fsbk366

Hey guys/gals,
I am new to the forum, and new to biking in general. At least since being a kid. So I found a really good deal (hopefully it stays that way) on an almost new Marin San Anselmo. The previous owner had it strapped to the roof of his car on the way home from the shop, where it came loose and tumbled down the road. There are some minor scratches here are there, but it is solid and everything runs aligned. Everything except for the gears that is.

I took it out for a ride, and quickly found that the rear gears are not all functioning properly. It is a flawless smooth ride in gears 1, 2, 7, and 8. 3 and 6 are a little choppy, while 4 and 5 are unridable. By choppy and unridable I mean as I peddle, it constantly tries to cluck into another gear.

The derailer does not 'look' bent to me, but I don't know crap about bikes, so I could easily be wrong. Just seams that if it were bent, it would affect all gears, not just those in the middle. I am hoping it is a simple adjustment fix that wont cost money. Anyone have any ideas before I have to take this thing to the shop?

jimc101

Spend a few minutes looking throught the forum, this is a very common question, answered today as everyday, example https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ettings-better

Also, have a look on youtube for rear derailuer setup, as there are some good videos on there.

FBinNY 

Given that it's had a rough trip in the past, I'd first suspect a bent/mis-aligned gear hanger. It's an easy fix with a tool (which ain't cheap) or you can let a local shop check and fix it for you. it could be something else like cable friction, but I'd start with the hanger since everything else depends on that anyway.

While I was at it, I'd have a pro give it a quick once over check for anything you might have missed. The price and thoroughness of the check will vary from shop, so bring it to a few for a quote unless you know one you trust.