Ripped off? Repair or Replace?

Question

I've been looking for a bike to ride to work (4 miles each way- very hilly)... but I don't have a lot of money. Rather than spending $400+ on a new bike shop bike, or $120 at a Kmart, I paid $60 for a Diamond Back bike at a thrift store. It's the perfect size, and has a comfy seat.

I brought it to a bike shop where they fixed the front tube, replaced the break pads and charged me $100 for a tuneup. As soon as I brought it home, I noticed that it's slipping gears badly.

I was annoyed that this wasn't noticed during my "tune up" so I brought it back, and the adjusted the screws on my derailer and explained that because it's an "old bike" - that I should get used to it or replace the free wheel for another $40.

That adjustment lasted one round - and now the chain's slipping and sliding so badly that I have to walk up hills.

I feel like the bike shop ripped me off- and I've already lost $160. Is it worth it to replace the free-wheel or should I cut my losses and buy new?

Answer 1

It could be nothing more than a tight link in the chain. Slowly pedal the bike backwards and watch the chain as it goes through the jockey pulleys at the rear derailleur. A tight link will be obvious. If that's not it, get a ruler and measure the length of 12 links of chain, from center of a pin to the center of the 24th pin. It should be exactly 12 inches for a new chain and if it's more than 12 1/4 inches then the shop is right and you will need to replace the chain, freewheel, and chainrings. If all looks OK, but the thing still skips, then maybe the freewheel is all that needs to be changed.

Your  choice on fixing it or getting rid of it. The problem with buying used stuff is that it might be well-used. At least frames don't wear out.

Answer 2

I don't think you got ripped off, although $100 seems a bit high for a basic tune-up. Bike shops are generally honest; most of them are bikers themselves. They did what they could with the tune-up. On an older bike with unknown mileage, the chain, freewheel and chainrings might be worn, which would cause the gear slipping.  When you replace one, many times you need to replace all 3.  About once every 2 years, my entire drivetrain needs replacing. But with all the money I'm saving on gas by riding to work, it's worth it.

A good rule of thumb is to measure the chain. If 12 links is longer than 12 inches, the chain needs replacing.

Answer 3

what shop did u go to?

i got a shwinn and have never had one problem except when i popped the tire, but that was me skidding on it too much

replace it with a shwinn they're better

Answer 4

to be honest i think you should buy a new one,

the newer bikes are much lighter and quicker than old steel frames bikes

Answer 5

replace if you could sell it for most of the money you put in

Answer 6

First, the repairs haven't cost you $160. So far they have set you back $100. You can't blame the bike or the shop for the $60 you spent on the bike.

My advice to you is to visit another shop. $100 would get you very close to a complete overhaul at my shop where I basically tear the bike apart and start over.

Since you didn't mention the model of Diamondback you have it is really tough to determine if the additional money would be well spent. If you got an Outlook, for example, you are approaching the $200 mark in purchasing a new bike and the same model. If it is a Wildwood DX or Wildwood Deluxe (but not a Wildwood) it is still worth the extra money.

When you go to another shop, ask them to check the chain stretch and for shark fins on the freewheel and chainrings (crank). Unless the freewheel is actually slipping inside or the teeth are badly worn it is OK. Shark fins, by the way, refers to the shape of the teeth when they are worn.

Answer 7

Like everything else, there are good bike shops and not-so-good bike shops.  Maybe yours was one of the latter?  Or maybe you specified a basic tune-up?  This may not have been an issue at all if you had requested an estimate to bring the bike to good riding condition.

When gears (freewheel) are worn, no adjustment (or new chain...or miracle chain lube) will fix it.  You didn't pay for a new freewheel, so I don't see how they ripped you off.  Also, putting a bike in a workstand won't replicate the chain slippage caused by higher torque riding situations such as grinding up a hill.  In all fairness, unless your freewheel is extremely worn, that may be another reason why they didn't notice the problem and why they didn't specify its replacement during the tune-up.

So you're already $160 into your bike.  It fits you perfectly, and you like the seat as well.  It has a fresh tune-up, functional brakes and good tires.  You might seriously consider getting the freewheel replaced and riding the thing for a while.  Consider it a lesson learned and save some money for a bike you'd really like to purchase in the future.

Answer 8

You sound to me like a hands-on kind of lady.  Head to your favorite used-books store and see if you can find anything on tuning up bicycles.

I say the used-books store because this kind of thing has fallen out of fashion in the last ten years or so - lots of folks don't ride like they used to.  So check around for a book that will guide you on your journey through the mysteries of the freewheel.

Is it the freewheel itself that's slipping?  If that's the case, then I'd say the bike shop should've spotted that, or else not call the service they charged so much for a "tune up."  It's an integral part of the bike, overlooking something as basic as the freewheel is inexcusable.

Keep your eyes peeled at the thrift shops and maybe a competing bike shop for a new or new-to-you rear wheel or, if you're feeling really adventurous, a new hub.  Replace your existing rear wheel with the new one.  Try to keep the gear count and gear spacing the same so you don't experience any adverse effects in your gear shifting.

Round up some tools and dive in.  I'm overdue for building a new bike for myself.  It'll be a Frankensteinian conglomeration from thrift store components; it should ride great.  You can achieve great results, don't let the bike shop's wiser-than-thou attitude sneer you into submission.

Answer 9

I'd try to get some of your money back fromt he bike store, becayuse if they are really truely good enough to detect bike problems, they should at least be good enough to ward of possible failures and take you seriously when you bring it back..

Also try speaking with a manager, you could also let them know (be nice) that you will speak to your local Better Business Bureau (http://www.bbb.org)

Hope this helps..

d

PS.. I'd buy a new bike

Answer 10

from what I'm hearing you better of just cutting your losses and buying a new one. Trust me on this since I BMX a lot and I am always messing up my bikes. You can do what he said then end up doing it again in like to months or skip it and just buy a new bike. Just to be honest $40 doesn't sound to bad for a free wheel but then again if it's an old bike it'll just be making things worse.

Answer 11

Odd that they charged you $100 but neglected to tell you about your freewheel problem then. I'd have noticed that and I'm by no means a bike mechanic. Either they didn't notice it.....or they are trying to wear you down into buying a new bike.

There is a chance that all you need is a new chain and deraillieur. That would run you less than $20. Or maybe all you need is a bottle of chain lube.  But from what you've mentioned I think you just need a new front derailleur (www.niagaracycle.com), and they are inexpensive.

I agree with the post above......go to the library or whatever and find a book on simple bike repair. If you can fix your bike for $40 bucks or so.....why buy a new one?

Answer 12

buy a schwinn off of craigs list

Answer 13

to be honest i tink u shud buy a new 1!