BikingLasVegas.com

[ivan]

I have a Trek zx2300 Carbon bike (a little older). Recently I have been stuck in gears it wont shift sometimes. LBS did a tune up and n help still wont shift they say I need new components front and rear derailleurs. So I am wondering am I better off getting a new bike (looking at the trek 2.1) or should I just fix mine? Any suggestions or pros and cons of fixing..?

Thanks

[lisa]

Fixing your old bike will almost always be cheaper than buying a new one. However, if you are dead set on getting a new bike, go for it!

[kenstein]

Ivan, one important factor you didn't mention is: what LBS did you go to? And it's a good thing you didn't. We don't want to name names, but there are a few in town I wouldn't take their opinion on. So I'm going to assume you went to Joe and Bubba's House 'O Lawnmowers and Bikes. It is possible that someone either didn't know how to fix your problem, or they wanted to sell some expensive components. My suspicions are raised because they said you've worn out both derailleurs. I'm guessing here, but do you have 9-speed Ultegra components? If so, I wouldn't expect they'd be worn out this soon.
Sometimes, bikes don't shift properly due to cable issues, a loose derailleur, improperly adjusted B-adjustment screw, improper chain length, a bent rear derailleur hanger, or even a loose cassette. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I rode around one of my bikes for several rides and put up with bad front shifts and chain rub noise before I finally noticed that all of my chainring bolts had loosened. But sometimes, derailleurs really do wear out. Did the shop check all of these possibilities?
These are semi-rhetorical questions. If you haven't already, I'd take it to a reputable shop, and have an expert look at it. If indeed both of your derailleurs are worn out, it'll run a couple hundred bucks to replace them. Or you can use it as an excuse to drop several thousand on a new bike, and our economy could definitely use the stimulus.

[ivan]

I went to (didn't know we couldn't drop names LOL). I dropped off the bike for a tune up and also to check the rear because it wouldnt shift into first gear (smallest Sprocket) they said they were able to get ti to shift properly but I would still need a new rear derailer because it wasnt shifting correctly (skipping gears). The first two days on the bike were cool I was able to shift but now it wont shift at all sometimes. I blew $80.00 bucks there for nothing really :-/.

Anyway my trek is a few years old and has Shimano 105 components.

[EnduroCoach]

a lot of time bad shifting can be attributed to friction in the cable housing. A new set of cables and housings can do wonders for your gear changes. I don't think I've ever seen anyone wear out a set of shifters or a derailleur. Usually issues arise from things getting debris in them or from impact damage.

[kenstein]

Ivan, what side of town do you live on? Oh, never mind. I see you live in North Las Vegas. Do you ever find yourself down in Henderson some afternoon or evening? If so, I'd be willing to take a look at it.

[ivan]

Thanks for all the input and help everyone.

I rode the bike again yesterday and now all it is starting to do is frustrate me. It upsets me because it is so unmotivating to have a problem bike. :-/ I really dont know what I am going to do so I guess we'll see... The trek 2.1 looks looks cool even the 1 series looks okay.

[ivan]

Update

Got new cables installed and the LBS said I had the wrong chain which would also stop my shifting. got the chain as well and now the bike is running great Just need to get the front hub serviced soon. I went to a new bike shop I saw while I was riding on my side of town and they were excellent. No Bs no outrages pricing just cool family like service and they know their stuff, so far...

[kenstein]

The wrong chain? Now that's funny.
Yeah, replacing a chain is pretty technical. The mechanic actually has to count the sprockets in the back, and then look thru their cache of new chains and find one in a box that has the same number on it. And, of course, depending on the age of your bike, this could range from 8 all the way up to 10. Dang, even Stevie Wonder would have a 33.3% chance of finding a match!
Well, glad to hear things worked out right. I don't think Lisa would mind if you dropped the name of the bike shop that did a good job for you.

[photogrun]

Ken, So synical (how do you speel that word). Honestly I am so uninformed that I feel like a woman at a car repair shop when I take my bike in for a repair. Definitely need to learn more so I can do the work myself