Fancy diagnosiong a prob??

thedudeinthehat wrote on 08/04/2007 18:18 +0100:

Quoted message said:

I 'm a bit mystified about a sudden change in the handling of my bike.

I have noticed 2 things whilst out on a ride today. And am trying to
rule out the obvious.

There seems alot of resistance whilst peddaling. So that firstly, I
cant build up much momentum on flats, and secondly, any kind of uphill
requires the gears being at the lowest setting.

When I stood the bike up on a stand I noticed the following.
Wheels spin freely as before when just spun (ie- not spinning pedals)
Chain is well oiled (maybe a bit too much?)
Chain seems to me to be slightly crooked. By that I mean, the line
running from rear deraileur to front seems to change as chain
approcahes rear.

When I run the chain backwards the chain starts to slip onto the next
ring (rear).

As I spin the pedals, they seem to make an occasional brushing sound
against some part near the front deraileur (but only in the high
setting)

Finally, getting away from the my chain suspicion, Whilst cycling I
noticed some creaking coming from the pedal area. Is there a chance
that some oil is needed on the crank perhaps??

Any advice is appreciated, although I fear I may end up back at the
bike shop (was only serviced last month and would rather have a go at
fixing this myself)

Chain or crank????

Probably neither. The brushing noise from the front is quite common but
just the chain rubbing the cage. You can adjust to avoid it but it
won't noticeably sap power. Try slipping the chain off the front
chainwheel and spinning the cranks. If they spin freely its not them.
Try spinning the front and back wheels to make sure they are not rubbing
the brakes. If they spin freely its not them. Give the pedals a spin
on the cranks to make sure they are not binding. If you've tried all
those and its OK then its probably psychological.

--
Tony

"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there
is no good evidence either way."
- Bertrand Russell

Tony Raven said:

thedudeinthehat wrote on 08/04/2007 18:18 +0100:

Quoted message said:

I 'm a bit mystified about a sudden change in the handling of my
bike. I have noticed 2 things whilst out on a ride today. And am trying
to
rule out the obvious.

There seems alot of resistance whilst peddaling. So that firstly, I
cant build up much momentum on flats, and secondly, any kind of
uphill requires the gears being at the lowest setting.

When I stood the bike up on a stand I noticed the following.
Wheels spin freely as before when just spun (ie- not spinning pedals)
Chain is well oiled (maybe a bit too much?)
Chain seems to me to be slightly crooked. By that I mean, the line
running from rear deraileur to front seems to change as chain
approcahes rear.

When I run the chain backwards the chain starts to slip onto the next
ring (rear).

As I spin the pedals, they seem to make an occasional brushing sound
against some part near the front deraileur (but only in the high
setting)

Finally, getting away from the my chain suspicion, Whilst cycling I
noticed some creaking coming from the pedal area. Is there a chance
that some oil is needed on the crank perhaps??

Any advice is appreciated, although I fear I may end up back at the
bike shop (was only serviced last month and would rather have a go at
fixing this myself)

Chain or crank????

Probably neither. The brushing noise from the front is quite common
but just the chain rubbing the cage. You can adjust to avoid it but
it won't noticeably sap power. Try slipping the chain off the front
chainwheel and spinning the cranks. If they spin freely its not them.
Try spinning the front and back wheels to make sure they are not
rubbing the brakes. If they spin freely its not them. Give the
pedals a spin on the cranks to make sure they are not binding. If
you've tried all those and its OK then its probably psychological.

I had a similar problem once - turned out one of the leg warmers I'd tucked
under the saddle had come loose, fallen on to the rear wheel and was acting
as a brake between the wheel and frame!

thedudeinthehat said:

I 'm a bit mystified about a sudden change in the handling of my bike.

I have noticed 2 things whilst out on a ride today. And am trying to
rule out the obvious.

There seems alot of resistance whilst peddaling. So that firstly, I
cant build up much momentum on flats, and secondly, any kind of uphill
requires the gears being at the lowest setting.

I get that every year. Are you sure you didn't put 3 stone on over winter?

--
Mike
Van Tuyl titanium Dura Ace 10
Fausto Coppi aluminium Ultegra 10
Raleigh Record Sprint mongrel

thedudeinthehat said:

I 'm a bit mystified about a sudden change in the handling of my bike.

I have noticed 2 things whilst out on a ride today. And am trying to
rule out the obvious.

