Buy new ball bearings or a new sealed one. Decent bearing grease as we well. I made my own bearing press from thread bar, nuts and washers there's a guide on YouTube.
I use to pay the local shop but many years ago I charged £25 to replace break blocks so I decided to read and do everything myself. Everytime something broke j bought the tool if needed and learned. Over the years I have a every tool for the job.
I nearly got killed (very close) in a rear shunt about 2 years ago which has left me with a bad fear of the roads and off road cycling around my area is non existent.
I've just bought a decent rear camera/light and I'm going to have to confront the fear head on but to ride roads you need confidence, something I lack right now.
But anyway less about me, my rules are-
Don't buy cheap it will spoil your biking experience. Heavy clunk click bikes leave on the shelf. If you don't have the coin get a good well maintained 2nd hand branded my choice is Specialized. Just don't get an Asda special.
Look after it, check every ride tyres brake gears. Keep it greased oiled and clean the chain regular. Hair clipper oil the best for bikes.
Carry a tool kit basic stuff and learn about quick fit chain links and a puncture. Carry a spare tube and puncture outfit, you can get 2 punctures.punture 1 replace tube puncture 2 pre glued patch
Always carry water, phone, money or a card. Never get stuck with no way to get home even if it cost you.
And, invest in a camera believe you me, mine saved me from a long lengthy court case. The guy blamed me said a wavered veered into his path that until footage showed me keeping my kerb line then bang.
Bright clo
I truly miss biking so I need to get back out there both bikes have sat redundant for at least 18 month sad really.
There are alot of good drivers who will be careful when approaching cyclist but there's also a good few people driving on UK roads who despise cyclist. The amount of abuse I've had hurled at me is scary. Coffee thrown at me, late night revellers (6am) trying to kick you off. Spat at, doors purposely opened on me is scary. Drivers coming along side inches from your bars.
I personally feel, well know, roads now days are far far more dangerous than 20 years ago. There's more idiots than ever.
Stay safe