Bicycle Mechanics - gear shifting problem

Hi, guys, I'm new here.

Well, I bought a bike a few weeks ago. I admit it, it's a cheapie! It's an Eddie Bauer (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_5/601-3670776-2039322?asin=B0000695DM) model from target. I've been riding about 6 miles per day for the past three weeks, and I'm already having problems shifting gears. If I'm in fifth, and want to get to 6th, I have to go up to seven, then back down to 6. If I even try and put it down in 1st or second, teh chain won't catch, and I just spin. Any ideas guys? You think it's a chain problem? This is my frist bike since I was about 10 years old.

The gearshift cable stretches over the first couple of weeks use, so unscrew the adjusting screw where the cable enters the derailler mechanism down near the rear hub. Only unscrew one click at a time then check to see if there is any difference - it will probably be right after 2 or 3 clicks. You should find detailed instructions (and a lot of other useful stuff) on Sheldon Brown's website.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

Best of luck and have fun

Any bike from Target is a piece of junk. Fixing all the things that go wrong on an el-cheapo discount store bike is a losing battle.
Return it for a refund, and go out and buy a decent bike from a bike shop.

Any bike from Target is a piece of junk. Fixing all the things that go wrong on an el-cheapo discount store bike is a losing battle.
Return it for a refund, and go out and buy a decent bike from a bike shop.

that's just a bad attitude, dave. hey the person has bought a bike and is out riding! that's better than sitting at home. making remarks about Target bikes just perpetuates the perception that avid cyclists are snobs. we all have to start somewhere, and it's the starting that counts.

just listen to Andrew P, adjust it a little at a time, and have fun riding.

bpohl,

Most new bikes (even the fancy & expensive ones purchased at a high-zoot shop) will do this. As Andrew said, the cable takes a set after 100-200 miles and the derailleur needs to be adjusted to compensate. The difference is that most bike shops will tell you to bring it back after a few weeks and they'll do this for free -- in your case you'll either have to do it yourself or pay a shop to tweak it for you 'cause Target won't be any help. This isn't a very difficult adjustment to make, so read the info that Andrew referenced and give it a shot.

Hey bpohl

And one other thing you may want to think about while you are doing all this is lubing your chain. The bike, as bought, had just enough lube to keep it shiny in the store.

Taking care of your chain first will help make all the other adjustments easier.

And don't worry about this bike being "cheap". This way you will really notice the difference when you drop the bucks on your next one. Enjoy the ride.

- Jeff

Hi, guys, I'm new here.

Well, I bought a bike a few weeks ago. I admit it, it's a cheapie! It's an Eddie Bauer (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/ref=br_1_5/601-3670776-2039322?asin=B0000695DM) model from target. I've been riding about 6 miles per day for the past three weeks, and I'm already having problems shifting gears. If I'm in fifth, and want to get to 6th, I have to go up to seven, then back down to 6. If I even try and put it down in 1st or second, teh chain won't catch, and I just spin. Any ideas guys? You think it's a chain problem? This is my frist bike since I was about 10 years old.

bpohl, sounds like you bought from a superstore type of place? Target is not known in the UK (FAIK). Maybe head down to your lbs. The adjustment should be quite quick for them to look at. It'll give you the chance to suss the place out for future purchases and get a relationship started with them.

Good to see you are riding again since you were a nipper. It's a nice feeling, eh?

You might also want to check/clean/lubricate any cable guides that run under the bottom bracket. That area captures a lot of grit and grime and can prevent the cable from sliding as it should.

