Ginny

Okay, first ride.
MMMMMMMM.
We actually took the maiden voyage with capt's seat not tightened AND the front handlebars
not tightened down.
We went to the elementary school across the street and rode in the parking lot for
20 minutes or so. Figure 8s over and over, getting used to the way the bike could
lean, coasting and going, me closing my eyes a bit to feel how to not steer.
Then we tightened things down (makes STOPPING easier!) and went out again.
Just a mile out down a hiill (Holy Chite do we go fast) and then back up the hill.
We powered pretty well.

We do have a small problem though. When we coast, then go again, something in the
chain (skip, miss, ??) makes a noise and the pedal feels like it advances a bit or like it shifted gears.
It DIDN'T but it sounds like it did. Kinda hard to explain.
Have ya'll ever feel/felt/found this and what is it?

Thanks!
So far, I think I can do this. I didnt know how apprehensive I'd be.
I've got motorcycle experience so I don't rear-stear but this will take a few rides getting
used to.

JTGraphics

One thing I had a problem with was the rear cassette wanting to rotate when free wheeling. Check it out with the bike upright on a stand get the rear wheel off the ground and spin the rear wheel fast and see if the rear cassette tries to turn with the wheel you'll also see the chain on the top side slacken and droop down if its bad it will even jam up. I had to remove the rear cassette and clean and lube and it stopped this problem with a new bike.

Ginny

Well, after the ride today I also found out that they sent us the wrong bike.
We ordered a 21X18, 2004 Primera.
What we received is a 22/19 2005 Primera.
Now, Tom says the bike's front stand over is fine for him, and for me, mine is fine.
I guess I should feel lucky that the bike fits, is 1 year younger than the one ordered
and means I saved even more money. This one had a price $100 over the one ordered.
Right?

Thanks for the info bout the rear cassette. I've have Tom check it out in the AM.
I want a longer ride tomorrow but have to be at work at 12p.

Michel Gagnon

If I understand correctly, this is normal freehub behaviour : when you coast then start again, the freehub and hub move a bit forward before one of the pawls clicks into the freehub notches.

The same thing happens on a single bike, but you don't feel it because you are the one pedalling, deciding when to coast and when to start again. On the tandem, my guess is that you feel it the most when it's your husband that starts to pedal and you are not expecting it. One thing that you will learn fairly quickly – and noone talks about this – is that you'll both learn to stop pedalling and to start pedalling gradually rather than abruptly: "Slow down" to a coast in one or two crank revolutions, and pick up speed in 1-2 revolutions too.

Retro Grouch 

How's the timing chain tension?

cornucopia72

My guess is that the tension on the rear drlr cable is not right. It could also be a bended or bad link in the transmition chain, a loose cassette or a missing spacer in the cassette. I would check those things in that order.

oldacura

Ginny - also, if the chain is old, it may need to be replaced - pretty cheap maintenance. If this doesn't fix the problem, it may be a worn cassette. If that doesn't fix it, the rear hub may need to be cleaned & re-lubed.

Ginny

I hope it's not in need of a new chain or a new cassette, the bike is brand new.
It only happened once on our last ride and when we got home after not being able to
get into granny gear front the dern thing shifted perfectly fine on the trainer.
We'll have to get out again and see what the deal is.

oldacura

Ginny - I misunderstood. I thought this was a used bike. It may just need a little adjustment.