MissKristen 

Just curious what things can go wrong with any bike, from entry-level to pro. Chains falling off? Regular derailleur adjustments? Brake adjustments? Clicking gears?

I'm wondering because my entry-level yet decent Fuji bike has had 'quirks' since Day 1. I'm not sure if this is because of the way it was assembled, or if it's simply because it's a bike. What are the regular maintenance/adjustment issues that I should expect from a new bike? Last night my gears and pedals completely locked up due to my chain not catching correctly, and I almost bit it while clipped in at 20mph. Took me a while to figure out how to fix it, but I was left feeling less excited about my bike and am starting to get concerned. :/ It worked fine once I got the chain back on, but I still have weird issues with the gears.

Anyway... what are the quirks/issues/kinks that happen with ANY bike? Is it just mine? Do I need to sell it on CL and get a CAAD 9-5? haha

edbikebabe

Did you buy it from a shop? Do they have a service plan? Most new rides come with anything from a one month to one year free service to plan to fix all those "new bike issues".

Cable stretch happens when you start riding a new bike. Likely it will need them tightened/adjusted at least once after you start riding.

Have you taken it in since you bought it? How many hours have you ridden it for since you got it?

If you have gotten it adjusted where you bought it, and it still isn't right, take it back & get someone else to look at it.

MissKristen 

Yes; Performance. They do free tune ups for life, pretty much. I've already had it in twice.

The bike has 300ish miles on it, and I took it in for the first time after 100 miles for the cable adjustments and such.

I guess I should keep taking it back for adjustments? Should I push for a return/exchange for a different bike at this point? The bike just doesn't seem to be working like a well-oiled machine, but I wasn't sure if its just the nature of the bike beast.

Thanks

dperreno

It's fairly typical for the rear derailleur cable to need adjustment after the first hundred miles or so as the cable housings and ferrules get "settled in." (Usually called "cable stretch," but more properly should be called "housing compaction?")

I would check your chain for damage - I had a similar issue where I tossed my chain and it got jammed between my crank and bottom bracket. I had shifting problems that wouldn't go away until I replaced the chain Turned out I had slightly bent a few links, and that's all it took.

MONGO!

Apart from tightening the cables as they stretch in, you shouldn't need to do anything to a new bike.

Quijibo187

After the initial tune up from things settling in, the bike shouldn't have to be touched unless something gets bent or things just need replacing.

KiuBWhy

What exactly happened? It sounds like you might have dropped the chain shifting you Front Derailleur. If that was the case, ease up on the pedals when you're shifting from big to small on the front cogs. Or anticipate and be in the proper gear.

+1 on the cable stretch tweaking as well.

MissKristen 

Cool... I'll take it back in and have them check out the chain and make sure nothing's bent/wearing down/whatever. Thanks!!!

THEVERGE

SRAM Rival

/thread

Jynx

Honestly nothing should need to be done. After building all of my bikes, after a couple of hundred miles I adjust the tension on the deraillers and thats it. I barely even lube my chain. Last time I did was like 500+ miles ago. Bike is completely silent and works great.

valygrl

Tell the shop exactly what happened when the chain "locked up" - show them where the chain went. That will help them diagnose the problem. Try to be very specific about what the issues are - shifting between which gears, when does it happen - you could go ride around and try to make it have the problem so you can tell them how to make it happen, and they can see it for themselves.

The lock up sounds like "chain suck" to me - https://www.gvtc.com/~ngear/chainsuck.html

Here's a REALLY interesting article - https://www.fagan.co.za/Bikes/Csuck/OVERALL.htm
that seems to imply that on a new bike, you probably have a manufacturing defect in the chain or chainring - which if you like the bike otherwise would be really easy for the shop to fix for you.

Also, if you keep having problems, bite the bullet and take it to a high-end bike shop and pay for a tune up -- you might get a better mechanic, who could spot any underlying issues. Performance's personnel are, um... of variable quality.

THEVERGE

I agree with this. I did the same and the difference was like nite and day.

cdubb

The shop where I bought my bike recommended coming in for a tune up at 350 to 400 miles for things like cable stretch, wheel truing etc. Could it be that you brought yours in too early?

gabdy

Shouldn't a Mod of a Cycling forum have at least some basic knowledge of bikes?

kimconyc

Cable stretch. This is normal.

patentcad

If you ride a lot, particularly in messy (wet conditions), you'll get drivetrain noises as the drivetrain gets dirty (clean it as needed, degreaser, brushes, rags, maybe a chain cleaning gizmo). That also means you'll need the bottom bracket and eventually the headset cleaned, repacked, occasionally replaced. You'll have to replace chains, rear cogs. I ride 12,000 miles annually and I only have to replace components like derailleurs or cranks when they literally snap or fall off the bike (I've had both happen). The parts tend to work until they detonate. In other words, when they need replacement, you'll know.

chipcom 

What does one have to do with the other?

Stray8

No, they only need to be able to monitor and check for inappropriate posts with abusive or potty-mouthed terms...

patentcad

This is BF.

Get a grip.

gabdy

Nothing at all. I was just throwing it out there.

MissKristen 

Yep, I'm new to road cycling. I have stupid questions, just like everyone else when they started out. But if you'll notice, there are 7 of us moderating RC. We all have different strengths. If you have an issue with my (or anyone else's) qualifications as a moderator, please contact the Administrator (Tom) instead of trolling threads and attempting to drag my name through the mud in a public forum. Seriously. That goes for anyone. Feedback is always welcome.

Anyway, thanks for the help from everyone else so far.

gabdy

Maybe you should give me an infraction for trolling?

Edit: I saw the strength of a Mod the other day when they quickly cleaned up their mess.

garysol1 

At least your earning your "custom" name" PRICK.

gabdy

What's your point?

Siu Blue Wind

Mostly the mods have people handling skills.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm....... *thinking gabdy should join us on the moderation team*



actually that would be an EXCELLENT idea!

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Oh well, that was a fleeting moment. *shrugs*


Never mind me. Carry on.