'll be a 5 speed freewheel & will need a freewheel remover.

The triple front will be on a square taper bottom bracket and will need a puller to remove this too.

The chain will be shagged, if the sprockets are this bad.

About an hours work


£10 ish for the freewheel, under £10 for the chain & £20ish for a new chainset plus labour

[Sir Trev]

Cheers guys - sounds like £40 -£50 plus labour, which I can stretch to when it starts to get worse. Totally agree that I'll leave it alone until it starts to slip. Had a feeling it would be a la motybike and a good idea to replace it all but it is always worth asking.

[maviczap]

Show me a picture of the wheel out of the frame, so I can see what type of freewheel remover is required.

You can borrow either of mine (if its the same type) and my crank puller to do the job. As these are old tech, they are taking up space in my cycle toolbox, and I only really need the crank puller for just one of my bikes.

I'll lend you a chain breaking tool as well, as I have more than one.

[Sir Trev]

Will have a fiddle with the spanners at the weekend