Bicycle Mechanics - A few problems

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CaseyLS
10-21-04, 10:40 PM
1. My front break lever sticks and doesn't go back to it's original position. It's really annoying because I have to force it to release.

2. Some gears shift properly but others just stick, but when I go to another gear it shifts fine.

3. My computer quit working a few days ago. I can adjust the magnet and get it to work properly but then it will quit working.


Any advice on any of the problems would be nice.

Thanks,
Casey

blue_neon
10-22-04, 12:05 AM
1. This is probably the cable or there is a problem actually at the brake it self, and is not springing back out. What brake is it, fron or back, because back is more likely to lose tension.

2. Which set of gears fron or back? Back should be easier then the front to change, but if there not changing well the derailer needs adjustmen or... the cable is worn out. remember dont change uphill. Also on my bike, shifting up gears is more efficent then shifting down gears. i think the chain changes better when it is dropping onto the gear instead of being pulled up.

3. Is the magnet holding in place? It might be old or cheap and is worn out? How long ago did you get the computer?

This is a fantastic site for bike repair > www.parktool.com (http://www.parktool.com)
legalize_it
10-22-04, 07:02 AM
sounds like you brake and shifting problems are due to your cables. squirt some tri-flow into the cable housings, and lubricate all the pivots on your sticky brake and derailluer. if that doesnt fix the shifting your cable may have stretched, so a readjustment would be in order. you should be able to get both problems fixed at a LBS for around 30 or less.

moxfyre
10-22-04, 08:55 AM
1. Check to make sure that the brake pads don't hang over the edge of the wheel rim! If they do, it sometime wears a lip into the brake pad, causing it to get stuck on the edge of the rim. If this is the case, adjust the brake (learn how here (http://www.members.aol.com/biketune/brake.htm).

2. Getting good shifting can be tricky and may require cleaning your gears and chain, adjusting your derailleurs, your cables and your shifters. What's the gearing on your bike and what doesn't work?