Just bought a 2nd hand bike, anything to be done?

[Crazypeach]

I just bought a 2nd hand Dawes Horizon Tour for £75 to commuting to work because I found that the bike lane here is not bad and probably will help me to avoid the traffic.

I am a absolute newbie and know basically nothing about bycicle.
When I tried the bike, it works and it runs, seems no major issue.

But I still have some questions ask:

1. When i change the gear from 3 to 2 its fine, but then when I change it from 2 to 1, it sliped. I have to pull the chain back manually, I don't know if i did it wrongly or some problem about the gear?

I have already prepare the worst that I will never use the "1"gear again...
And luckily the other gear (gear1-6) works alright


2. Do I need to change the tyres? It appears that they are pretty worn out. And if yes, how can I remove the rear wheel if the brake wire is like these?

3. Do I need to oil/re-oil the gears? It looks dark and should I do something about it?

4. It doesn't come with a stand and I want to install one, any suggested stand and how can I fit into my bike?

5. Anything else I should check or do about it?

[Crazypeach]

More photo:

[Jdsk]

Welcome

Do you want to learn to maintain it, or will you rely on someone else? There are two great websites:
https://www.sheldonbrown.com
https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help
... or three, counting this forum.

A work stand helps enormously. Check if Aldi currently have them available:
viewtopic.php?p=1797712#p1797712

But I think you mean a stand that will hold up the bike... I don't fit these to ours. Where are you thinking of using it?

Jonathan

[Jdsk]

...
1. When i change the gear from 3 to 2 it's fine, but then when I change it from 2 to 1, it sliped. I have to pull the chain back manually, I don't know if i did it wrongly or some problem about the gear?

I have already prepare the worst that I will never use the "1"gear again...
And luckily the other gear (gear1-6) works alright
...

Let's start with technique. Derailer systems need the chain to be moving forwards but not under load as you change gear. Is this what you're doing?

There are quite a lot adjustments that can be made, but they often don't need much attention after they're correctly set up. With any problem of shifting you need to check the condition of the whole thing: shifters, cable, changer, chainwheel and sockets. When it looks as if those are all OK then work through the adjustments in order as described in those websites above.

Jonathan

[Nicholas]

https://www.sheldonbrown.com
https://www.parktool.com/en-int/blog/repair-help

I think sending someone to Sheldon Brown or ParkTool is a bit overkill ... the OP has bought a (very cheap) secondhand bike and is just asking a few basic questions.

[Nicholas]

To the OP ... see if your local bike shop are willing to look the bike over and give you some advice. You might get it for free if you ask nicely.

[Jdsk]

...
2. Do I need to change the tyres? It appears that they are pretty worn out. And if yes, how can I remove the rear wheel if the brake wire is like these?
...

I'd certainly replace the tyre in the fourth photograph.

To release the rear brakes in order to allow the rear wheel to be removed: it looks as if there's already enough slack in the saddle wire. Squeeze the brake arms together and slip the end of the straddle cable out of the arm.

Jonathan

[Cowsham]

1. When i change the gear from 3 to 2 its fine, but then when I change it from 2 to 1, it sliped. I have to pull the chain back manually, I don't know if i did it wrongly or some problem about the gear?

Where did the chain slip to? ie Was it off the largest gear on the cassette and into the wheel spokes or off the front chain wheel at the pedals?

[Nicholas]

Where did the chain slip to? ie Was it off the largest gear on the cassette and into the wheel spokes or off the front chain wheel at the pedals?

Let's keep in mind that the OP has said they know nothing about bicycles, which might also mean they won't have a clue what a cassette is. I maintain that ten or fifteen minutes chat with a friendly bike shop staff member would answer all the OP's questions.

[Brik]

I maintain that ten or fifteen minutes chat with a friendly bike shop staff member would answer all the OP's questions.

Good advice, especially if the op pays for two new tyres to be fitted whilst asking those questions.
Regarding tyres, fit the biggest that you can for the most comfort.
My bike came with, I think 35c tyres on a 700 rim, the local bike shop I went to said only 35 would fit but I managed to find some 42c which fit fine.

[cycleruk]

1. When i change the gear from 3 to 2 its fine, but then when I change it from 2 to 1, it slipped. I have to pull the chain back manually, I don't know if i did it wrongly or some problem about the gear?

I presume that you mean the chain drops off the small chainring onto the bottom bracket ?
(The "bottom bracket" is where the frame tubes meet at the bottom.)

Depending on how competent you are then this is a good video to look at.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNG7g83lI-s
Chances are that the derailleur only needs the 2 setting screws adjusting to stop the chain dropping off.
If your not mechanically minded then a trip to your 'local bike shop' would be recommended.

I would certainly change the tyres as bald tyres are very likely to puncture,
Concerning punctures I would highly recommend that you learn how to repair them.
Generally I would guess that the majority of members on this forum know how to mend punctures.
Also most will carry tools and a spare tube (or 2) so they don't get stranded mid-ride.

[richardfm]

It's quite possible that your chain is worn.
Your local bike shop will be able to check and advise.

You should inspect all the cables. Are any frayed or corroded or splits in the outer?

This video will help you check the headset
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TihBJNn0Bck

If you hold the cranks...the arms the pedals are attached to...see if you can detect any play when you push and pull. There shouldn't be any, but they should spin freely.

Before you take the wheels off hold them at the tyre and see if you can wiggle them around side to side. You shouldn't be able to.

Once you have the wheels off to change the tyres hold a wheel by each end of the axle. It shouldn't spin freely with no grinding noises or stiffness. Repeat with the other wheel.

If you do all of this you will be better informed when you take it to the bike shop.

Also check the brake blocks. How worn are they. Maybe post a photo.

[Cowsham]

Where did the chain slip to? ie Was it off the largest gear on the cassette and into the wheel spokes or off the front chain wheel at the pedals?

Let's keep in mind that the OP has said they know nothing about bicycles, which might also mean they won't have a clue what a cassette is. I maintain that ten or fifteen minutes chat with a friendly bike shop staff member would answer all the OP's questions.

The OP did come here to ask some questions. Maybe the LBS isn't so local.

[531colin]

Somebody has been mucking about with that bike.
You have cantilever brakes and the rear lever is for Vee brake…that doesn’t work.
You have a Falcon right gear lever for a Shimano gear; that might work , have you got 6 gears?

[oldgit]

i'm a brand new rider like yourself. when using your gears, for now dont use the lever with 1, 2 + 3 on, put that on number 2 and leave it there, use the other lever to go up and down your gears, i find i use numbers 3-6 mostly, some will say this is wrong, but as a newbie it works for me, and once you get used to it, you can then have a play with the other lever.

you will get swamped with info on here, all good but sometimes to much for a somebody new to bikes, i would suggest taking it to a local shop, or find a local bike mechanic, get some new tyres fitted and ask them to give it a once over for you, if they are any good they will sort it properly for you.

diy maintenance can always be learned at a later date once you are up and running.