By first gear I meant, small chainring in front and largest cog in back. I'm starting to think
Rev.Chuck is on the right track. I was bringing the bike back to the shop because the gears were slipping. Even in what I call '1st gear' there was a noise coming from the der (from what I can remember). Hindsight is always 20/20. I didnt know enough to prevent the breakage as the chain continued to rotate & I was almost at the shop. So now Ive to investigate if the shop made adjustments to the chain...and then who to point the finger of blame at! Is there a Bike Legal Issues forum yet or should I start one up. Only joking....still waiting for the retailer to return with comment but I can see me paying out of my own pocket for a new rear mechanism. Does anybody know where I can get a quality Shimano 105 rear mech for a good price - I'm pretty much out of pocket after paying $1400 for a bike a week ago that I still can't ride!!