I was lucky to receive a hand me down bike free of charge. It used to belong to a relative and seems to be about 20 years old or so. It is a 21 speed bike, I believe. I have a few questions that I'm sure someone can answer.
1. The bike seems to be in ok condition, but the back brake is not really working. Can this type of thing be fixed easily at a bike shop?
2. Do bike shops often offer "bike tune ups" that would serve as a general checkup/repair for the entire bike?
3. I'm a bit embarrassed to say that I don't really know how to change gears/speeds well even though I learned how as a child. Can anyone recommend a video or other resource for me to brush up on this skill?
Thanks!
1) Yes. May require some cleaning, and adjusting the cable, or even replacing the brake, but you can get brakes for fairly cheap.
2) Yes. Call your local shop to ask about prices which may vary quite a bit. They will charge for any parts that need to be replaced. Minor installation may be included in the tune up, but is often an additional charge. A very thorough cleaning and removal of things gumming up the works might fix your problems, though.
3) I don't have a specific video in mind, but once you get it tuned up, just shift the front derailleur (shifter) into the middle chainring (gear), and get on and pedal.
When it feels too hard to pedal, shift the rear (right hand shifter) to an easier/lower gear; when it feels you are spinning your legs too fast, shift to a harder/higher gear. to start with, I'd focus on just shifting the back gears (right handed shifter) to begin with until you are used to it. That will cover all but the highest/lowest gears. Once you are used to that, add in shifting in front, too.
For reference: To change gears, the pedals have to be moving forward, and pulling the chain through the derailleurs in the correct direction. The front gears (chainrings) are harder/higher when they are bigger. The rear gears (sprockets) are harder/higher when they are smaller. To get a feel for what is going on, have someone hold the bike, or put it on a stand at the bike shop, and just watch what happens as you are turning the crank/pedals and shift through the various gears.
Also, if you do take it for the tune up, just ask the folks at the bike shop to demo how the shifting works and get their advice on learning. Most people are pretty friendly and happy to help out new cyclists. Advice is free.
Have fun!