Hey, guys and gals,

Thanks for all of your help! My baby is up and working again! I just did my longest ride ever today.... 17 miles... like I said, I'm a beginner! Thanks again!

bp...good hear your problems resolved. Its actually not a bad idea to start out on a bike like yours. What would you rather do, spend $500 on a LBS bike and find out you dont like riding or spending $100 and finding your not into it?? If your still riding in 6 months come back and ask what nice new bike is going to run ya.

bp...good hear your problems resolved. Its actually not a bad idea to start out on a bike like yours. What would you rather do, spend $500 on a LBS bike and find out you dont like riding or spending $100 and finding your not into it?? If your still riding in 6 months come back and ask what nice new bike is going to run ya.
Point well taken. I have to say, though, that I am obsessed with riding now. It's practically all I can think about anymore. Indianapolis has a great trail system for bikes, and I had never taken advantage of them. Now I understand why so many bicyclers love it here. (That is, until you have to rdie on the streets!)

that's just a bad attitude, dave. hey the person has bought a bike and is out riding! that's better than sitting at home. making remarks about Target bikes just perpetuates the perception that avid cyclists are snobs. we all have to start somewhere, and it's the starting that counts.

Well, I'm sorry, but I stick by my observation. Any bike sold at Target, Wal-Mart, K-mart, and Toys-R-Us is a piece of cr@p, and was likely assembled by a moron. These mass-market retailers sell junk, and offer zero service after the sale. For only $20 more, he would've gotten a better bike at a bike shop, and would've had his bike repaired prompltly.

I'm sorry if I sound like a snob, but it's cases like this that have ruined the state of cycling in our country. Somebody wants to save $10, so they go buy a bike from a mass-retailer. The bike turns out to be a pile of junk, the person gets discouraged, throws it away, and never buys another bike again. Not only does this further our dependance on motor vehicles, it also lowers the perception of those adults who do ride in the minds of the uninformed majority. It's a vicious downward spiral, and we can thank all these junk-peddlers for helping it along.

Once again, I urge the original poster to return the bike for a full refund before it's too late.

Not to make this a LBS vs MASS RETAIL debate, but..

I started out again the same way. I bought an MGX from Walmart a year ago.
I loved it! My wife now rides it. I have it tweeked and tuned and is a great bike for her riding style. Also the FIT is wonderful for her. I now ride a Specialized MTB and an old Raleigh roadie. I'm also looking for a good bike to build into a commuter! (may have found one yesterday!)

The key is to have fun. Expect to have to work on the bike. Learn all you can, which is the smart thing to do no matter where you purchased your bike!

I'm sorry if I sound like a snob, but it's cases like this that have ruined the state of cycling in our country. Somebody wants to save $10, so they go buy a bike from a mass-retailer. The bike turns out to be a pile of junk, the person gets discouraged, throws it away, and never buys another bike again. Not only does this further our dependance on motor vehicles, it also lowers the perception of those adults who do ride in the minds of the uninformed majority. It's a vicious downward spiral, and we can thank all these junk-peddlers for helping it along.

Once again, I urge the original poster to return the bike for a full refund before it's too late.
Oh for crying out loud, you're making this out to be some tragedy that it's not. Instead of giving this person a little encouragement for getting back on a bike and joining an activity that we all enjoy you instead bluntly criticize their bike and where they bought it and basically come across as a shill for the bike shop industry. I guess you thought you were being helpful but I don't think it really helped much. And for what it's worth, it's not about saving $10 or $20 on the bike -- Target has this listed on their site for $159, and you would have to double that figure to even get started in a LBS. Not everyone can justify spending several hundred or perhaps thousands of dollars on a bike, especially those just getting started back riding. One last thing -- the problem mentioned in the original post had nothing to do with the quality of the bike and would happen to almost any new bike regardless of where it was bought or what it cost.

Lessee...

Buy a stereo from a hi-fi store or from a discount store like Best Buy or Circuit City.

Buy a digital camera from Comp USA or from your local camera shoppe.

Buy a computer from a mail order outlet or from a local (not circuit city) type of store?

Buy your clothes from walmart/k-mart/target or from a taylior?

mass-market bikes are bikes just the same and are perfect for the very-beginners and for the children.

