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11-02-10, 08:13 AM
I went for a ride on my Pocket Crusoe on a long bike trail. After my turnaround point to head back, the bike seemed to feel like lead. I couldn't believe I had bonked. Well, it turns out that the screw in the lower braze-on for the rear rack (braze is just above the rear cassette) had fallen out, and the tip of the rack had fallen down and was resting on my casette between the 7th and 8th cogs. Basically, it was acting like a brake, in effect, causing me to have to work a hell of a lot harder! As I pedaled, the rack tip (which is flat) just turned right along with the sprockets.
I didn't see anything wrong as I looked back while riding, wondering why I was so darned slow and tired. It wasn't until I back-pedaled at some poing that I heard a LOUD sound, and eventually saw the problem. Man, what a relief to know I wasn't totally out of shape! It appears no damage was done but I need to more closely inspect the cogs. The rack was literally resting right in-between the two cogs and not touching the teeth of either one. Normally I check the screws on my bike every few weeks, but clearly I missed this one :( .
I didn't see anything wrong as I looked back while riding, wondering why I was so darned slow and tired. It wasn't until I back-pedaled at some poing that I heard a LOUD sound, and eventually saw the problem. Man, what a relief to know I wasn't totally out of shape! It appears no damage was done but I need to more closely inspect the cogs. The rack was literally resting right in-between the two cogs and not touching the teeth of either one. Normally I check the screws on my bike every few weeks, but clearly I missed this one :( .