Silverfox FX One Repair

[Spies]

I rescued this bike from going to the tip, all it needed at the time to get it working, was a new inner tube and a chain.

I've been using it since, but it isn't without it's niggles, the rear derailleur is missing one of its adjustment screws so the chain can fall off the lowest (smallest cog) gear, also, the teeth on the rear cassette are somewhat bent out of shape causing the chain to skip when the pedals are under load in certain gears.

The brakes seem pretty poor but I don't have anything to compare it to, it's also nigh on impossible to get the chain on to the largest cog on the front gear, not that I really need to use that one.

My question is, how much would it cost to replace the rear cassette derailleur and is it even worth it? I don't really know if this is a 'good' bike but it doesn't seem bad for tootling around on.

[mattsccm]

Doubt it is worth it. However many of us have a shed full of bits that would do it for nothing. Just fi d a matcjing rear mech etc on line and check the cost. Or raid the bin at your local shop or bike recycler.

[whoof]

If you remember the 1980s UK mountain bike company Muddy Fox then Silver Fox were a range of cheaper bikes they did.
As to the cost of repairs, an adjuster screw is probably a standard thread M3 at a guess. If you say how many cogs on the rear gear and whether it's a cassette or freewheel then can provide some links to replacements, it would also need a new chain. As to whether it is worth replacing that's up to you.

[Spies]

There are 6 cogs on the rear wheel, I think its a freewheel as you get the ratchet sound when you stop pedalling?

Why would I need to replace the chain again when it wasn't done that long ago?

[whoof]

A search says six speed. A free wheel £10 free postage

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-6spe ... ect=mobile
Matching chain probably about £6-8

The same bike on Ebay sold for £30 again with gear problems

[Spies]

I think my time is better spent looking for another second hand bike in that case.

[whoof]

There are 6 cogs on the rear wheel, I think its a freewheel as you get the ratchet sound when you stop pedalling?

Why would I need to replace the chain again when it wasn't done that long ago?

If it wasn't that long ago possibly not. Change the free wheel and see how it goes.

[Carlton green]

I think my time is better spent looking for another second hand bike in that case.

I had a Silver Fox bike for my eldest when he was a nipper, as I recall it as quite a nice bike and he enjoyed using it. Perhaps yours is a bit dated and wasn’t the best of bikes when new but so what, they were OK and it could get you around nicely for not much money. Cycling is cheap and it is money saving but it isn’t free, sometimes you have to invest a little time and money in your bike to get the benefits it will give you. Buying another bike, and particularly a cheap one, is usually buying a load of hidden problems to sort out later ... to often done it myself.

If it were my bike I’d get the old freewheel off and then buy another to replace it - try it with the new chain you already have first too. Second hand changers aren’t dear off of eBay and the missing screw is probably a standard size that can be found in a bike shops scrap bin or similar. Find a work mate or neighbor who’s a cyclist and they’ll doubtless help you with a few bits and pieces. As an added bonus the Silver Fox is a cheap bike to learn maintenance skills on - probably uses cheap parts too - and not something so valuable as to be particular attractive to thieves.

Good luck and enjoy.

[Spies]

Are the freewheel tools universal? I don't want to end up buying one thing and finding I need something else.

I think the cables most likely need replacing too.

[Carlton green]

Are the freewheel tools universal? I don't want to end up buying one thing and finding I need something else.

I think the cables most likely need replacing too.

No, Freewheel tools are not universal. You need to see what freewheel you have fitted and buy for that one first, and in your position I’d be inclined to buy the same make and model as a replacement (once I’d got the old one off once). Grease the threads before reassembly and be careful not to cross thread it - gently does it, etc.

One job at a time, do the cables later. The cables might be fine if you just oil and grease them rather than replace - saves a few quid too.

[Spies]

How do I find out what make of freewheel it is? There are not markings on the side I can see, and I don't have any way to remove it without a freewheel tool, hence my question about whether they are universal.

I have priced up Shimano parts to replace shifters and derailleurs and it's about £32.

[Spies]

Could anyone also explain why the race nut on the stem isn't a nut but just a round collar? What are you meant to use to tighten it when the stem has play in it?

[Carlton green]

How do I find out what make of freewheel it is? There are not markings on the side I can see, and I don't have any way to remove it without a freewheel tool, hence my question about whether they are universal.

I have priced up Shimano parts to replace shifters and derailleurs and it's about £32.

Take the wheel out of the frame, clean around the axle and then take a close-up picture of what’s there. Post the picture here and someone will likely comment to guide you forward. Typically a freewheel has make details shown on the face next to the axle/hub hole.

I can’t really advise details about the stem (I’d need to see and play around with it or a very similar one) but round things can often be adequately held with water-pump pliers. My suspicion is that if you slackened the top nut the ring would move by finger pressure and that the spacer between would allow you to retighten the top nut without the adjustment ring moving ... or something along those lines.

[Spies]

Wording on the freewheel says Power China.

It looks like this is the tool I would need https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bicycle-Remova ... 00UYW0YNC/

[Carlton green]

Wording on the freewheel says Power China.

It looks like this is the tool I would need https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bicycle-Remova ... 00UYW0YNC/

You’re likely correct but can you add more certainty to what is ultimately a best guess? I’d clean the freewheel face and removal area more (oil and dirt cover up details) and measure everything possible plus count the number of splines. Check any extra detail as that you gain against product descriptions.

I tend to use eBay more than Amazon and note that the item linked to is in China with a long delivery time. A (genuinely) U.K. sourced part would be dearer but delivery would be quicker and its quality might be better. On this occasion the small premium would be with the saved time to me, you might also be able to ring up a U.K. supplier and ask questions.