Hub gear problems

[pixiepie]

Just after a bit of advice, really. I've just bought this bike:
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/pro...ge-deluxe-12?bct=browse/bicycles/womens-bikes
and am having a few issues

I've never had hub gears before and am finding that when I change into the lowest gear, it keeps "slipping" into 2nd. This seems to happen whatever I do, i.e. Ive tried changing gear when stationary, when moving but not pedalling and when pedalling.

Also, I've just "upgraded" from this bike: http://www.decathlon.co.uk/2012-limited-ed-elops-3-ltd-id_8207698.html
and didn't really think there'd be much difference between the two but I'm finding the new bike either feels much heavier or the gearing is completely different - the old bike had 6 gears and I used 5th most of the time. With the new bike I'm virtually in 1st all the time and still finding it harder going. Is this something that can be adjusted or is it just down to having fewer gears or the bike being heavier? I'm a bit disappointed with my purchase right now, to be honest and would welcome any tips or advice!

 

[lpretro1]

The gear cable has probably stretched a little - to be expected when new. There is an screw adjuster at the rear end - you need to tighten this a little and it should cure the problem. If the bike feels 'harder' to ride them it may be that the sprocket needs to be changed for an easier one. This isn't difficult to do - release gear cable, take wheel out undo big circlip holding sprocket in place - change sprocket and refit. If you are not able to do your LBS should be able to fettle for you for not a lot of pennies

 

[pixiepie]

Thanks for the reply!

There is an screw adjuster at the rear end - you need to tighten this a little and it should cure the problem.

OK... at the rear end of what?

Yeah, I think I'll need to get the bike shop to do the sprocket malarky for me. They said I would need to bring it back after a few weeks for some brake cable tension tweaks anyway so hopefully they won't mind doing a bit of gear meddling at the same time.

 

[compo]

three speeds are easy to adjust properly. For long life of the hub do it properly rather than by trial and error. It takes seconds once you have done it a couple of times. Good instructions can be found here http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?page_id=51325 and probably thousands of other places online.
Good luck with it.

 

[lpretro1]

Sorry - should have explained more clearly - if you follow the gear cable all the way to back end of bike you will see a little metal coupling near to where it gos into the hub - this has a little adjuster on it. Bike shop should sort easily for you.

 

[pixiepie]

Thanks for the replies - I don't have energy for it might now but I'll have a go tomorrow. I'll report back (probably after having broken the thing only 3 days after buying it!)

 

[Cush]

My Dawes Nomad is in at the LBS now with the same problem but it also slips in 5th gear. I am told that they are now changing the oil. So keep fingures crossed.

 

[Crankarm]

Thanks for the replies - I don't have energy for it might now but I'll have a go tomorrow. I'll report back (probably after having broken the thing only 3 days after buying it!)

Get your LBS to adjust it. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.