episodic

When I was adjusting the slack in the brake I noticed that if you turn the wheel free and let it spin there is a slight sensation of 'grinding' reverberating in the frame. Normal? It isn't loud or apparent - just there. You wouldn't notice if you were on the bike.

episodic

think i found it - one of the chain teeth are missing on the rear sprocket -broke off - sigh - hope this is covered by warranty.

episodic

Went by the LBS they said 1 broken was no big deal . . . so. . .hmmm some other guys were in talking about yea, they raced on 4-6 broken before. . . said if it got worse or effected things, they'd fix.

Bikewer

I'd be worried about the cause. The teeth on rear (usually steel) cogs are way tough and not easy to break. I can't say I've ever seen one broken in my many years, and I've refurbished a LOT of old bikes. Dreadfully poor shifting technique? Defective manufacture?

episodic

I'm a little worried too - but I'm not a mechanic and I guess I'll have to trust locally. It is on a mega range cog. The '34' large granny is the one with it missing. I've been there (that gear) a lot lately, I figure I'll wait a few weeks and if it doesn't effect anything, I'll ignore it - if it gets worse I'll press the issue an get it fixed. What would typically be the charge to fix something like that? Is it difficult?

As far as shifting, I do shift often. I have lots of hills around here. I'm also a larger guy, but within the specs of the bike's max weight - I'm on the upper end. I've been putting lots of road miles on it 200 in just 2.5 weeks (I know that isn't alot for some). I try to downshift at stops. I do have to shift on hill climbs quite a bit, though - along with some standing and pedaling hard.

So is this a bad thing? Dangerous? Thanks for thoughts. Should the warranty not cover this?

Bikewer

Hopefully you're not trying to downshift WHILE you're stopped...

Anyway, yes, poor technique, especially for a larger rider while doing hard efforts up hills... That can cause some damage. Ideally, you want to shift into the gear you'll need to climb the hill before you start having to really pedal hard. Trying to shift "under load" puts a lot of sideways strain on the chain and cogs.
If you find you must downshift while climbing, try to "back off" the pedal pressure a bit while you shift.

episodic

Thanks for the tips. I downshift before I stop

As far as hills - I just about always need the granny gear to top them. So if I am to shift climbing a hill coast for a split second during the shift? Usually I'm pretty sure I pause pedaling click the twist shifter then resume pedaling. I may have shifted under load though. So if I pause pedal, shift, and resume - that is the correct way to shift climbing? Thanks!