Baffling fault

Mike Townsend
Mike Townsend Posts: 27
edited June 2008 in Workshop
Baffling for me maybe, as a very limited ability cycling mechanic ... but another forum member may be able to throw some light.

The last two miles of a very enjoyable 20 mile resterday were a bit marred by the drive train on my Trek 5500 developing an odd click every revolution (as if a chain link had frozen). Then the derailleur kept changing to the next gear and back without intervention from me!

I cannot spot anything untoward. Could it be something to do with the cabling? Any thoughts which might prevent a costly bike shop visit would be appreciated.

Thanks

Mike

Comments

  • Mystique
    Mystique Posts: 342
    I suspect the gear cable may have stretched or slipped. Sounds like the gears need readjusting. There should be at least one adjustment point at which you can tighten the cable - If it is cable stretch it shouldn't need too much taking up.
  • over-the-hill
    over-the-hill Posts: 144
    If its changing up the cable is too tight. Turn the barrel adjuster on the frame near the head tube clockwise, a notch at a time until the noise stops. You can do this as you are going along. It may be better to start from scratch with the indexing in which case go to the Park Tools site to go into it in more detail
  • whyamihere
    whyamihere Posts: 7,715
    Check the chain for a stiff link. Just run it backwards, and if the derailleur jumps, check if the link that's just gone through is difficult to bend. If it is, you may be able to loosen it by flexing the link from side to side, or by lubricating it well if it's slightly rusted.

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