Bicycle Mechanics - Newbie gear question

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Andyblackett
06-28-03, 07:38 AM
Sorry if this question sounds really stupid but I'm fairly inexperienced when it comes to bikes, so please be patient with me ;OP

I've just got a mountain bike from a shop just around the corner from where I work. I'm having some problems with the gears, its a ten speed bike, but I can only seem to get it into maybe 2 or 3 of them. When I try any others it just makes crunching noises as if the chain isnt even in contact with the cogs (probably the wrong word sorry!) and the shifters are very very tight to move and often slip back into another gear whilst I'm pedalling.

The shifters on the front dont have any reassuring clicks so you know that you're in a particular gear theyre more like "push it and hope"

Anyone got any ideas on what I can do to solve the problem, I can post some pics if it might help

Thanks
Andy

MichaelW
06-28-03, 09:13 AM
At the rear, if there is indexing, it isnt setup correctly. Take it back to the shop and ask them to tension the cable correctly, and also check the stops which limit travel of the rear mechanism.
At the front, dont worry about not having indexing. Front indexing is a stupid idea, and you dont have it on many current systems. Just move the lever as far as it goes. The limit stops on the front mech will prevent you over-shifting. You can shift back a mite to avoid the chain rubbing against the mech in some gear combinations,( a feature which is abscent in indexed front mechs.)
mechBgon
06-28-03, 10:27 AM
A small nit-pick: most indexed front mechs do have trim positions, although I can think of an exception myself :)

Look at the right-side shifter as you move it. Is there a nub on the underside that's hitting the brake-lever clamp? This could be part of the reason for the stiff motion and the tendency to "creep" out of gears too. Just an educated guess. :) If this proves to be the case, move the shifter inboard until it's clear.

Because you say 10-speed, I'm guessing this wasn't from a bona fide bike shop, but rather a mass merchant? Or am I jumping to conclusions? Good luck, at any rate :)