jborok

I have a cannondale with Ultegra sti shifters. Sometimes when shifting the pedals just spin. It's as if the gear is not engaged. Does any know about this and what to do? Thanks for your help.

ljbike

It would seem the pawls inside the free hub are not working properly. It's not a problem I've seen with cassettes, but quite frequently with freewheels.

I'm not sure if they can be cleaned out and relubed. If my guess is right, a new free hub shouldn't cost more than $20. (In NYC that might be $35 because of all the taxes and other charges you NY'ers are subjected to. Take it to Jersey, it might be cheaper.

Maybe another member will have an idea of the cause, and a less costly cure.

WoodyUpstate

You don't mention whether it happens when shifting the front or rear. Also, does it happen when shifting up, down or both, if in the back, which cogs?

jborok

Thanks for your help. I'll check out the freehub. If I recall it happens when shifting up.
Jay

mike

If it only happens when shifting, chances are it isn't the freehub. Save your money and skip the freehub cleaning until you know for sure that is the problem. Freewheels and freehubs are pretty maintanance free.

My guess is that your shifter isn't putting the chain onto the next chainring or sprocket. Your chain is then either floating between the sprockets or riding on top of the sprocket without the teeth setting into the chain.

Both cases will make an uncomfortable sound as you pedal; "whirrrr, clink clink whirrr...

Try forcing your shifter so that it pulls the cable and forces the chain to position correctly onto the sprockets.

ljbike

If mike is right, also check your cable tension to make sure it is tight.
Actually, that should have been the 1st suggestion.