Thanks to all who have responded! (I’m trying to figure out to respond to you individually but haven’t gotten there yet!)
All this feedback is so very helpful!..I have new found optimism that this isn’t the end for my beloved (and fast!) bike!…I think I’ll start with getting a new chain and see if I can “toggle” the “silver gear shift thing” (aka front derailleur) to get it back into place. If it’s has in fact slipped though I may need some more experienced hands in which case I’ll take it to the shop.
jrenaut, you recommend Bike Rack on 14th and Q?…I’m willing to give it a shot. I’ve been to several bike shops in D.C. and for the most part they are kind and helpful. I just would rather learn how to do some of this basic maintenance stuff on my own instead of paying to have it done for me. I have some people I know that can help fix it for free, which is nice to have on had, but at the end of the day, I think it will be much more efficient (and cheaper) if I can figure it out…plus I’m curious and want to learn!