Bikes made with parts manufactured by Pyrimid are perfectly acceptable for beginners. They do lack quality and such. I've been to bicycle rodeos (for children) and found several bikes with miss-aligned frames and such. But at least the kids are riding. Their family may not be able to afford a $300+ bike esp when the kid will outgrow it in a year or so.

Of course for most of those in this forum we should consider buying from the LBS when possible. I did on all of my bikes up to now. However my LBSs are either closed or don't offer services at the level I need. I've stopped taking my bike to shops for repairs after 1999. There are ones that I trust with my bike but they are now 45-minute drives from the house. I would only go there if I could not do the repair myself, which BTW I can do all but the most demanding such as frame repair.

So I'm considering not buying my next bike from the LBS but ordering it direct (probably frame only). But that is because I can do the work and forced to build it myself because there is not a true LBS in my area.

So I'm not guilty of mass-market bike purchase and I've bought all 6+ bikes I own from LBSs until now.

Oh for crying out loud, you're making this out to be some tragedy that it's not. Instead of giving this person a little encouragement for getting back on a bike and joining an activity that we all enjoy you instead bluntly criticize their bike and where they bought it and basically come across as a shill for the bike shop industry. I guess you thought you were being helpful but I don't think it really helped much. And for what it's worth, it's not about saving $10 or $20 on the bike -- Target has this listed on their site for $159, and you would have to double that figure to even get started in a LBS. Not everyone can justify spending several hundred or perhaps thousands of dollars on a bike, especially those just getting started back riding. One last thing -- the problem mentioned in the original post had nothing to do with the quality of the bike and would happen to almost any new bike regardless of where it was bought or what it cost.
Thank you! I couldn't have said it better myself. Believe me, Dave, I feel you on the big box retail concept you aeretrying to sell here. Frankly, I wish I could do all of my shopping without entering a shop like Target. However, I looked at some of the bike shops around here, and I couldn't afford ANYTHING in there. I'm 24 years old and putting myself through school right now. Frankly, spending $300-$400 on a new bike would not exactly be feasible, and could even be considered stupid. The important thing is that I am out riding again, getting exercise, and loving every second of it! But, according to you, I should sit on my @ss in the house, since I can't afford the "right" bike.

that's just a bad attitude, dave. hey the person has bought a bike and is out riding! that's better than sitting at home. making remarks about Target bikes just perpetuates the perception that avid cyclists are snobs. we all have to start somewhere, and it's the starting that counts.

Amen. I do wish the "avid cyclist" snobbery were better disguised or hidden.

Any bike is a good bike if it gives the rider enjoyment, which this one obviously is doing. The worst thing about Xmart bikes is that everything is out of adjustment, but bpohl seems to be learning how to put that right.

About 18 months ago i bought 2 bikes from Wal Mart (one for the nephew and one for me). (sorry i know i've said this in another post) The first one i bought was on clearance so i decided what the heck i'll spend $99 on it and see if I like riding. And If i didn't like it well then i'm only out 99 bucks. Well about 15 months later after wearing both of the bikes out, mine (and the one I bought the nephew) I purchased a bike from a LBS. My point is if it were not for that inpulse buy at wally world I would never have found something that I truely love to do, not to mention losing weight and lowering my BP. So if a cheap bike gets you in the saddle I say "go buy a cheap bike and start riding, I did and i'm still riding..... :)

Otherland:

Good choice. In our club at work we get several folks wanting to "try biking" again. Typically they got an old bike in "mothballs" and we try to fix it up if possible and get them going again.

We try to get people to not buy a new bike if they aready got one (that is safe to ride) and get them started in the beginner/medium groups. Some move up fast and some move up slow, but as a rule we say if you are still riding with the group (or still riding) after a year then they should buy a good/decent bike and be serious about the fit and quality of the ride (after a year they will also have learned from us a great deal about their options and proper setup).

