keatonwiese

Hey everyone I have an older model DiamondBack Wildwood My chain is drooping a bit it has a nice shimano derailer. I was wondering is anyone knows the general lifespan of a shimano derailer

Iride01 

Generally longer than I'd want to keep the bike. But if it's been banged up, abused or otherwise in general, your attention to the bikes needs a little lacking, then sure, they'll go bad faster. Shimano makes a slew of derailleurs. So there are some that are considered very low end and cheap. So those might be more prone to failure if just slightly abused.

How old is it? Have you ever put a new chain on it. If so, was it's sized correctly?


Welcome to BF

veganbikes

More than likely it is the bottom or near the bottom of Shimano's range for bikes like that but a droopy chain could simply mean a worn out chain that needs to be replaced or it was sized incorrectly or both. If it truly is the derailleur it could have had some abuse to it at some point maybe an impact or poor set up or something is just worn out on it which takes some time riding to do.

I would probably take it to your local shop and they can take a look at it and my guess is probably a bunch of new wear parts that are needed and probably a tune up.

KerryIrons

Very unlikely that the springs in the derailleur have "worn out." Much more likely that your bike needs a serious cleaning and lubrication plus a check of chain wear (more that 1/16" or at most 1/8" elongation in 24 links, which is 12" original length). The lifespan of any component depends on total miles, maintenance, and riding conditions. If your bike has sat in the garage and gotten a couple hundred miles per year, there's no way things are worn out. You've not provided any relevant information.

keatonwiese

Sorry for not providing information but I am new to the forums.

Maelochs

All is well. People here can be difficult sometimes, but mostly we all want to help.

Stuff like the age and mileage of the bike, the age fo the chain, the model of derailleur, the year of the bike even ... can be helpful.

Is the bike new to you or have you had it a while or since new?

This one belongs to a friend ...


He thinks it is a great bike.

KerryIrons

How many miles on the chain? Are things cleaned and lubed? How much has the chain elongated? What brand and model of derailleur?

keatonwiese

I don't know how many miles are on the chain I got it from a friend It has plenty of lube and everything is clean. My other friend who is a bike person said the chain might be stretched if that is the case would that explain why the chain pops and slips when it is in back 7 front 3

Korina

That sounds very much like it. Fortunately chains aren't that expensive. They're commonly classed as "consumables", like cables, tires, and tubes, as they eventually wear out with normal use, unlike, say, the frame or handlebars.

Welcome to Bike Forums; please read some threads, ask questions, admire others' bikes, and after 10 posts over two days (to weed out spammers) you can post photos of your sturdy steel street steed; we'd love to see it. You can learn a lot here, and make some great friends. Also check out "Community Connections" under the "Forums" drop down menu; there might be other BF members in your area.

Korina

It is a great bike! It takes him where he wants to go and looks good doing it. Also, clever rack hack.