trying to fix gears/derailleurs has put me in a bit of a pickle

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OP
OP
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msa969

Regular
Initially the chain was incredibly tight with no slack at all. I loosened the nut on the wheel, this gave some give on the bike chain and was able to put the derailleur back on but as you can see not properly. I will follow cubist advice and this time take the chain off properly and put the derailleur back on. I probably might not need a friend to help me in this case, it is late in London UK and will wait for tomorrow.

Thanks
 
OP
OP
M

msa969

Regular
This bike is old/vintage, I have two bikes and I use the vintage one for local use and the other new bike which I believe is 2014 model (Viking Race) for all other biking purposes.
 

Karlt

Well-Known Member
Initially the chain was incredibly tight with no slack at all. I loosened the nut on the wheel, this gave some give on the bike chain and was able to put the derailleur back on but as you can see not properly. I will follow cubist advice and this time take the chain off properly and put the derailleur back on. I probably might not need a friend to help me in this case, it is late in London UK and will wait for tomorrow.

Thanks

If the chain tension changes with moving the rear wheel a little it implies the derailleur isn't moving to keep the tension constant (which is what's meant to happen). This is all very odd.
 

Karlt

Well-Known Member
Oh yes, so it is. Wow

I'm out. I've never even seen a cassette/freewheel like that. Looks like there are others who can help, so you won't miss me.

A little research tells me it is a thing and it seems to indicate early 70s vintage.
 
OP
OP
M

msa969

Regular
The derailleur is deviating from its normal functions,the derailleur is jammed this is why the chain has locked and there is no slack.
 

Ajax Bay

Guru
Location
East Devon
Take off the wheel. There'll be a lug on the RD which has to be 'behind' the hanger to get the RD at the correct angle eg 45 degrees (ish) (and this is why you have a gap and can't do it up tight, probably). With the chain pulling it, not surprised you can't get it on right. Then reinstall the wheel with the axle properly engaged in the dropouts.
The two largest cogs on the freewheel seem rather short of teeth
This sprockets are double spaced ones, ie one inch as opposed to the normal half inch - every other chain link engages.
 
Last edited:

midlife

Guru
The tab at the top in your pic is in the wrong place and seems to be stopping the mech from going back in place..undo the bolt, spin the mech clockwise so the tab sits in front (Google image) and then tighten the hanger mech bolt.

As you have spinner the mech clockwise the spring will pull the mech anti clockwise and tension the chain..

I hope I have that right as its difficult to explain so might have it completely wrong..

Shaun
 
OP
OP
M

msa969

Regular
I took the wheel off completely. The RD hanger was a breeze to put back on. I am now struggling with how to put the rear wheel back on complete with RD in the right place. I will look at some youtube videos.
 
OP
OP
M

msa969

Regular
I would like to thank everyone who responded to my thread, I felt I have learnt lots in this short experience, about derailleurs, hangers cogs, chains, cassettes, mechs, tabs, drop outs etc. previously i would not even bothered, thanks all those have replied.
I
 
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