First ride on the new bike!!

[l4dva]

Hi guys,

I got my lovely new Specialized Tricross last weekend, and took it out for its first lenghty ride today.

Managed a 17 mile round trip (with a 5 ish hour break in the middle lol)

The bike felt very quick and light. Wasn't so forgiving on the rough roads though, but i suppose that was expected seen as i am used to riding a mtb. I have a very sore bum now though! Still I managed to hit 27mph on a downhill, felt brilliant!

The only one issue I had was that sometimes the gears seem to be sticking and not changing so smoothly. On a few occasions it the gears changed without me even changing it. The first time that happened the road was quite bumpy so i thort the chain could have jumped maybe?!? but the second time it was on flat ground. Some times it felt like the gears could have been jumping two cogs instead of one, I was trying not to look down at the gears so much, just I case I road into something or someone but sometimes it felt like a bigger change in difficultly than you would expect with just one change in gear.

Is this because the gears and the cables are still bedding in, or is it due to the bike not being set up correctly?? Could any one offer me any advise regarding this? I think I will try take it back in to the cycle store soon

Thanks!

 

[Franstheman]

It sounds like it's not set up right. I'd take it back and ask them to sort it. You may get this kind of problem after a few rides which is usually due to cables stretching. Most local bike shops tell you to bring it back in after a few rides and they will adjust it.
I took my new bike out last week. No problem except my position didn't feel right. I went back to my local bike shop who set me up on a turbo and sorted me out in minutes.

 

[Randochap]

As Franstheman says, you'll get cable stretch and drive train takes time to seat in. All these adjustments should be covered by your LBS.

Enjoy the freedom!

What size tyres and what pressure are you running them at?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Does sound like the cables are not moving freely yet. If this continues, worth getting the shop to take a look, might be a bit of adjustment required.

Glad you like your new steed!

 

[Angelfishsolo]

+1. However, might also be worth giving the gear mechanism a quick squirt of GT85 (NOT WD40!! )

Does sound like the cables are not moving freely yet. If this continues, worth getting the shop to take a look, might be a bit of adjustment required.

Glad you like your new steed!

 

[l4dva]

Thanks for your replys.

The guy in the store said I should bring it back after 300 miles. I think it's fair to say that it will take me a fair bit of time to rack up that many miles as my commute is only apx 15 mile round trip. Just woundering if I take it in this weekend, should they do the nessary adjustments, and still give me that free service after 300 miles?

Will I be damaging the chain/gears if I keep using it as it is now? I won't get a chance to take it back in until the weekend but want to try at least one days commute to work on it this week if possible. Not sure if I should carry on using it while the gears may not be set up correctly?!?

 

[l4dva]

What size tyres and what pressure are you running them at?

tyre size is 700*32 and pressure im not sure, what ever the cycle shop pumped it up to

 

[Randochap]

Thanks for your replys.

The guy in the store said I should bring it back after 300 miles. I think it's fair to say that it will take me a fair bit of time to rack up that many miles as my commute is only apx 15 mile round trip. Just woundering if I take it in this weekend, should they do the nessary adjustments, and still give me that free service after 300 miles?

Will I be damaging the chain/gears if I keep using it as it is now? I won't get a chance to take it back in until the weekend but want to try at least one days commute to work on it this week if possible. Not sure if I should carry on using it while the gears may not be set up correctly?!?

Any decent shop should take care of all minor adjustments for the first year and throw in a full service within the year. A good shop should also know that the kind of cable stretch issues it sounds like you r bike is suffering will happen within the first week or so, depending on mileage but certainly before 300 miles ... and they should be adjusted out for you.

The present maladjustment will be more of an irritation than anything and shouldn't damage anything before you get back to the shop.

 

[Randochap]

tyre size is 700*32 and pressure im not sure, what ever the cycle shop pumped it up to

32s are a nice comfy size and 70-80 psi is a good pressure range. Beyond that, you loose the advantage of a wider tyre and it become just another harsh ride.

Generally, you want a bit harder for good road surfaces and lower for soft and/or bumpy conditions.

It's adviseable to get a floor pump with pressure gauge (in addition to the bike pump you carry) for home.

 

[anweledig]

I'm glad it's going well as I've just done the deal on a new specialized tricross sport to collect on Friday. It'll be interesting to see what the gears are like on that and compare notes.

 

[l4dva]

Hello again!

Did my first commute today! 7 miles into work took about 40 mins. Felt great!

Gears were very annoying though, same problems as before but seems worse today skipping gears and pedals jerking as a result. Bike dosn't feel very "healthy" if that makes sence. I was hoping to leave work early and pop into the store were I got it from but they only do maintances repair work by appointment, so will have to wait till saturday.

I haven't tried to lub it some more myself or anything like that yet, do you think this will make any difference untill saturday?!

 

[MadoneRider1991]

the cable stretches when your bikes new, you can normally take your bike back to the shop within a month to get it sorted out

 

[Wigsie]

My Allez had the same, started to notice it after about 50 miles or so, Just took it back to the shop and its silent now.

dont worry as most people say, it is an easy (and free) fix.