Bike 'Flex' and Gears

PAD20959

Hopefully a simple question with a simple answer forthcoming.

I'm 15st and ride a Boardman HT Pro. Would me pedalling with any degree of force be enough to flex the frame and subsequently allow the rear derailleur to hop between gears?

Pierre

*AJ*

on a hardtail? No way....

peter413

On a hardtail, possibly, more likely your drivetrain is worn out or your mech isn't setup correctly

PAD20959

The whole bike, and therefore drivetrain, is relatively new (Oct 2010) and has been on 7 off road rides in that time. Thought it would be the rear mech adjustment, but somebody mentioned the frame flex as a possibility (but not really with any conviction, just as an idea).

Pierre

bennett_346

Cable stretch most likely, judging by the length of time you've had it. Re-index the gears properly.

PAD20959

Thanks bennett_346. I did have the 6 week service done, but I guess there hasn't been enough riding to get the stretch fully out. It's back with Halfords now, so hopefully they will sort it out.

Pierre

bennett_346

PAD20959 wrote:

Thanks bennett_346. I did have the 6 week service done, but I guess there hasn't been enough riding to get the stretch fully out. It's back with Halfords now, so hopefully they will sort it out.

Pierre

Re-indexing gears is a simple thing thats well worth learning to do yourself as you may be looking at doing it fairly often. Plenty of good youtube videos, have fun.

PAD20959

I have a lack of space and bike stand, so not sure how easy or practical it would be. Will definitely have a look though. Thanks.

Pierre

The Rookie

No need for a stand to index gears (though it makes it easier), I usually do it on the patio or in the utility if its cold out and the wife is out!

Simon

cavegiant

I have not ridden that frame but I have had that issue with quite a few bikes.

Anonymous

PAD20959 wrote:

I have a lack of space and bike stand, so not sure how easy or practical it would be. Will definitely have a look though. Thanks.

Pierre

You can index the gears when the bike is upside down on the ground. Pedal it with one hand whilst adjusting the rear mech with the other.

GHill

Often a quick turn of the barrel adjusters can sort you out (there's one at the shifters, and often one at the rear mech). You don't need much space for it

PAD20959

All sounds like good advice guys, thank you. I'll look at getting a book or looking at YouTube for how to Index the gears. I'll leave it to Halfords this time around though!

Pierre

leaflite

Or could it be a bent rear hanger?

I had this problem with my gt, and halfords actually had a tool to straighten it out.

PAD20959

The Boardman HT Pro has an SRAM X0 rear mech, I take it this would be subject to bending as it's carbon?

Pierre

Anonymous

PAD20959 wrote:

The Boardman HT Pro has an SRAM X0 rear mech, I take it this would be subject to bending as it's carbon?

Pierre

No, not at all. Carbon is stiffer than metals.

captainfly

PAD20959 wrote:

Thanks bennett_346. I did have the 6 week service done, but I guess there hasn't been enough riding to get the stretch fully out. It's back with Halfords now, so hopefully they will sort it out.

Pierre

Halfords service? Depending on branch that can do more harm than good :roll:

I'd try some agjustment of the barrel adjusters, do it slowly while riding somewhere smooth and quiet.

PAD20959

I know the rep that Halfords have, but I have a years free servicing with the bike I got. So I'm happy to let them fettle until they prove themselves inept.

Pierre

bails87

My local halfords are fine. As others have said, learn how to sort it. If it goes a bit wrong while you're out on a ride it's better to just be able to tweak it there and then than to have to finish the ride with jumping gears.