There seems alot of resistance whilst peddaling. So that firstly, I
cant build up much momentum on flats, and secondly, any kind of uphill
requires the gears being at the lowest setting.

Pump up the tyres?

Marten

Quoted message said:

There seems alot of resistance whilst peddaling. So that firstly, I
cant build up much momentum on flats, and secondly, any kind of uphill
requires the gears being at the lowest setting.

Last time that happened (without a headwind) I realised it was simply the
rear brake rubbing (after four hours of riding - d'oh)

Yep checked the brakes n all that- wheel spins like a new born - will
try the chain of the front technique..

overweight? psycholgical delusions- oh dear, and I had heard that
cycling was good for the body, mind and soul........................

M-gineering said:

thedudeinthehat said:

I 'm a bit mystified about a sudden change in the handling of my bike.

Quoted message said:

I have noticed 2 things whilst out on a ride today. And am trying to
rule out the obvious.

Quoted message said:

There seems alot of resistance whilst peddaling. So that firstly, I
cant build up much momentum on flats, and secondly, any kind of uphill
requires the gears being at the lowest setting.

Pump up the tyres?

Marten

I knew I should have though about this before I wrote it down....

I set myself up altogether-

tyres are grand- Im guessing crank after check- not spinning too
freely.

thedudeinthehat wrote on 08/04/2007 19:29 +0100:

Quoted message said:

overweight? psycholgical delusions- oh dear, and I had heard that
cycling was good for the body, mind and soul........................

It is but some days it just seems like much harder work for no apparent
reason.

--
Tony

"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there
is no good evidence either way."
- Bertrand Russell

"thedudeinthehat" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]

Quoted message said:

When I run the chain backwards the chain starts to slip onto the next
ring (rear).

As I spin the pedals, they seem to make an occasional brushing sound
against some part near the front deraileur (but only in the high
setting)

It sounds to me like the chainset isn't running true, like the ring or BB
axle is bent slightly. Also, look for a bursting link in the chain.

Tim

--
Sent from Birmingham, UK... Check out www.nervouscyclist.org
'I find sometimes it's easy to be myself, but sometimes I find it's
better to be somebody else.' - Dave Matthews 'So Much To Say'
My 'reply to' address is valid, mail to the posting address is dumped

Tony Raven wrote on 08/04/2007 19:53 +0100:

Quoted message said:

thedudeinthehat wrote on 08/04/2007 19:29 +0100:

Quoted message said:

overweight? psycholgical delusions- oh dear, and I had heard that
cycling was good for the body, mind and soul........................

It is but some days it just seems like much harder work for no apparent
reason.

If that's the case, next you need to read
http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=93
about how to service or replace your bottom bracket depending on which
type it is. Its usually easier and worth it to put in a cartridge
bottom bracket even if the original is an adjustable type but you will
need to work with the LBS you buy it from to get the right axle length.

--
Tony

"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there
is no good evidence either way."
- Bertrand Russell

In message <[email hidden]>

thedudeinthehat said:

I 'm a bit mystified about a sudden change in the handling of my bike.

I have noticed 2 things whilst out on a ride today. And am trying to
rule out the obvious.

There seems alot of resistance whilst peddaling. So that firstly, I
cant build up much momentum on flats, and secondly, any kind of uphill
requires the gears being at the lowest setting.

Quoted message said:

Chain seems to me to be slightly crooked. By that I mean, the line
running from rear deraileur to front seems to change as chain
approcahes rear.

When I run the chain backwards the chain starts to slip onto the next
ring (rear).

Just a thought but could the rear axle be loose (broken) so that wheel is
pulled into frame when pedalling.

Paul

Quoted message said:

--
CTC Right to Ride Representative for Richmond upon Thames

In article <[email hidden]>,
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

Tony Raven said:

thedudeinthehat wrote on 08/04/2007 18:18 +0100:

Quoted message said:

I 'm a bit mystified about a sudden change in the handling of my
bike. I have noticed 2 things whilst out on a ride today. And am trying
to
rule out the obvious.

There seems alot of resistance whilst peddaling. So that firstly, I
cant build up much momentum on flats, and secondly, any kind of
uphill requires the gears being at the lowest setting.

