I'm an idiot part 2!
 

Ok, now I already posted about this in the regional section, trying to find someone local to show me how to do this....

Pedaling was REALY noisy, so I figured I needed to adjust the rear deraileur... I printed and read Sheldon Browns article on the subject. I also read the chapter from "Bicycling guide to repair and maintenance". I had the bike upside down on a picknic bench at school. I began "fiddeling" with the barrel adjuster seeing how it works, and watching what happens... On the bench, I got the noise to almost go away... BUT! I cant get to the 2nd smallest cog.. the chain will skip it going in either direction.. It wasnt doing this before I mucked with the barrel adjuster.. I did this. :mad: So... Now I'm down to 6 useable cogs on the rear (not bad) but cant use one of my "happy cogs". In some gears the chain is quiet. In some its noisy. Its not consistent so I cant say "its noisy on this cog, but not that one"...

Now, that said, I have to tell you the bike is FILTHY. :o My bust. I've been too darn busy to clean it. I'll do my best to get to it on wedensday. Could this just be a clenliness issue?

The bike is a Roadmaster (duck the tomatoes) SKYKOMISH: Marble Point. It has Shimano Components. I've had it since brand new in 1994. Not too many miles on it, but it has been neglected.

Any ideas/ sudgestions?

TIA
Billy in NW IN

Could be dirt, rust, or generally out of tune. Clean everything well. Check between the sprockets for any foreign material - when I have a skipping chain, that's usually the reason - leaves, twigs, or gunk. After it's clean, lube the chain, and check it for any stuck links.

If the chain still skips a gear, you'll need to play with the indexing. Often the distinction can be fine - maybe 1/8 turn is the difference. Best thing to do is to have the bike to where you can turn the cranks while you adjust the indexing, and keep adjusting it until it stops skipping a gear.

Good luck!

Hi Billy. Yup, given your description, it sounds like a dirty drivetrain issue to me. Clean up the drivetrain (clean between cogs with a cotton cloth), and I think you'll be in a much better position to at least determine the problem - if not fix it all together. Good luck!

... Brad

Use a popsicle stick to clean between the cogs. Often inconsistent shifting is caused by the derailer being bent in towards the wheel. Look from the back and see if the cage is vertical below the cogs. Dont try to realign until you have finished the cleaning.

OK, I am an IDIOT. I cleaned and adjusted everyting. Its working now. Not quite perfect, but the more I mess with it, the more it messes up. I can live with a happy medium.

While cleaning the rear cogs, I realized I think the rear axle bearings are shot. As I spin the axle, they feel very gritty and definatly arent smooth. I think thats my next project.

Thanks all
Billy

Next: front hub bearings.
Next next: crank bearings.
Spare time: pedal bearings.

It's best to make drivetrain adjustments with the bike right side up. If you don't have access to a bicycle workstand try to find a secure way to hang the bike upright. Even then some adjustments need to be made to fit riding conditions. Gravity, torque, and flex all effect drivetrain adjustments more or less.
Another free source for mechanical adjustment advice is http://www.parktool.com.

Al