Bike Repair Question

Triathlon Forum
1

Hey Squad -

So, before I get too far into sounding like I’m overly serious, let me offer a disclaimer -

My bike is nothing special, and it’s been wrecked twice (coyote incident, and a crash - both funny stories I’m happy to tell). I don’t know a lot about bike repair or the severity of issues arising with my machine.

So, this past weekend I was involved in a crash, my wrist and my bike did not come out great. My rear derailleur is somehow both nonfunctional and contorted in an angle that can only be described as ‘odd.’ My seat is the same way. The reason I bring this up; I do not know how to fix this issue and I think that, at a minimum, a replacement derailleur is necessary.

My concern is the cost to benefit, here. My bike cost a grand total of something like $180 - an amazon special. My wife got it for me and I was just so happy when she did. But, I’m thinking the repair and work cost on it will be at least half of the bike’s cost.

I realistically just need something that fits and that I can ride for training and through my first race(s). And, I know there’s no correct answer - but, generally speaking - what would YOU do? Bite the bullet and get the repairs, or maybe save a little and get something off CL that’s a little better?

M.

2

I would get another bike.

3

I’d get a used Cervelo P2. Should be able to find an older one for around $800

And they are very faste/aerodynamic bikes

4

New bike.

Other than that- it’s a chance to shake that bad juju of crashing.

5

Get the hanger straightened out, buy a used rear derailleur, and throw it on a trainer. It will have a new life and it sounds like you have some attachment to it.

6
  1. Buy a good used bike off same classified site. Tell wife it’s for parts.
  2. Find a cheap used derailleur on same site.
  3. Fix current bike.
  4. Ride new bike.
7

New bike. Most bike shops will have to charge much more than the bike is worth for the repairs.

If you plan on doing some races you also probably need a better bike than $180 gets you. Find a good used bike on Craigslist.

8

Get the hanger straightened out, buy a used rear derailleur, and throw it on a trainer. It will have a new life and it sounds like you have some attachment to it.

This. See if it’s the derailleur that’s damaged or the hanger or both. You can bend the hanger back. Get a derailleur off of eBay for $15. Likewise, the seat is very likely fixable.

My only bike is a rusty 1970s bike that’s been in my basement for 40 years. I’m not mechanically inclined and have never done bike repairs before, but this summer I’ve resurrected and fixed up the thing, replacing a derailleur and a bunch of other things, all on the cheap, never more than $20 a part. Everything you need to know is on Youtube if you can’t figure it out on your own.

9

Some cheap bikes don’t have a replaceable hanger, if yours does it’s 25 plus a new derailleur for maybe 35. Plus install, it’s a very easy job. Biggest challenge is figuring out the hanger number.

Make sure the frame isn’t broken first

10

Definitely a new bike - you’ll definitely be thankful you did.