Which bit is broken?

[phil1982]

Hi
In recent weeks my pedals have been slipping, often when I've changed gear. I checked the chain etc - all seems fine.

It's got worse, and now even when the bike is static - I can pedal, but it doesn't drive the wheels. It's like I'm pedaling backwards.

I can still ride it, but it's hit and miss. It can also be quite dangerous though when I try to pull away - and my bike doesn't move.

Which part do I need to replace? I have a road bike, which has about 10 gears. I assume the actual gears are ok, and it's part of the drive mechanism on the wheel.

Any ideas?

 

[Tim Hall]

Sounds like the freewheel or free hub is at fault. When you say "about ten gears" do you mean ten sprockets on the back wheel, or five, with two chain rings?

 

[summerdays]

Sounds like the freewheel or free hub is at fault.

Just what I was going to say, and it's a horrible feeling not being sure when you put the pressure on the pedals whether you are going to move or not. In my case it was worst after free- wheeling a bit (which you tend to do coming up to a junction), and I got it fixed at the bike shop pretty quickly.

 

[phil1982]

5 with 3 at the front (so 15)

I'll take it to the bike shop - was hoping I might be able to fix it.

thanks

 

[simon.r]

Sounds as if you need a new freewheel - something like this http://www.evanscycles.com/products...gclid=CJv8p_vaxMECFSkGwwodIm4AHg&gclsrc=aw.ds

It's not a big job to replace it, but you will need a freewheel removal tool.

 

[paul04]

I had the same problem with my MTB, not as bad as you describe, mine would slip in the top 2 gears,
I replaced the rear cassette and chain and that fixed the problem (cost £15)
The teeth on the cassette were just worn out.