09-17-2014, 02:42 AM
Hello all,
I have ridden my bike, a 1995 Mongoose Alta, for the past 20 years and replaced just about every component on it except for the frame, FD and front wheel. Gone through 3 RDs, several chains, rear hub, both shifters, etc. I'd estimate it's lasted at least 30k miles. I put road slicks on it and use it as my daily commuter, going 10 miles/day now. Love the bike!
Last week, the chain started skipping when I pedaled hard, and I suspected the chain was stretched. I took it off and I can almost join the two ends together so it's pretty loose. In addition, the drive side crank has a hairline fracture in it that makes me think it'll snap eventually. Probably from turning too tight and scraping the pedals on the asphalt.
Since the chain is stretched and the crank is cracked, I figure I would need to do the following to get the bike back into shape:
- New chain
- New rear cassette / gears
- New crankset
- Perhaps a new chainring? The ones on there look fine, but I'd like to upgrade to remove the granny gear, and add a 48 or 50 tooth chain ring to get higher speeds.
I've been looking around for parts, and I'm hella confused as to what will work on my bike. Currently, it has an Alivio RD, 7 speed gears (I don't know if it's a cassette or gears or what...), and an STX FD (original) with the original bottom bracket and STX crankset (5 prong).
Part of me says it's time to retire my trusted bike. I went shopping for a new bike on Sunday and didn't quite find what I was looking for. The closest thing was a Trek FX 7.4 and it's about $700 a the LBS. However, I felt pangs of betrayal as I thought about trashing my old ride and couldn't bring myself to do it.... yet. I know it's silly to hold onto a frame, fork, FD, front wheel, and the old caliper brakes.... I'm weird.
My question is - can I get the components I need to fix my bike up? If so, how much would it cost, and would it make more sense to buy a new bike or stick with the old?
From what I've seen, it seems I can get the cassette for around $30, chain for $15, but the crankset seems tougher to find, anywhere from $50-250. Also, not sure I can fit the 48t chainring on that crankset. However, I have no clue what actual parts I need, since I don't know anything about fitment and whether this works with that, etc.
I live near San Jose, CA, in case that matters. TIA!
I have ridden my bike, a 1995 Mongoose Alta, for the past 20 years and replaced just about every component on it except for the frame, FD and front wheel. Gone through 3 RDs, several chains, rear hub, both shifters, etc. I'd estimate it's lasted at least 30k miles. I put road slicks on it and use it as my daily commuter, going 10 miles/day now. Love the bike!
Last week, the chain started skipping when I pedaled hard, and I suspected the chain was stretched. I took it off and I can almost join the two ends together so it's pretty loose. In addition, the drive side crank has a hairline fracture in it that makes me think it'll snap eventually. Probably from turning too tight and scraping the pedals on the asphalt.
Since the chain is stretched and the crank is cracked, I figure I would need to do the following to get the bike back into shape:
- New chain
- New rear cassette / gears
- New crankset
- Perhaps a new chainring? The ones on there look fine, but I'd like to upgrade to remove the granny gear, and add a 48 or 50 tooth chain ring to get higher speeds.
I've been looking around for parts, and I'm hella confused as to what will work on my bike. Currently, it has an Alivio RD, 7 speed gears (I don't know if it's a cassette or gears or what...), and an STX FD (original) with the original bottom bracket and STX crankset (5 prong).
Part of me says it's time to retire my trusted bike. I went shopping for a new bike on Sunday and didn't quite find what I was looking for. The closest thing was a Trek FX 7.4 and it's about $700 a the LBS. However, I felt pangs of betrayal as I thought about trashing my old ride and couldn't bring myself to do it.... yet. I know it's silly to hold onto a frame, fork, FD, front wheel, and the old caliper brakes.... I'm weird.
My question is - can I get the components I need to fix my bike up? If so, how much would it cost, and would it make more sense to buy a new bike or stick with the old?
From what I've seen, it seems I can get the cassette for around $30, chain for $15, but the crankset seems tougher to find, anywhere from $50-250. Also, not sure I can fit the 48t chainring on that crankset. However, I have no clue what actual parts I need, since I don't know anything about fitment and whether this works with that, etc.
I live near San Jose, CA, in case that matters. TIA!