Newbie with a couple of dumb gears questions

[Bellis]

Morning all!

Well, here I sit oily and cold, can only mean that I've been trying to learn about our bikes again! I have 2 questions.

1. On OHs Raleigh Outback he has Shimano 7 515 gears and the front derailleur rubs the chain. Are all Shimano front derailleurs the same - so if I watch the videos will the all be OK?

2. My Marin San Rafael. Hmmm - I took the gears apart as it had been about 10 years since it was last cleaned properly and now - guess what - I can get them back together but I can't get them working right and it's really hard for a non biker like me to explain. Basically the long section that's meant to form a sort of an L shape doesn't so the chain is too loose to work properly - I've watched the 'adjusting your rear derailleurs video, but it's more than that - things don't seem to be at all in the correct position. Any suggestions?

No rush as I've got another 10 days before I need to use the bikes so am tinkering away until then. I need to become self sufficient with this so please just point me in the direction of the right video and I promise I'll learn.

Many thanks!

EDIT - OK have sorted problem 2 but now have problem 3 Chain now back on and everything where is should be - ish. Rear derailleur won't move down beyond 1st gear. Am watching the 'how to adjust your rear derailleur' lots - but seems something big is out of place somewhere.....

[Bellis]

Don't worry - sorted it! Lots of swearing involved and I can probably recite the front and rear derailleur videos by heart but my bike is now all sorted.

Please can you make another video about how to get all the dirt, muck and oil out of your hands and fingernails...?

Just demolishing a bag of cheesy wotsits then out to try and fix OHs bike.

[Surly LHT]

If you can post a pic of your set up we can help a little better. Just go back and watch Alex rear derailleur video again. And watch his cable video as well take your time all will be well easy for me to say huh lol.

[Bellis]

(03-28-2010, 12:52 PM)Surly LHT Wrote:  If you can post a pic of your set up we can help a little better. Just go back and watch Alex rear derailleur video again. And watch his cable video as well take your time all will be well easy for me to say huh lol.

Thanks Surly - I'm feeling well chuffed that I sorted my own bike.

I persevered with OHs bike until gone 7:30pm (BST) and sort of got it working. His front derailleur is a complete pain in the backside though - but we did manage to find 18 of his 21 gears - which is a big improvement on where we started! lol!

I may take another crack at it at the weekend - but he says the shop will only charge £25 to fix it but a) that could just be a lure, they've not seen the bike so could end up charging more and b) if they fix it, how will I learn?

Mind you, it may do me a favour - not sure "Eau de Swarfega" is an attractive aroma and the oil is still ingrained in my fingernails...

[KC-Steve]

(03-28-2010, 11:31 AM)Bellis Wrote:  Please can you make another video about how to get all the dirt, muck and oil out of your hands and fingernails...?

Most guys use stuff called Goop or something similar available at auto parts stores and is a bit harsh on hands. It smells like gasoline smothered with air freshener. You can also use latex surgical gloves. I have found them available at Harbor Freight fairly cheap at $5 to $10 for a 100 count box. Please don't be offended about my use of the term "guys" because I really don't know any gals that like to work on bikes or cars. But if I personally didn't mind getting my own hands dirty then I would have likely been an auto mechanic after high school.

Hope that helps,
Steve

[Bill]

You can always use dish soap with one of those old toothbrushes .

[timiji]

GoJo/FastOrange hand cleaner are also good options that smell less like gasoline. A good bristle brush (like the toothbrush option) is a good to have for hand cleaning for sure!

[Bellis]

Thanks for the suggestions "guys" I initially tried the old trick of washing up liquid and sugar but I'm afraid I succumbed to my girly genetics and went for a very long soak in the bath to finally remove all the grime.

Will be trying out my handiwork on some Dorset hills over the next week or so - fingers crossed!

[KC-Steve]

(04-05-2010, 02:08 PM)Bellis Wrote:  . . . I'm afraid I succumbed to my girly genetics . . .

Ha-ha! You are fun.

Steve

[DaveM]

+1 on using latex gloves when working on anything greasy. Solvents can penetrate your skin and get into your system which is not healthy. And clean up is a lot easier when you're not scrubbing your skin off to get clean. I keep a pair in my seat bag for roadside repairs.