Originally Posted by
Old_pie
After 50yrs I've acquired a bicycle and am trying to use it. (A Villiger with Shimano STX for anyone that's interested and on a 62mm frame which I've since discovered is X-Large, I'm just short of 6' and can only just get on even with saddle right down - but it is a comfortable ride height)
I know there's been inflation but the bike needs a bit of work and nothing is like I remember it. I had new tyres fitted at a bike shop yesterday and I could have got two car tyres for the same price. They said that the bottom bracket needs replacing (it is a bit wobbly) and 50yrs ago I'd have done it myself. Now I need to buy a tool to take it out and another tool to put it back in, plus the faff of making sure the gear alignment isn't upset so I asked how much - 50 quid!! Well if I'd know that before I bought the tyres I might just have gone for a new or new secondhand (if you know what I mean) bike.
I'd only just replaced the 7 speed gear shifter having made the mistake of taking the old one apart 'cause it was sticking a bit. It was only once it was in bits that I saw a YouTube video saying just to spray lots of degreaser and NOT to take it apart.
Anyway - that's the end of the moan.
Any recommendations for a place to get sensibly priced repairs done or has it all got too specialist? Handy cycling distance (for an old man) from Mapperley or thereabouts would be handy.
PS - when I last had a bike I lived in Hucknall and occasionally would cycle with a couple of friends to Mapperley just to get the exercise of going up and down hills! Now I can get down to Mansfield Rd no problem - might need to add an electric motor to get back up again ;D
