Initially bought to me with a broken rear dérailleur, the customer also asked me to do a full service on this bike.

I’ll describe some of the problems that come up again and again when servicing old bikes (a small part of what happens during a full service)

First, a look at that rear dérailleur, which had snapped off near the frame. The green circles are the bits that are supposed to be joined together. Let’s hope the rider wasn’t hurt when this happened.

Having replaced the dérailleur with a second hand one, we see that the chain also needs replacing. If you can do this with your chain (see photo) then it needs replacing.

If the chain is badly stretched then there’s a good chance the rear gears (either a cassette or freewheel type) will need replacing too, as a new chain will very often slip on the cogs when pedalling hard. Fortunately a cheap-ish chain plus a 7-speed freewheel only comes to about £15

Having stripped the wheels, some of the bearing cones are damaged, so these were replaced. Annoyingly most bike shops won’t sell you these components individually, but instead will force you into buying a complete kit containing a new axle, washers, nuts, etc. I keep a stock of cones and ballbearings, so you’re not paying for the bits which aren’t needed.

A damaged tyre, which was replaced with a good second-hand one. (I get a lot of bikes given to me which would otherwise have ended up at the rubbish tip, which can be cannibalised for spare parts)

Here we see the replacement dérailleur and freewheel.

The customer rode it, and within seconds said “Ooh this is nice!”

And that’s why I repair bikes !