Changing Gears

[pb71]

Hi all, Speaking as a newbie! Finally got out on my new bike today,

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportster-s40-27-2010-road-bike-ec020706?query=scott

I'm having a slight problem, when changing up to the largest chainring, it won't go until i'm on the smallest sprocket only, and still struggles. Is there an adjustment I can make, rather than taking it to LBS?
The chain seems to shift through the sprocket fine, but i'm doing quite a bit of trimming on the chainring. Though this could be the fact i'm newbie, and still not really used to the gearing!
Hope i've made sense with my question, and someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks Paul

 

[Scoosh]

Bicycle Tutor to the rescue !

Bookmark the Bicycle Tutor Home page - it is an invaluable source of assistance .

There is also Sheldon Brown, the late, great expert on most things bike-related.

HTH

Hi all, Speaking as a newbie! Finally got out on my new bike today,

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportster-s40-27-2010-road-bike-ec020706?query=scott

I'm having a slight problem, when changing up to the largest chainring, it won't go until i'm on the smallest sprocket only, and still struggles. Is there an adjustment I can make, rather than taking it to LBS?
The chain seems to shift through the sprocket fine, but i'm doing quite a bit of trimming on the chainring. Though this could be the fact i'm newbie, and still not really used to the gearing!
Hope i've made sense with my question, and someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks Paul

 

[Cubist]

Hi all, Speaking as a newbie! Finally got out on my new bike today,

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/scott/sportster-s40-27-2010-road-bike-ec020706?query=scott

I'm having a slight problem, when changing up to the largest chainring, it won't go until i'm on the smallest sprocket only, and still struggles. Is there an adjustment I can make, rather than taking it to LBS?
The chain seems to shift through the sprocket fine, but i'm doing quite a bit of trimming on the chainring. Though this could be the fact i'm newbie, and still not really used to the gearing!
Hope i've made sense with my question, and someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks Paul

Sounds like a slack cable. The shifters may have barrel adjusters, or you may need to adjust at the front mech. Either way, it's a simple enough task, but read up on it before trying it!

 

[Paulus]

Yep, sounds like the cable to the front mech needs tightening. This on a new bike is a bit bad as it should of been checked before leaving the shop. After a few weeks it may need adjusting again as the cables will stretch a bit with use.

 

[snorri]

Go back to the shop with it, they should fix it properly free of charge. When you are there ask for some tips as to dealing with similar problems in future, a practical demonstration can be better than book learning.
If they don't fix a new bike, then name and shame.

 

[pb71]

Thanks to all for your replies.
The problem i have with taking it back to where i bought it, is that i ordered via the internet, so it's not a straight forward process sending it back!
But i will try to resolve the problem myself with the help of the websites recommended.

Thanks Paul

 

[Barbelier]

Was it just me or does the Bicycle Tutor link not work?

 

[Norm]

The problem i have with taking it back to where i bought it, is that i ordered via the internet, so it's not a straight forward process sending it back!

I would say that the Distance Selling Regulations mean that it is more straightforward. You can return it within 7 working days of delivery without giving a reason. Don't be fobbed off by any comments about re-stocking fees either. Just don't bend / break / scratch anything first.

 

[shippers]

Did you get it from the Evans Cycles website? If so, give them a ring. I've not bought anything big from them, but their customer service does seem to be pretty good.
Depending on which part of Kent you're in, you might be able to pop into a store without too much hassle. Or it might be a nightmare...

 

[pb71]

Well it is a little complicated, I bought the bike through a cycle to work scheme run by my employer. Bikes could only be got via Halfords, but they have a list of approved dealers, who they can get bikes off that they don't actually stock. So the bike was sourced by halfords but was delivered by another supplier, which are based up in the north, i'm in Kent!

 

[Scoosh]

I suggest you have a look at the web pages, then take the bike to Halfords - they are the supplier (albeit through a third party) and, with your new-found knowledge, make sure they do it right !

 

[gregster]

It would be worth having a chat with Halfords, I know - not inspiring, but they sourced the bike and I believe that they provide a free 6 week inspection/service on bikes. My Ltd Ed Boardman Team Carbon will be going back in the next week or two as I found them very knowlegdeable and the set up was good. I used the Maidstone branch Paul, if that's anywhere near you. Much better than any other Halfords I went too. Have to say that it won't being going back after that, my LBS will be getting the business from then on.

 

[pb71]

Yes Gregster, Maidstone is close enough, i'm in Sittingbourne. There is a couple of guys in the Sittingbourne branch, who are very good, but there are also one or two who are not at all helpful.
I have contacted the Halfords cyle to work department, and they confirmed that Halfords will do the 6 week service. So Maidstone it is!

Whilst on the subject Gregster. What LBS will you be using? As this is my first bike which i don't mind paying, to keep it running smoothly!

 

[gregster]

pb, I'll be using Geoff Wiles in Strood. Have been there numerous times over the last couple of years and always found them very helpful. They did a great job on my borrowed bike in getting that running again, all for £60. 01634 722586. If you decide to use them, speak to Gary.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Gear changing issues aside pb71 - Nice bike!!