Help! Used bike, new rider

[Jsnyd]

I bought an old Novara Arriba of craigslist the other day and would like to know more about it. Im bought this bike for commuting but am looking for a few replacment parts. The only thing is, I have NO IDEA what will fit on my bike. There seems to be so many different types of every part Im afraid to buy the wrong thing. My first purchse needs to be a new front derilleur since i think mine is bent or just not working well. Any visible information would be GREATLY appreciated as well as some parts that will work with the bike.

hope my attachments work.

[Jsnyd]

Looks as if there is some sort of shimano sxt parts package on it, but i have trouble finding it online. Do they not make SXT anymore?

[Jsnyd]

Looks as if there is some sort of shimano sxt parts package on it, but i have trouble finding it online. Do they not make SXT anymore?

[Joe Chapline]

@Jsnyd 4404 wrote:

Looks as if there is some sort of shimano sxt parts package on it, but i have trouble finding it online. Do they not make SXT anymore?

It’s STX — you’ll find that online. I don’t know anything about it, but hopefully other forum members can help.

[Joe Chapline]

@Jsnyd 4404 wrote:

Looks as if there is some sort of shimano sxt parts package on it, but i have trouble finding it online. Do they not make SXT anymore?

It’s STX — you’ll find that online. I don’t know anything about it, but hopefully other forum members can help.

[Jsnyd]

STX, whoops. Thanks!

[Jsnyd]

STX, whoops. Thanks!

[Jsnyd]

I would like to turn this Mtn/Commuter bike into something that can move, if possible with this type of bike.

[DismalScientist]

I don’t know what “something that can move” implies in this situation. Speed comes from narrow, high pressure tires, aerodynamic position (drop bars), stiff frame (i.e. no suspension), and light weight. These all come at the expense of what some people consider comfort and potentially durability (i.e. tire and frame material). There is also a price/age/quality tradeoff. I think you should first decide what type of bike to buy based on your preferences. Ask around here. Some of us can be helpful But remember, preferences vary.

My preferences are for higher quality, older, lugged steel-framed, multi-speed road bikes. Others like other things, but they are simply wrong.

[Mark Blacknell]

Depending on where you live, this looks like an ideal candidate for some time at Phoenix Bikes (Arlington), The Bike House (Petworth), or Velocity Coop (Alexandria). They should all have plenty of used parts that would integrate in your bike, and the idea of a community shop is that there will be people around willing to help you do the replacement yourself. It can be an excellent way to learn these things. I’d call ahead about likely part availability (I think Phoenix probably has the deepest parts bins – you can always grab something from them and then head to another, if it’s more convenient).

[eminva]

Hi — I’m sorry to hear about your troubles. I am not clear based on this post and your other post — you say the shifters are shot — are you trying to repair this bike so it will ber serviceable, or are you thinking about getting a different bike altogether? If you still want to try to fix this one up, I would second Mark’s recommendation for Phoenix bikes or one of the other coops. This would probably be the most cost effective approach while also giving you the opportunity to learn more about bike repair and maintenance, which I think you were trying to do with this project.

If you want a different bike altogether, something that would be faster, I would suggest a road bike too, but maybe not from Craig’s List until your bike knowledge is comprehensive enough that you can spot any problems before buying the bike. There are places to buy reliable used bikes, let us know if that’s what you want and I’m sure we can make some suggestions.

Liz

[Greenbelt]

Looks to me like the tires are in the hybrid/commuting range, medium pressure, not nearly as wide and knobby as most mountain bike tires — so that’s good for commuting. Can’t help you with the problems with the front derailleur. Although for me if the the front chainwheel doesn’t work, that’s less of problem for me than a balky rear derailleur — unless, of course the problem is that you can’t make it shift or stay on the bigger front chainwheel (higher gears for more speed on flat commutes) as opposed to the smaller one (granny gears for mtn bike slow and steep stuff).

If it were me, I’d ask at trusted shop or coop to do a basic inspection and (if it needs it — sounds like it does) do at least a minor gear and brake tune up, and also a basic fitting before commuting. And make sure to buy lights, spare tube, lightweight tire pump, and lock. If you’re new to commuting you’ll probably need all that stuff anyways and while you’re supplying up, any good shop will usually be happy to take a quick look and give you choices about how much work you want to do right off.

[Jsnyd]

Thanks everyone! What I would like to do is bring the bike I have now, back to life. I know it’s old and won’t be as “high speed, low drag” as most, but I’d like it to be a… respectable bike I can have fun with and not get left in the dust when going on a group ride. The front suspension is something I know I’ll have to deal with eventually; the cassette only has 7 gears. Besides the recent shifter issue, the bike is fully functional and safe to ride. I went to CL to get a cheap bike because I am ending my Navy career and not sure if my budget would fit in a nice road bike until I lock down my next profession. If the right deal presents itself then I may go for it. As far as age, I’m 25 and in good shape. No restrictions on flexibility or range of movement. I will check out Phoenix bikes and the others. Thanks again for everyone’s time and consideration. It is MUCH appreciated!

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