Dawes 531 fork blade help

[Tomo2882]

Hello

I am stuck with a bike I’ve been given

The gear cables I don’t no what to put to get the correct one

How many chain links should their be?

It’s my first time posting on any forum so please bare with me

If I don’t reply could anyone email me direct

Tomosufc24@googlemail.com

[rotavator]

To measure the correct chain length, wrap the new chain around the largest chainring at the front and the largest sprocket at the back and there is no need to thread it through the rear derailer at this stage. Then pull the chain tight and see how much you need, adding a link if necessary to make sure that you have joinable ends, i.e. narrow links at both ends. Then cut the chain, thread it through the RD etc and join with the magic link. No doubt someone will come along and recommend an online calculator instead...

AFAIK gear cables are fairly standard although there may be some variation in the size of the end bit that fits in the shifter. If in doubt, either tell us the make of the shifter or take the old cable with you to the bike shop.

[Tomo2882]

Shimano 600 I’ll post a pic

[Brucey]

you appear to have two brake cables installed as gear cables; this won't help.

cheers

[Tomo2882]

Thanks for your reply’s ,,, I did put gear cables into eBay

I’ll order right ones and fit them

[robgul]

To measure the correct chain length, wrap the new chain around the largest chainring at the front and the largest sprocket at the back and there is no need to thread it through the rear derailer at this stage. Then pull the chain tight and see how much you need, adding a link if necessary to make sure that you have joinable ends, i.e. narrow links at both ends. Then cut the chain, thread it through the RD etc and join with the magic link. No doubt someone will come along and recommend an online calculator instead...

AFAIK gear cables are fairly standard although there may be some variation in the size of the end bit that fits in the shifter. If in doubt, either tell us the make of the shifter or take the old cable with you to the bike shop.

Chain length - as you say with wrapping chain etc BUT add 2 links overlap - and then use a magic link to join.

.... I realise the OP is keen to fix the bike but the level of knowledge could be a problem - worth going to the friendly LBS and asking for help/guidance.

Rob

[martin biggs]

Thanks for your reply’s ,,, I did put gear cables into eBay

I’ll order right ones and fit them

Where are you based as there might be a forum member who is local and can help you or suggest a reliable local shop to use

[LollyKat]

Or there may be a local community 'back on your bike' group which helps people to put their bikes into running order.

[Tomo2882]

Thanks for your reply’s ,,, I did put gear cables into eBay

I’ll order right ones and fit them

Where are you based as there might be a forum member who is local and can help you or suggest a reliable local shop to use

Rotherham

[Tomo2882]

Or there may be a local community 'back on your bike' group which helps people to put their bikes into running order.

I’ve no idea wat u mean

[9494arnold]

Might need a picture of the gear levers that include the head tube but I do get the impression your gear levers are lower down on the downtube than they might generally be expected to be.
If you google Bike Charity or Bike recycling you might find a local outlet that may give you a steer.
By the way fitting a new chain isn't particularly easy for a novice.

[Mike Sales]

Might need a picture of the gear levers that include the head tube but I do get the impression your gear levers are lower down on the downtube than they might generally be expected to be.

I have found that on neglected bikes clamp on levers have often gradually slid down past the stop under the tube, and the gradual deterioration in performance gone unnoticed. A look underneath the down tube might reveal this.

[LollyKat]

Or there may be a local community 'back on your bike' group which helps people to put their bikes into running order.

I’ve no idea wat u mean

Many towns now have various groups set up to encourage people to learn to ride a bike or to cycle again after a long gap. They also can help with maintenance. In Rotherham you have The Journey Matters which includes free bike checks:

At our free Dr Bike sessions our qualified mechanics will give your bike a full MOT. We will fix any minor repairs on the spot and we can also replace brake blocks and cables, oil your chain and repair punctures. If we find anything more serious we will inform you of the problem and recommend you take it to a local bike shop.

[gxaustin]

Dr Bike is a great idea - my local (Dudley) group are very good. My go to is You Tube, There are vids covering almost everything you can think of.

[Brucey]

I am stuck with a bike I’ve been given

'stuck with' is not the phrase I'd use if I'd been given that bike. It looks like a Dawes Mirage (?) from about 1980 -1982.

They were quite a nice bike their time and they are still quite a nice bike now. A bit of TLC and I suspect it will be a good bike to own and use.

cheers