1997 GT RTS All Terra Mountain Bike Advice on Bearings and Handlebars/Accessories Due to Hand Pain

[TheJay]

Thanks Ian,
Thanks Ian!


Images of rear pivot/suspension

Added inner grips and changed the orientation of the handlebars:

 

[TheJay]

I am looking at RRP Proguard front and rear mudguards that can be kept on all the time without getting in the way but I don't know which ones to get as not sure how they mount to the front fork and rear?

 

[TheJay]

I am looking at RRP Proguard front and rear mudguards that can be kept on all the time without getting in the way but I don't know which ones to get as not sure how they mount to the front fork and rear?

Anyone?

Also, going back to the original post, what's the most likely cause of chain skipping? I am happy to replace any necessary parts. I'm thinking of looking at a new Shimano Tourney FCA073 7/8-Speed Chainset - Triple, 8-Speed Cassette, a decent new chain of the right length, strong frame protection/wrap for protecting frame from chain and Inner and outer chain guides to stop the chain slipping off?

 

[bikeworkshop]

Anyone?

Also, going back to the original post, what's the most likely cause of chain skipping? I am happy to replace any necessary parts. I'm thinking of looking at a new Shimano Tourney FCA073 7/8-Speed Chainset - Triple, 8-Speed Cassette, a decent new chain of the right length, strong frame protection/wrap for protecting frame from chain and Inner and outer chain guides to stop the chain slipping off?

Chain slipping could be alignment, wear or incompatibility.

 

[TheJay]

Thinking back, I replaced the chainset before due to this problem, so it's most likely to be an issue with alignment primarily, followed by wear? I replaced the chainset and the cassette thinking that would sort it out, it's still the same number of gears as was originally on the bike when I got it from someone else.

 

[bikeworkshop]

Thinking back, I replaced the chainset before due to this problem, so it's most likely to be an issue with alignment primarily, followed by wear? I replaced the chainset and the cassette thinking that would sort it out, it's still the same number of gears as was originally on the bike when I got it from someone else.

Different chainsets often have different bb axle lengths, so this could cause an issue.
Put the bike into middle to middle gear and then look to see if the chain is straight and parallel with the bike.

 

[TheJay]

3 x 8

Gear 2 front and 4 at the rear. Okay, I will do that later. Thanks.

 

[bikeworkshop]

You could post a photo taken from directly behind, looking along the chain

 

[TheJay]

Okay, thanks for the suggestion. Looks straight to me? I don't know if there's a lot of slack in the chain though?

Clip:

https://imgur.com/SY3CmyB

 

[bikeworkshop]

Chainline looks ok
(If it's the freehub, it's usually when you take up the drive, so it's more common on the flat or downhill than uphill - once it's engaged, it's usually OK...)

Next thing to check is condition of sprocket teeth - front, middle perpendicular to the crank arms, and rear cassette in 4,5,6th gear.
Iirc the chain is new - and it's 8 speed right?
Post photos