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

[TheJay]

Thanks for your reply. Yeah, tried a new chain.

I wasn't sure quite what you meant, so I have a clip and photos to share in the hope this is what was needed. The rear cassette looks good to me, the chainset looks bad and I don't know about the rest?

https://imgur.com/sZDWSss

 

[ishaw]

The chainset is not great. It's also all very grimey. Hard to tell from the clip as spinning backwards.

 

[TheJay]

Once I understand what's going on and can get the right parts, I'll strip it down and clean. Brake cleaner presumably good for this?

 

[bikeworkshop]

Clean the bike with warm soapy water. Solvent like brake cleaner gets places you don't want it to.

Those chainsets don't take much wear - id think about replacing it.

You of there much play in the pivots that will misalign the gears under pressure.
How much side to side waggle is there at the back wheel? A few mm is ok - although should be fixed

 

[TheJay]

Okay, so I need to order a new chainset.

How's this? https://www.tweekscycles.com/shimano-tourney-fca073-7-8-speed-chainset-triple-796287/#review-tab

What about a new chain whilst at it? Any recommendations?

Finally, are the jockey wheels a likely problem?

What pivots? Side to side waggle in the back wheel? As in how much variation is there in side to side movement in the rim? If there's a lot, aside from spokes what can cause that?

 

[ishaw]

Why buy such an awful replacement set of cranks, the bike deserves better.

If you put a wanted as out on here I'm sure you'll do better and get one more suited to the bike. Be aware that cranks require a specific BB axle length to achieve the correct chain line and frame clearance so you must want to consider that when looking for a new chainset.

There are different chainset standards as well so plenty to think about.

If that were my RTS, I'd be changing the rear cassette as well, as that's a heavy, steel, low end lump.

Chain wise, SRAM are decent and have the split link which makes fitting easier, though you'll likely need to shorten it so a chain tool may be needed. Kmc are decent chains as well.

I've got some 8 speed stuff in my spares stash, including cassettes and chains if you are interested. Possibly cranks and bbs as well.

 

[ishaw]

Here's a link to some cranks selling on here. The stx-rc look suitable and similar period to the frame.

B

For Sale Thread 'Shimano chainsets'

Apr 17, 2025

STX-RC FC-MC36 175 £20

LX FC-M563 175 £25

LX FC-M569 175 £20

• bhill22
• Replies: 0
• Forum: MTB For Sale

I'm sure there are others.

 

[TheJay]

I didn't know it was an awful replacement set. I'm happy to spend money on good components to get this working properly, I just need to know what I should be ordering.

I have no problem changing the rear cassette and chainset once I know what I should be ordering. I have chain tools, how do I know which SRAM chain to choose and the optimum length?

 

[bikeworkshop]

If you can get help from Retrobikers great, otherwise If you could take it into a decent bike shop, they should be able to sell you the correct, compatible parts at the right quality point.
Alot of people no longer have a shop like that nearby though - just get told they need a new bike

 

[TheJay]

Yep, that's what I was told too! That's why I am here.

Surely there have to be some new components suitable for this bike rather than fitting used gear that's probably not got much life left in it?

So I have made some more clips in case it helps. If set in gear 2 front and gear 8 back, should it make this much noise?

https://imgur.com/1kSfcyp

Wheel movement

https://imgur.com/wUmBEb6

Chainset

https://imgur.com/AFRjkt4

https://imgur.com/gKnypJV

https://imgur.com/jJelqUE