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Proper gear change mechanism for cheapo bike

  • 20-11-2007 10:04pm
    #1
    SectionF
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,890 ✭✭✭


    I bought an ultra-cheap folding bike on eBay. Absolutely wonderful for my very awkward commute.
    After about two months' use, the very tacky gearshifter has given up the ghost. It's a twist-grip affair, but with no index and, basically, it's seized.
    I rather optimistically took it apart this evening, and am hopelessly clueless as to how to get it back together. Even if I do, I don't think it'll be any improvement on its original state.
    The solution now is to get a twist-grip gear changer. Can such be bought on its own, and can anyone recommend a (Dublin) bicycle mechanic who might take a reasonable view of my predicament.
    I don't think an entire new gear system is going to work, due to the odd length of cables and, maybe, a special dérailleur arm.
    Any advice much appreciated...


Comments

  • #2
    Morgan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,481 ✭✭✭Morgan


    Yes, you'll probably be able to get a suitable shifter. How many gears does the bike have. Do you know the brand of the rear mech?


  • #3
    SectionF
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,890 ✭✭✭SectionF


    Thanks Morgan.
    The bike has just the five sprockets on the rear. The make at the rear is difficult to make out... I think it's not actually real lettering, but it looks something like CIIONG.
    The bike is Chinese, so this part probably is too!


  • #4
    Morgan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,481 ✭✭✭Morgan


    Chances are it's a Shimano-compatible 5-speed freewheel. The good news is that you can use 5 or 6 speed shifters with these (same indexing). Here are a couple:

    http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-SJSC-Sun-Race-Twist-Grip-RIGHT-only-5-speed-10891.htm
    http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product-Shimano-Shimano-Tourney-RS43-RevoShifter--6-speed--Right-only-15169.htm

    However, if the cassette doesn't have the standard spacing the gears won't shift properly with the above shifters. In that case you'd be better off with a non-indexed shifter.

    I'd recommend dropping it into a shop and leaving the trial and error up to them. The Square Wheel in Temple Bar would be a good bet.


  • #5
    SectionF
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,890 ✭✭✭SectionF


    Thanks Morgan. That's exactly the kind of knowledge I was after.
    The original shifter is non-indexed, so that's probably the best option.


  • #6
    kona
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,525 ✭✭✭kona


    youl get a grip shift for round 7yo yos.


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  • #7
    SectionF
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,890 ✭✭✭SectionF


    Left it into Square Wheels today... no fuss. Hopefully back in business next week.


  • #8
    SectionF
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,890 ✭✭✭SectionF


    Just a quick follow-up on this... they put a second-hand Shimano shifter on it. Great job - much better than the original!
    Thanks for pointing the way towards the solution!


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