1974 Raleigh Sprite rear deraillure problem
08-05-05, 06:55 PM
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1974 Raleigh Sprite rear deraillure problem
Okay, I'm very new to bike mechanics....
Just got this off ebay
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
and I'm having problems shifting (besides the fact that the original tire went flat very soon after I put air in it- I think it's been a while!)... When I try to downshift (right lever- rear deraillure) the lever just kinda springs back forward, and shifts the bike back up! I mean, moving or sitting still, if I pull the right lever back, it just springs back forward. Make sense? I'm not at all accustomed to shifting with levers, being more familiar with modern mountain bikes with easy push button type shifters. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks in advance!
-Rob
PS- I'm so happy to find this community- I really want to get rid of my gas powered conveyence, and, I'm sure I can count on you guys for help, and hope I can contribute knowlege in the future!
Just got this off ebay
https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1
and I'm having problems shifting (besides the fact that the original tire went flat very soon after I put air in it- I think it's been a while!)... When I try to downshift (right lever- rear deraillure) the lever just kinda springs back forward, and shifts the bike back up! I mean, moving or sitting still, if I pull the right lever back, it just springs back forward. Make sense? I'm not at all accustomed to shifting with levers, being more familiar with modern mountain bikes with easy push button type shifters. Am I doing something wrong? Thanks in advance!
-Rob
PS- I'm so happy to find this community- I really want to get rid of my gas powered conveyence, and, I'm sure I can count on you guys for help, and hope I can contribute knowlege in the future!
08-05-05, 07:31 PM
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First of all, welcome!
Secondly, the problem is probably that the shift lever is too loose. The rear derailer tries to pull back to the highest gear, and the only thing that stops this is friction in the shift lever. Look on the side of the stem shifter unit: there should be a large screw on either side. Tighten up the screw on the side that is loose, until there is enough friction in the lever to prevent it from springing back. And if that doesn't work, I have a few spare stem shifting units... yours for the price of postage.
As for the rear tire: I suggest replacing the inner tube, as it is probably cracked or punctured. A new tube should only cost $2-5. Search the forums for advice on how to change it, or visit the "Repair Help" section of www.parktool.com
I hope you enjoy your bike. The old Raleighs are nothing high-tech, but I do love them. And if you ever decide to upgrade, you'll have plenty of people here willing to give you advice
Secondly, the problem is probably that the shift lever is too loose. The rear derailer tries to pull back to the highest gear, and the only thing that stops this is friction in the shift lever. Look on the side of the stem shifter unit: there should be a large screw on either side. Tighten up the screw on the side that is loose, until there is enough friction in the lever to prevent it from springing back. And if that doesn't work, I have a few spare stem shifting units... yours for the price of postage.
As for the rear tire: I suggest replacing the inner tube, as it is probably cracked or punctured. A new tube should only cost $2-5. Search the forums for advice on how to change it, or visit the "Repair Help" section of www.parktool.com
I hope you enjoy your bike. The old Raleighs are nothing high-tech, but I do love them. And if you ever decide to upgrade, you'll have plenty of people here willing to give you advice
08-05-05, 07:40 PM
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Ah yes! Lever has a little flippy tab thing that tightens it up- no more springing back... Thanks! I'd never have noticed that. I'll try new tubes and see how that works out- I think I may remember how to do it... Okay, I'm not entirely new to bike machanics... I used to do my own bike maintainance before I had a driver's liscence, but it's been... Oh... 16 years or so! MAN I miss riding- used to ride 10+ miles a day when I lived in New Orleans, but once I move to the NC mountains, I wussed out. Time to get back in shape!
08-05-05, 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by eclecticisms
Ah yes! Lever has a little flippy tab thing that tightens it up- no more springing back... Thanks! I'd never have noticed that. I'll try new tubes and see how that works out- I think I may remember how to do it... Okay, I'm not entirely new to bike machanics... I used to do my own bike maintainance before I had a driver's liscence, but it's been... Oh... 16 years or so! MAN I miss riding- used to ride 10+ miles a day when I lived in New Orleans, but once I move to the NC mountains, I wussed out. Time to get back in shape!