An alternative to the X-MART option is to find an LBS who has good deals on used bikes or possibly going to PAWN shops. Many times you can find a 8-speed bike with good componants for half of what a new 9-speed would cost. This is what we did for some of the guys/gals in the fitness center who wanted to start TRiathalon stuff. Now they know they like the sport and cycling, they are looking for the "right" bike.

Otherland:

Good choice. In our club at work we get several folks wanting to "try biking" again. Typically they got an old bike in "mothballs" and we try to fix it up if possible and get them going again.

We try to get people to not buy a new bike if they aready got one (that is safe to ride) and get them started in the beginner/medium groups. Some move up fast and some move up slow, but as a rule we say if you are still riding with the group (or still riding) after a year then they should buy a good/decent bike and be serious about the fit and quality of the ride (after a year they will also have learned from us a great deal about their options and proper setup).

An alternative to the X-MART option is to find an LBS who has good deals on used bikes or possibly going to PAWN shops. Many times you can find a 8-speed bike with good componants for half of what a new 9-speed would cost. This is what we did for some of the guys/gals in the fitness center who wanted to start TRiathalon stuff. Now they know they like the sport and cycling, they are looking for the "right" bike.

I'm very lucky to have discovered the sport, and I have already lost about 35 pounds in the last month and a half. I'm now looking for a better bike. Just bought my old lady a Giant Cypress last night, which I know is no GREAT shakes, but it's her first one. That set me back a little, but I'll get mine soon. ANy suggestions?

My thought: if I hadn't bought the cheapo from Target, I would have never discovered how much I love to do this! A month later, I'm now ready to drop some serious cash on a good bike.

BTW, I did, however, notice the dramatic difference between buying in our local bike shop for my fiancee versus buying from Target. Much better experience! They even sold us two helmets at 20% off!

You know what I have learned reading this thread?


That Dave is an ass.

What? :eek:

I just went through this same deal. You can search my previous threads and read the details. A few months ago, I bought a Schwinn at Target ($149) and fell in love with biking. I also hadn't ridden since maybe the age of 14. (34 now) I quickly decided that I loved biking and knew the Schwinn probably wouldn't hold up to my use. I was logging about 12 miles per day as I still am.

My Target bike was starting to have shifting problems after the first few weeks. They weren't serious but I knew it spelled TROUBLE. I then decided to try and adjust the rear deraillers. (bad idea for a newbie) I really had it screwed up. Lucklily the Target store was only 6 blocks from my house so I put the tools away and rode down to Target where I got a full refund.

I went to the LBS the next day and bought a Trek 4300. ($350) That was about 2 months ago. I have ridden the trek about 600-800 miles. Every day I wonder if this bike REALLY that much better than the DSB Schwinn. I know that it is but really can't notice a huge difference when riding. I really bought it for the local service. It came with a free 30 day checkup, adjustments. I also knew that I was into it enough to warrant spending a couple hundred extra bucks.

I think the biggest problem with buying a Xmart bike is the frames are rarely aluminum even though they make you think they are. They drivetrain is also infererior but this may or may not be that huge of an issue depending on your riding style.

I have many hobbies or interests beyond biking. Biking is sort of the order of the day I suppose. I have had love affairs with Home Theater, lawn care and many other things which I still love today. One thing that I have found is that you always have people that want to put down those with cheaper equipment. The sad part that it really should't be so important to state the obvious. Any idiot knows that if you spend $1000 on a bike you will have a better bike than someone who spent $350 or even $99.

That doesn't mean you will have a better experience. The experience is in the mind of the beholder. If you have a cheap bike and love it, you could very easily be getting more enjoyment than someone that has a very expensive bike. It is a lot like most things in life. It is what you allow yourself to get out of it. If you are happy than that is great. You shouldn't become unhappy because you become aware that your neighbor has a better bike. Jealousy is what drives a lot of these gearheads to spend more than they can afford and even after that they are still not happy at the end of the day.

So my advice is to ride your bike and have fun. Your XMart bike probably won't be as reliable as a LBS bike. But as long as you are aware of it and are enjoying what you are doing than keep on cranking on the pedals.

