Help me help my bike
July 3, 2015 7:36 PM Subscribe
On my bike, the smallest cog on the rear cassette is spinning free from the rest of the cogs when I try to pedal.
The next smallest cogs also seem to be loose - there's a little play, but they are at least holding. Does this sound like the problem is just with the cassette?
Sorry for the lack of detail - my understanding of bike mechanics is minimal. Hoping to learn more!
Thanks
The next smallest cogs also seem to be loose - there's a little play, but they are at least holding. Does this sound like the problem is just with the cassette?
Sorry for the lack of detail - my understanding of bike mechanics is minimal. Hoping to learn more!
Thanks
Is the lockring (the little ring on the outside of the cassette that holds it in place) very loose? In any case, you are going to need the special tool to remove the lockring in order to work on this (or to take it to a bike shop).
posted by ssg at 8:41 PM on July 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by ssg at 8:41 PM on July 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
If the problem isn't the cassette, it could be that the freehub body (the part that creates the clicking sound when coasting) is slipping. Then it's probably time for a new wheel. Or a new freehub body if you are lucky enough to find the right model.
posted by oxisos at 8:45 PM on July 3, 2015
posted by oxisos at 8:45 PM on July 3, 2015
It definitely sounds like your cassette lockring worked it's way loose. It'll be obvious if you take your rear wheel off. As ssg noted, you'll need a special tool to re-tighten it, but the tool (this or similar) isn't expensive.
If you're feeling DIY, you can get one at your local bike shop for under $10. Otherwise, you should be able to get it tightened at your local bike shop. It's such a quick job, that I'd be amazed if they charged you.
posted by Anoplura at 10:33 PM on July 3, 2015
If you're feeling DIY, you can get one at your local bike shop for under $10. Otherwise, you should be able to get it tightened at your local bike shop. It's such a quick job, that I'd be amazed if they charged you.
posted by Anoplura at 10:33 PM on July 3, 2015
Yup, I would stop into a local bike shop and tell them you think your cassette lockring is loose. Should cost next to nothing unless there is damage.
posted by werkzeuger at 5:28 AM on July 4, 2015
posted by werkzeuger at 5:28 AM on July 4, 2015
If the problem isn't the cassette, it could be that the freehub body (the part that creates the clicking sound when coasting) is slipping. Then it's probably time for a new wheel. Or a new freehub body if you are lucky enough to find the right model.
If the chain drives the wheel on the other sprockets, then it can't be the freehub body. It's either the lockring, or it's the lockring *and* the teeth of the sprocket itself are worn out.
Also worth checking out your local Bike Church/Kitchen/Collective if you're nearby to one—they can teach you how your bike works, or even just about this problem—an incomplete list is here.
posted by migrantology at 7:59 AM on July 4, 2015
If the chain drives the wheel on the other sprockets, then it can't be the freehub body. It's either the lockring, or it's the lockring *and* the teeth of the sprocket itself are worn out.
Also worth checking out your local Bike Church/Kitchen/Collective if you're nearby to one—they can teach you how your bike works, or even just about this problem—an incomplete list is here.
posted by migrantology at 7:59 AM on July 4, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by supercres at 7:47 PM on July 3, 2015