View Full Version : Anyone know anything about bikes?
I've recently taken up riding my bike to work and have a couple of questions.
1) is there a way to get my front brake to stop squeaking when I use it? Will WD-40 do the trick?
2) is there a way to get rid of that clicking noise when I'm coasting?
3) it sounds like my chain is hitting something when I peddle yet when I check it out I can't find anything. Is there some sort of internal component perhaps that is causing this sound?
DRWCrew
28 Jun 2005, 11:51 AM
I picture you looking something like this in my mind while outside of work.
http://moderncrisis.com/bikenerd/photos/Cape%20Ann/VicGeekingOut_Large.jpg
HuntKop
28 Jun 2005, 11:52 AM
1) Sounds like you might (?) need new brake pads....if it's been a while since you've ridden they can get dry and squeak when you apply them.
2) The clicking noise is normal - not sure if there's a way to get rid of that. Planning a stealthy bike attack on your workplace?
3) You might just need a bit of adjustment in the derailer (that thing that rubs against your chain and pushes it to the next gear). Check these websites for a little help.
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustment.html
http://www.bikewebsite.com/derailer_adjustment.htm
Even though it doesn't seem like there's anything rubbing when you pedal by hand and check for the origin of the noise, the added pressure of "real" pedalling can cause the noise to re-appear.
Hope this helps....a great book on bike repair is "Zen and the Art of Mountain Bike Repair" by Lennard Zinn - in case you're curious.
Thanks, I'll have to look into those things, especially #3 as that bothers me the most.
DRW that looks exactly the same helmet I have except I have a visor on mine.
Bill Archer
28 Jun 2005, 01:08 PM
I'm no expert but I need to add this:
WD40 is not a lubricant, it's a solvent. The reason it works on things that stick or squeak is not because it greases them up but because it blasts out the crap in like, for example, a hinge.
If something needs lubrication, a nice lithium grease or light machine oil (like 3-in-1) will usually do the trick.
And if you really need a solvent, use P B Blaster; foulest smelling sh!t on Earth, but boy does it wipe out the crap/
Chelsey
28 Jun 2005, 01:11 PM
My brother worked at a bike repair shop, but quit after he felt the owner was just out to make more money but convincing customers that they needed to buy a new bike instead of getting their current one fixed.. Casey and his morals... He still fixes bikes, just in his "own time". Heh.
How people become obsessed with bikes is beyond me..
I could use the solvent to clean out the grease that is already on there. Perhaps I'll use that and use some actual lubricant that my pop has.
I'm just slightly embarassed that my bike is nearly as loud as my jalopy car.
How people become obsessed with bikes is beyond me..
Start riding to work everyday and have cars flying past you.
So the bike is on the fritz again, the problem this time is the following:
When at a stop, then start peddling again, if I do it too hard the peddle just completely slips. I want to say that it's almost as if it's changing gears automatically to deal with the increased torque. I'm not sure though. Anyone have any thoughts?
HuntKop
12 Jul 2005, 12:14 PM
Did you make any adjustments since the last time you posted?
hangthadj
12 Jul 2005, 12:17 PM
So the bike is on the fritz again, the problem this time is the following:
When at a stop, then start peddling again, if I do it too hard the peddle just completely slips. I want to say that it's almost as if it's changing gears automatically to deal with the increased torque. I'm not sure though. Anyone have any thoughts?
just take it into a shop. a tuneup will run you between 20 and 80 depending on whats wrong, but believe me it will be worth it.
The initial rattling was made because the chain was hitting the front derailer. I'm guessing that this is why the peddles are now slipping. Sadly I'm not sure I have the confidence in mechanics to try to fix the problem. I suppose that I could just play with it a bit tonight and see if I can fix it. I'm particularly pissed because riding my bike to and from work is one of the few places in life I find enjoyment. Won't have the cash to take it to a shop until next week.
HuntKop
12 Jul 2005, 12:24 PM
As you say, the chain isn't seating on the gear, which is causing the slippage - and as you say, the derailer problem could be causing it.
Have confidence! I am the least mechanically inclined person alive (it's true - I have a certificate), and I managed to sort my bike out.
did you just use the above links?
if there was a shop around me and it was only a twenty dollar cost I'd probably just take it in. Sadly I can't drive it in my car it's to big, that's why I need a shop close.
HuntKop
12 Jul 2005, 12:32 PM
Actually I used that book....but those links have much the same info.
I was going to take it in either way during the winter and have a bunch of replacement parts added. The bike is quite old. Is it really necessary to have so many gears? I really only use 2.
HuntKop
12 Jul 2005, 01:20 PM
Sounds like you should get one of those "cruiser" bikes (no pun intended) that only has the one gear! Superfluous gears are rubbish, anyhow.
Really the only necessity that I have is larger tires to deal with pot holes on my way. It's as you say having a bunch of gears isn't necessary for me. I only use two gears. I wonder how much it would be to alter that.
HuntKop
12 Jul 2005, 01:30 PM
We could start a "Pimp My Bike" program or something - you could be the first guest.
I could probably spend between $50 and $100 this afternoon. My parents feel sorry for me. I need to have my brakes looked at and my seat sucks.