When I stood the bike up on a stand I noticed the following.
Wheels spin freely as before when just spun (ie- not spinning pedals)
Chain is well oiled (maybe a bit too much?)
Chain seems to me to be slightly crooked. By that I mean, the line
running from rear deraileur to front seems to change as chain
approcahes rear.

When I run the chain backwards the chain starts to slip onto the next
ring (rear).

As I spin the pedals, they seem to make an occasional brushing sound
against some part near the front deraileur (but only in the high
setting)

Finally, getting away from the my chain suspicion, Whilst cycling I
noticed some creaking coming from the pedal area. Is there a chance
that some oil is needed on the crank perhaps??

Any advice is appreciated, although I fear I may end up back at the
bike shop (was only serviced last month and would rather have a go at
fixing this myself)

Chain or crank????

Probably neither. The brushing noise from the front is quite common
but just the chain rubbing the cage. You can adjust to avoid it but
it won't noticeably sap power. Try slipping the chain off the front
chainwheel and spinning the cranks. If they spin freely its not them.
Try spinning the front and back wheels to make sure they are not
rubbing the brakes. If they spin freely its not them. Give the
pedals a spin on the cranks to make sure they are not binding. If
you've tried all those and its OK then its probably psychological.

I had a similar problem once - turned out one of the leg warmers I'd tucked
under the saddle had come loose, fallen on to the rear wheel and was acting
as a brake between the wheel and frame!

On one run I did I found I was having to put in a bit more
effort until I found that a short length of twig had lodged
between the chainring and frame.
--
Cheers
the.Mark

the.Mark wrote on 08/04/2007 21:40 +0100:

Quoted message said:

On one run I did I found I was having to put in a bit more
effort until I found that a short length of twig had lodged
between the chainring and frame.

Off-road I've had the wheels turn into wattle and daub encased mud polos
that jammed solid in the frame.

--
Tony

"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there
is no good evidence either way."
- Bertrand Russell

Tony Raven said:

the.Mark wrote on 08/04/2007 21:40 +0100:

Quoted message said:

On one run I did I found I was having to put in a bit more
effort until I found that a short length of twig had lodged
between the chainring and frame.

Off-road I've had the wheels turn into wattle and daub encased mud
polos that jammed solid in the frame.

Was just about to mention that one - Chiltern hills mud and leaves are the
'best' IME!

cupra wrote on 08/04/2007 21:52 +0100:

Quoted message said:

Tony Raven said:

the.Mark wrote on 08/04/2007 21:40 +0100:

Quoted message said:

On one run I did I found I was having to put in a bit more
effort until I found that a short length of twig had lodged
between the chainring and frame.

Off-road I've had the wheels turn into wattle and daub encased mud
polos that jammed solid in the frame.

Was just about to mention that one - Chiltern hills mud and leaves are the
'best' IME!

Got it in one! Cambridgeshire clay and dried grass comes a close second.

--
Tony

"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there
is no good evidence either way."
- Bertrand Russell

Tony Raven said:

cupra wrote on 08/04/2007 21:52 +0100:

Quoted message said:

Tony Raven said:

the.Mark wrote on 08/04/2007 21:40 +0100:
> On one run I did I found I was having to put in a bit more
> effort until I found that a short length of twig had lodged
> between the chainring and frame.
Off-road I've had the wheels turn into wattle and daub encased mud
polos that jammed solid in the frame.

Was just about to mention that one - Chiltern hills mud and leaves
are the 'best' IME!

Got it in one! Cambridgeshire clay and dried grass comes a close
second.

Not tried Cambs - plenty of Beds/Herts/Bucks experience though!

In article <[email hidden]>, Paul Luton
[email hidden] says...

Quoted message said:

In message <[email hidden]>

thedudeinthehat said:

I 'm a bit mystified about a sudden change in the handling of my bike.

I have noticed 2 things whilst out on a ride today. And am trying to
rule out the obvious.

There seems alot of resistance whilst peddaling. So that firstly, I
cant build up much momentum on flats, and secondly, any kind of uphill
requires the gears being at the lowest setting.

Quoted message said:

Chain seems to me to be slightly crooked. By that I mean, the line
running from rear deraileur to front seems to change as chain
approcahes rear.

When I run the chain backwards the chain starts to slip onto the next
ring (rear).

Just a thought but could the rear axle be loose (broken) so that wheel is
pulled into frame when pedalling.

That was going to be my suggestion, but you beat me to it. :-)