Hybrid Rescue

rollingscone

Ahoy all,

I'm trying to resurrect a friend's Hybrid which he treated like dirt (was cycling it on a buckled wheel for six months before throwing it in a shed for another six months).

The problems seem to be limited to rust and salt (it lived in Dun Laoghaire) said buckled wheel, and the fact that the rear mech sheared in two.

Currently the chain and cassette are bathing in a bucket of penetrating oil and I intend to take off the chainset and give it a thorough cleaning and regreasing at the weekend.

The wheel bearings seem to be turning fine at least and the cables/calipers look saveable.

The original mech was a Sora 8spd, I'm wondering if it's possible and worthwhile to get another (cheaper?) 8 spd shimano mech like one of the Acera/Tourney types?

Is there anything else I could/should do to try and retrieve the chain (Cassette is coming up nicely) but I wonder should I use a wirebrush or similar to dislodge to the oxidation?

If I can't save the back wheel I might go fishing for a free one or a cheapie from Rothar, it's a specialised sirrus, anyone know of compatibility problems or should any Shimano freehub wheel do?

Tonyandthewhale

Pretty much any shimano mech designed for 8 speed will work. 6 and 7 speed derailleurs should also work as the chain is the same width.

As regards wheels, make sure it's freehub rather than freewheel (ie for old and/or crappy bikes) and double-check the spacing on your frame. Most hybrids use the mountain bike standard of 135mm but some are 130mm.

Rother should be able to take care of both for peanuts.

rollingscone

Thanks, have the cassette looking shiny again now...I'm less optimistic about the chain but I'll leave it soaking overnight.

What I'm really dreading is getting the cranks/chainset off considering I rounded my parktool pedal wrench trying to get the pedals off the other day.

Edit: I actually have an old 1990s Shimano 7 spd mech lying around...hmmm.