I picked up an 80's era Nishiki bicycle, nothing fancy, a little over a decade ago. I came close to selling it a year or so ago but decided to keep it because I get attached to things. Apologize if the terms are wrong, I've pulled up a diagram of a bicycle and am working form it.
I was having an issue riding it before we moved and I believe it is because the outer chainring is bent. I took it to two shops, both adjusted it and didn't charge me a thing but the problem keeps coming back. I bent it back into shape myself this weekend and then put together the kid carrier. Got halfway through the ride to the library with our 3 year old and I think it bent itself out of alignment. This causes the chain to pop some and it doesn't like to stay on the large chainring. Chain can pop off entirely.
With the extra weight of the books and kid hauler, I wasn't up for pedaling on the larger ring much anyway, but went to commute on the bike myself today and I'm running slow, the rear derailleur did something funny and the chain popped off again. I've figured out a schedule that may let me bike to work 3 days a week, maybe more if I can manage to haul a kid to daycare in the kid hauler.
Does it make sense to DIY and replace the working components on the bike? If so, what parts and any recommendations on specifics? Alternative is to take it a shop and get their take and have them do it or to let the bike go and get one of these modern things. My wife is in need of a bike and I am pretty sure she will be leaning towards a new one, but might be able to bring her back to vintage if this project is successful.