Originally Posted by
knightzz718
Hey Foldingbikefan, I am having the same issue. When I coast, there is the clicking sounds which from reading this forum seems normal. I don't know if this contributes to the bad gliding. Think I am gonna replace the freewheel and see if that fixes the problem.
The clicking while coasting is definitely normal; it is a function of the freewheel (the gear cluster on the rear wheel of this bike). Freewheels do tend to make a slightly different sound than freehubs which most modern geared bikes have. It doesn't help that this particular freewheel is not the best quality....the Shimano I now have on my bike is a little quieter, and cost $20 (including installation) at my LBS.
As for the coasting problem that Foldingbikefan is having- this sounds to me like it could be something as simple as either the rear axle nut(s) are too tight or the cone nuts are too tight. Either could cause a binding on the rear wheel bearings causing the rear wheel to not spin freely. Further investigation is required prior to returning the bike.
On a related topic, I read a thread elsewhere on this forum and one of the respondents implied that this Genesis bike is not worth the hassle due to the numerous problems encountered. I think this is unfair. To date, I am aware of only several issues:
1) the freewheel. This part IS total junk. It may be usable, but I found it to be the source of a rythmic clunking sound so I replaced the one on my bike. Any good bike shop would be able to easily determine if this part is usable or not and replace cheaply if required.
2) steering post misaligned from factory. Easy fix to loosen the allen bolt in the stem assy and straighten.
3) Noisy/creaking steering post. On my bike I found the issue was lubrication required in the hinge area (same as roving70).
4) Possible bottom bracket issue/opening that allows grit to get into bottom bracket bearings. This is a problem roving70 reported; I have not yet encountered an issue with this. As he reported, either rebuilding or replacing with a sealed bearing bottom bracket is the fix.
I'm not saying these are all the problems, just the ones I am aware of (and remember). I gotta say that for a bike that has a fit/finish comparable to other folders that cost double (or more) the cost of the Genesis, this doesn't seem to me like a long laundry list of issues? Any bike shop pre-ride checkout would probably all fix these issues, so I still maintain that this bike is a great value not just for people like roving70 and me who don't mind getting involved in the mechanicals, but also for non-wrench folks who don't mind spending a little cash at the LBS getting a tuneup.
/rant off.