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Please help with my gears

stuandjuinozstuandjuinoz Posts: 6
in Workshop
Hi guys, I’m having an issue with my gears, when I have the front mech on the largest cog (outer) and the rear on the largest cog (inside) and I pedal backwards gently the chain drops from the largest rear gear down 2 gears. I cannot figure it out it’s frying my brain, does anyone have any experience in this area that may be able to offer some advice, I have searched the net but I don’t seem to be able to find the issue.

Thanks
Guys

Posts

  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,746
    Sounds like your relatively new to road bikes. It sounds like your cross chaining, some bike setups are more forgiving than others. Hopefully YouTube tutorials can help explain the changing and also how to adjust.
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EY7yNx3Gj_Q
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTprZHCwoNc
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
  • Mad_MalxMad_Malx Posts: 4,965
    This is the known as cross-chaining. Sometimes you might do this accidentally but should try to avoid it. (I know 1x do pretty much the same).
    The chain line is poor so when you pedal backwards, releasing the tension, the chain drops down the cassette. Cross chaining puts a lot of side strain on the chain and cassette so will result in more rapid wear. Big-big probably pulls the derailleur too far forward too, and if the chain is a bit short can be catastrophic.
  • stuandjuinozstuandjuinoz Posts: 6
    Mad_Malx said:

    This is the known as cross-chaining. Sometimes you might do this accidentally but should try to avoid it. (I know 1x do pretty much the same).
    The chain line is poor so when you pedal backwards, releasing the tension, the chain drops down the cassette. Cross chaining puts a lot of side strain on the chain and cassette so will result in more rapid wear. Big-big probably pulls the derailleur too far forward too, and if the chain is a bit short can be catastrophic.

    I did think it could be the chain being too short, thank you for the advice I will take a look and research cross chaining. I am quite new to it. Thanks guys
  • flasherflasher Posts: 1,734
    Don't pedal backwards!
  • vincesummerskRoxcBTrvincesummerskRoxcBTr Posts: 372
    edited March 2021
    Not sure cross chaining is like to cause much of a problem with double chaining systems, unlike with front triples.
    Is there actually any proof that it causes a problem with doubles?
  • webboowebboo Posts: 6,077
    vincesummerskRoxcBTr said:

    Not sure cross chaining is like to cause much of a problem with double chaining systems, unlike with front triples.
    Is there actually any proof that it causes a problem with doubles?

    Yes the chain drops down two sprockets when backpedaling. ;)
  • oxomanoxoman Posts: 11,746
    Don't back pedal, chain rings and cassettes have ramps to aid gear changes so can work against you if you back pedal.
    Too many bikes according to Mrs O.
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