Refurbishing Bike?

Question

I bought an old 10 speed cruiser about 4 1/2 years ago. I rode it often until I joined the military. I just got it back from my parents and would like to fix it up, to a like new condition without spending too much money. I've replaced both tires/innertubes. But now my rear gear thing and my gear levers are stuck they just won't move is there anything I can do to get them working again? or am I stuck buying a new shifting system? If I have to buy a new system I would like to buy the old-fashioned lever shifters but I don't know where to buy them. I'm in Japan right now so I would have to buy online. So websites are appreciated.

Answer 1

It's likely the chain is rusted to the sprockets since it has set unused for a while. Some PB Blaster from an auto parts store will help break them loose. Clean the sprockets with a wire brush and steel wool them lubricate them.

Soak the chain overnight in kerosene. Then hang it to drain and dry for a day or two. Then soak it well with chain lube.

You may have to replace the shifter cables if they are stuck in their sheaths, but first try letting them soak in PB Blaster . That stuff works miracles.

Check for loose spokes, too. Snug any that are loose, but be careful not to pull the rim out of alignment by overtightening them.

Answer 2

Sounds to me like the cables and housings require replacement. These are available anywhere that bike parts are sold- even in Japan.

No worries, they are pretty cheap, about $5USD each. I recommend that you take a cable with you when you get new ones to make sure you get the correct one. Try to get stainless steel cables and compressionless housings too. They are a bit more expensive but are MUCH better.