Bicycle Mechanics - Beginner's gear/rear wheel problem

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diamond57
08-20-06, 10:55 AM
I have just bought a new bike, a Moore Large, cycle with 18 speed shimino gears. The problem is that the rear wheel and gears were already assembled - I had to add the front wheel (delivered in box, as cannot easily get in car etc). Tried to use for the first time and it seems like the pedals and chain etc are not attached to the rear wheel, as the pedals go round loosely and not the rear wheel. Nothing in the instructions about it. If you push the bike backwards it sometimes moves the chain and pedal. Changing the gears while pushing the pedals round the chain moves up and down the cogs etc.

Any help greatly appreciated as I am sure there is something easy I have missed, but would love to give it a try tonight and not appear an idiot on the phone tomorrow to them especially without the correct language.

Thanks

sfrider
08-20-06, 02:50 PM
Defective freehub.
FarHorizon
08-20-06, 04:46 PM
Hi diamond 57!

Is the cluster of small gears in the back turning with the chain? If not, you should hear a distinct clatter as the chain rubs over or around them. If the rear gears are turning too, but the wheel is not, then sfrider hit the cause on the head - the part of the hub called the "freehub" (consisting of a series of pawls and ratchet teeth inside the hub body) are defective and aren't "catching" the cluster of gears (called the "cassette").

Hope this helped.