Originally Posted by
skydog6653
I took my '82 Conti out today for it's second trip. When the chain is on the smallest 2 sprockets in back and I backpedal, the chain either throws or goes extremely slack. Obviously something is out of adjustment and needs looked at but I can't seem to pinpoint where. It doesn't do it on the larger sprockets, and the front derailleur position doesn't seem to make a difference.
Backpedaling when on the smaller sprockets and the inner chainwheel is a bad idea, as the chain has to go at an angle onto the freewheel. However, your freewheel may be hanging up some as well. There is less tension in the system on the smaller cogs and any friction will show up. Get the bike in a stand and rev up the rear wheel, then "coast" - see if the chain sags at the bottom. Also just take the rear wheel off and see if the freewheel spins easily. If you have the OE freewheel the Normandy ones came with dustcaps which can cause some friction.