Apollo Gradient clunky and missed gear changes
10-01-19 | 04:32 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Apollo Gradient clunky and missed gear changes
Hi
About four months ago I decided to get back into riding. I bought an Apollo Gradient mountain bike. I know this is quite a cheap/basic bike but didn't want to spend a lot if I didn't stick with it. I have stuck with it and will eventually upgrade to something better but can't afford to right now.
Now onto the problem, the gear changes have never been particularly smooth but over the last month they have got worse. The gear changes themselves, while clunky, aren't a particular issue though any help with this would be greatly appreciated. What is more of an issue is that it sometimes misses a gear especially 3rd and 6th gears (so when I change from 2nd it will go straight to 4th or from 5th straight to 7th). This is more of an issue as you will think you are in the right gear and then it will snap back into the correct gear later on. This is a particular issue when cycling up hill as it throws my feet off the pedals. I've got massive bruises on both knees from where they have hit the handlebars at these times. This happens when riding on relatively smooth roads so isn't even anything to do with the type of terrain that I am riding on.
I have taken the bike to a shop to be serviced and they seemed to think it was ok but it is still happening. So with that information and the fact that I can't afford to upgrade my bike straight away what can I do to try and solve this issue with gear changes being clunky and gears being missed (or being missed then snapping back into them as I am riding)?
About four months ago I decided to get back into riding. I bought an Apollo Gradient mountain bike. I know this is quite a cheap/basic bike but didn't want to spend a lot if I didn't stick with it. I have stuck with it and will eventually upgrade to something better but can't afford to right now.
Now onto the problem, the gear changes have never been particularly smooth but over the last month they have got worse. The gear changes themselves, while clunky, aren't a particular issue though any help with this would be greatly appreciated. What is more of an issue is that it sometimes misses a gear especially 3rd and 6th gears (so when I change from 2nd it will go straight to 4th or from 5th straight to 7th). This is more of an issue as you will think you are in the right gear and then it will snap back into the correct gear later on. This is a particular issue when cycling up hill as it throws my feet off the pedals. I've got massive bruises on both knees from where they have hit the handlebars at these times. This happens when riding on relatively smooth roads so isn't even anything to do with the type of terrain that I am riding on.
I have taken the bike to a shop to be serviced and they seemed to think it was ok but it is still happening. So with that information and the fact that I can't afford to upgrade my bike straight away what can I do to try and solve this issue with gear changes being clunky and gears being missed (or being missed then snapping back into them as I am riding)?
10-01-19 | 06:47 AM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,327
Likes: 1,112
From: Roswell, GA
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
Since the shifting has changed, check your cables for any fraying and correct if needed. Also check that the housing ends are cut square and do not have any protruding wire strands.
You likely bought it at Halford's or similar so the prep could have been less than ideal. Perhaps your shifting just needs a slight adjustment that you can easily do yourself:
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailleur-adjustment
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair...eur-adjustment
Start at the beginning and do not skip any steps as each depends upon the previous ones being correct. Make gradual adjustments, 1/8 to 1/4 turn is not too small. You should not need large changes anyway, since it sort of works now, so don't go overboard.
You likely bought it at Halford's or similar so the prep could have been less than ideal. Perhaps your shifting just needs a slight adjustment that you can easily do yourself:
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailleur-adjustment
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair...eur-adjustment
Start at the beginning and do not skip any steps as each depends upon the previous ones being correct. Make gradual adjustments, 1/8 to 1/4 turn is not too small. You should not need large changes anyway, since it sort of works now, so don't go overboard.
10-02-19 | 03:18 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,655
Likes: 2,253
From: Montreal, Quebec
Hi
About four months ago I decided to get back into riding. I bought an Apollo Gradient mountain bike. I know this is quite a cheap/basic bike but didn't want to spend a lot if I didn't stick with it. I have stuck with it and will eventually upgrade to something better but can't afford to right now.
Now onto the problem, the gear changes have never been particularly smooth but over the last month they have got worse. The gear changes themselves, while clunky, aren't a particular issue though any help with this would be greatly appreciated. What is more of an issue is that it sometimes misses a gear especially 3rd and 6th gears (so when I change from 2nd it will go straight to 4th or from 5th straight to 7th). This is more of an issue as you will think you are in the right gear and then it will snap back into the correct gear later on. This is a particular issue when cycling up hill as it throws my feet off the pedals. I've got massive bruises on both knees from where they have hit the handlebars at these times. This happens when riding on relatively smooth roads so isn't even anything to do with the type of terrain that I am riding on.
I have taken the bike to a shop to be serviced and they seemed to think it was ok but it is still happening. So with that information and the fact that I can't afford to upgrade my bike straight away what can I do to try and solve this issue with gear changes being clunky and gears being missed (or being missed then snapping back into them as I am riding)?
About four months ago I decided to get back into riding. I bought an Apollo Gradient mountain bike. I know this is quite a cheap/basic bike but didn't want to spend a lot if I didn't stick with it. I have stuck with it and will eventually upgrade to something better but can't afford to right now.
Now onto the problem, the gear changes have never been particularly smooth but over the last month they have got worse. The gear changes themselves, while clunky, aren't a particular issue though any help with this would be greatly appreciated. What is more of an issue is that it sometimes misses a gear especially 3rd and 6th gears (so when I change from 2nd it will go straight to 4th or from 5th straight to 7th). This is more of an issue as you will think you are in the right gear and then it will snap back into the correct gear later on. This is a particular issue when cycling up hill as it throws my feet off the pedals. I've got massive bruises on both knees from where they have hit the handlebars at these times. This happens when riding on relatively smooth roads so isn't even anything to do with the type of terrain that I am riding on.
I have taken the bike to a shop to be serviced and they seemed to think it was ok but it is still happening. So with that information and the fact that I can't afford to upgrade my bike straight away what can I do to try and solve this issue with gear changes being clunky and gears being missed (or being missed then snapping back into them as I am riding)?
https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bik...7-20-22-frames
it was never designed for someone who rides frequently and for longer distances. Treat your bike gently until you can afford to buy a better one, you have obviously progressed beyond its design parameters.
10-03-19 | 01:22 AM
#5
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Good for you to have taken up cycling and having enjoyed it, have stuck with it. However, given that you seem to have been doing most of your riding on smooth surfaces, the bike you chose was probably not the best one for your needs at the price you paid. Dual suspension mountain bikes are awful to ride on the road no matter how much they cost compared to non suspension bikes at the same price. However, nothing you can do about it now. When you climb hills, use your lowest gears and do not attempt to get out of the saddle, don't be tempted to use a higher gear and push harder. Even after only 4 months, the components of your bike are starting to wear out if you have been riding frequently. If this is your bike:
it was never designed for someone who rides frequently and for longer distances. Treat your bike gently until you can afford to buy a better one, you have obviously progressed beyond its design parameters.
it was never designed for someone who rides frequently and for longer distances. Treat your bike gently until you can afford to buy a better one, you have obviously progressed beyond its design parameters.