On a side note, the Schwinn that I took back was sold to Goodwill Industries. An employee of mine who has less financial resources went and bought it at Goodwill for $60. He brings it to work sometimes so I still get to see the Schwinn a lot. I tell him that it is an awesome bike and he really is proud of it. It really is a nice bike. It is far better than the POS 10-speed that I rode a million miles when i was a kid.

Great story Ranger. I think that most (at least sane) people start out with a beginner bike. If they really get into it they upgrade like I did. To look down or belittle someone because they have or did the best they could is really kind of sad.

You know what I have learned reading this thread?


That Dave is an ass.

Thank you, Mr. Up. And, BTW, welcome to my ignore list...

Well, I'm sorry, but I stick by my observation. Any bike sold at Target, Wal-Mart, K-mart, and Toys-R-Us is a piece of cr@p, and was likely assembled by a moron. These mass-market retailers sell junk, and offer zero service after the sale. For only $20 more, he would've gotten a better bike at a bike shop, and would've had his bike repaired prompltly.

I'm sorry if I sound like a snob, but it's cases like this that have ruined the state of cycling in our country. Somebody wants to save $10, so they go buy a bike from a mass-retailer. The bike turns out to be a pile of junk, the person gets discouraged, throws it away, and never buys another bike again. Not only does this further our dependance on motor vehicles, it also lowers the perception of those adults who do ride in the minds of the uninformed majority. It's a vicious downward spiral, and we can thank all these junk-peddlers for helping it along.

Once again, I urge the original poster to return the bike for a full refund before it's too late.

It must be the stress of prepping for the Little 500 Race. Or have you just become too accustomed to the precision of your tangerine colored circa 1979 Masi?

That's not the Dave Stohler I know! You can fix anything, including a beat up velo bike from Indiana U.

Say hi to Mike, Mooch, and Cyril...oh, and listen to dad and no more refunds! Santa lucia!

Seriously, however (I was being serious), I'm having a similar problem and my bike is a Specialized Stumpjumper less than 6 months old.

Here are the symptoms:

- Occurs while going uphill when there's additional tension on the chain and while shifting down.
- Chain will either spin (can't see what it's doing enough to say if hub is spinning, or chain is not engaging and skipping atop the teeth). OR will not shift down; just stays in the last gear. So I have to overshift (click twice, or click up then down).
- Occurs only in the middle cog (between 4th highest and 5th).
- Occurs only when shifting to a lower gear which is disconcerting since I'm going uphill and my chain starts skipping around and my cranks spin.

The LBS (supposedly) looked at it, but it's still bad. I'm hoping it's just derailleur adjustment and not the cassette, or a bent derailleur or hangar.

Yeah. I still eat that "Itey" food, too......

I digress, but what a fanatastic movie. Would love to see them make a sequel that now takes place 20 years later...

[QUOTE=prestonjb]Otherland:


We try to get people to not buy a new bike if they aready got one (that is safe to ride) and get them started in the beginner/medium groups. Some move up fast and some move up slow, but as a rule we say if you are still riding with the group (or still riding) after a year then they should buy a good/decent bike and be serious about the fit and quality of the ride (after a year they will also have learned from us a great deal about their options and proper setup).
QUOTE]

That is exactly what I did almost 2 years ago... My cousinb was gonna pitch his old Centurion, and offered it to me.. needed a basic tuneup, some tires, and a little cleaning up, and it was good to go... I then rode the crap out of it, and loved it ! I convinced my wife, after a year or so of riding it, that I really would like to have a new one... and I got a new Lemond... you have to stick with it though... I used to have a lot of junk from new hobbies that I would try, and then later drop... I sold a lot of it on Ebay, and bought my Lemond frame

Jeff

Will this thread ever die????

Will this thread ever die????


uhhh nope

Jeff

Will this thread ever die????

Well there's actually a very simple if someone doesn't like a thread...don't look at it.