Two month old bike, has my chain expanded?
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Two month old bike, has my chain expanded?
Hello,
My bike is about two months old. After I've been riding for a while the chain seems to be slipping out of place. I can back peddle and stop it, but then it starts up again down the road. I can't explain the sounds except it sounds like when I change gears. I don't know much about bikes, how can I fix it myself?
Thanks much
Kris
My bike is about two months old. After I've been riding for a while the chain seems to be slipping out of place. I can back peddle and stop it, but then it starts up again down the road. I can't explain the sounds except it sounds like when I change gears. I don't know much about bikes, how can I fix it myself?
Thanks much
Kris
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First, clean your chain. If that doesn't work, tighten the rear derailleur cable one quarter turn of the barrel adjuster at a time until the noise stops.
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If the bike is that new, take it back to the dealer for an adjustment which should be included in the original deal. Watch what the mechanic does and ask him to explain it.
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Thank you for your responses. I will try and tighten the cable. I didn't buy my bike local so can not easily take it back to the dealer. I moved and the dealer is 2 1/2 hours away unfortunately So I'm trying to take care of things myself. I'll learn, guess I should get myself a good how to book.
Thanks again
Kris
Thanks again
Kris
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Kris, there are several web sites that contain exhaustive repair advice: sheldonbrown.com has tons of long articles as well as an INCREDIBLE bike glossary. parktool.com/repairhelp has specific illustrated step-by-step repair help. As for books, I recommend the book "Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bike Maintenance and REpair". Costs about $15, and it's very complete yet suitable for a beginner.
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The guides at https://www.parktools.com should get you started until you get your book.
Haha, moxfyre, you're a pretty quick typist, arent you?
Haha, moxfyre, you're a pretty quick typist, arent you?
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Originally Posted by Portis
actually it can spare you from buying a book.
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You can always ask on this forum. However to get an answer that makes any sense, you need to be specific about the description of the relevant components on your bike.
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Sloane's book says the links are exactly 1/2" apart, and measuring with ruler while chain is still on the bike, if it's 12-1/16" along 24 lengths then it has expanded 1/16 inch per foot and that's the point where it needs replacement.
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Originally Posted by Olden Crow
Sloane's book says the links are exactly 1/2" apart, and measuring with ruler while chain is still on the bike, if it's 12-1/16" along 24 lengths then it has expanded 1/16 inch per foot and that's the point where it needs replacement.
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Originally Posted by InTheTrenches
More likely the whole drivetrain. It is also way easier to get an accurate measure with one of the many chain checkers.
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Not really. A little lack of lube, one dusty day, no maintenance and you can see a shot ring in 1500 miles. Most people only use one ring and two or three cogs, this leads to a screwed drivetrain pretty quick. Since most cyclists are as familiar with lube as a hippy is water(or decent music) it happens pretty quick. But I base this on experience rather than the internet so I am probably wrong.
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Originally Posted by InTheTrenches
Not really. A little lack of lube, one dusty day, no maintenance and you can see a shot ring in 1500 miles. Most people only use one ring and two or three cogs, this leads to a screwed drivetrain pretty quick. Since most cyclists are as familiar with lube as a hippy is water(or decent music) it happens pretty quick. But I base this on experience rather than the internet so I am probably wrong.
More recently, I let the chain on my commuter get too stretched and wrecked the cassette in about 3000 miles. New cassette and new chain now, and it's as smooth as can be. No sign of any problems with the chainrings.
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Now multiply your bike by 30,000+ and you get where I am.
Fact is, as far as the Op goes, the only way you wear your chain in two months is to ride a century a day every day.
Fact is, as far as the Op goes, the only way you wear your chain in two months is to ride a century a day every day.