Bicycle Mechanics - Help Fixing My Gears

Today when I left the doctors, the gears on my Townie were messed up. All the gears on the middle crank sprocket make a clicking noise with every revolution.

All the gears on the small and large crank sprocket work just fine. Strange ... Is this just a simple adjustment? How do I fix this problem?

When you are on the middle chainring, it makes a click once every revolution and it does that no matter which of the 7 rear cogs you are on? Do any of the teeth on the middle chainring look bent?

When you are on the middle chainring, it makes a click once every revolution and it does that no matter which of the 7 rear cogs you are on? Do any of the teeth on the middle chainring look bent?

I found part of the problem. One of the small screws that holds the plastic cover to the chainrings was caught between the large and middle chainring. I tried to put the screw back, but the plastic threads where it connects to are stripped, and the plastic is cracked.

I took the bike out for a ride (with the screw removed), and the same thing happens as before, the clicking sound while riding in the middle chainring. The problem with the clicking sound happens with all 7 cogs and the middle ring.

Can you remove completely that plastic cover and see if the clicking goes away?

Can you remove completely that plastic cover and see if the clicking goes away?

I'll give that a try now and see what happens ....

I removed the plastic ring cover and test rode the bike. Rides perfectly now! Guess I'll have to get a new ring cover.

Bingo!:thumb:

Bingo!:thumb:

Went to the LBS today and asked about replacing the plastic chainring cover, and they told me they can't get it. I would have to buy a new chain ring set!

Is that true? There's nothing wrong with the chainrings. Guess I can live without the plastic cover ....

No need for the chainring covers. Unless you're riding with long pants.

No need for the chainring covers. Unless you're riding with long pants.

+1 And even then, you can get a Velcro-strap to hold your pants out of the way. I always remove those covers and the like (which are called some rather uncomplimentary names in the business) - as they serve little function and always get bent and make noise. As you have found out the hard way.

If the customer wants 'em back on, I'll do that. But after I explain, they generally do not. I don't know how many are rotting in the dump thanks to me.

No need for the chainring covers. Unless you're riding with long pants.

I do ride with long pants (to work), but the plastic chainring cover doesn't protect my pants from getting greasy.

I've been using the metal clips to hold my pants cuffs away from the chain. I think I'd rather use velcro though ... The metal clips are very uncomfortable.

+1 And even then, you can get a Velcro-strap to hold your pants out of the way. I always remove those covers and the like (which are called some rather uncomplimentary names in the business) - as they serve little function and always get bent and make noise. As you have found out the hard way.

If the customer wants 'em back on, I'll do that. But after I explain, they generally do not. I don't know how many are rotting in the dump thanks to me.

Where can I get the velcro straps to hold my pant cuffs away from the chain? I've checked all around town, and can't find anything!