Chain don't wanna go uphill
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Which brings me to another question: Could this all be due to bad technique...like maybe putting it under load too soon after shifting? During today's test ride I would shift just before the hill, then give it a split second or so before putting it under load...I'm wondering if that's why I haven't been able to reproduce the issue.
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#27
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I just read an article that said that a loose chain ring lock (the piece that holds your cassette together) can cause slipping if it's loose. Take the wheel off the bike. Hold the largest chain ring and with your other hand see if there is any movement when you hold and try to jiggle the smaller rings. It should feel like a solid piece with no give at all. If there is movement, you'll need a cassette tool (+/-$10.00) and a YouTube video on point or a quick bike shop adjustment.
The Dick's employee was likely not a trained mechanic who didn't know to check for necessary adjustments.
Good luck.
The Dick's employee was likely not a trained mechanic who didn't know to check for necessary adjustments.
Good luck.
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I am confused. Does this ONLY happen right after you shift?
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I'm getting chain slips when I go uphill. Shifting into low gear seams to work okay, but after I'm pedalling uphill a little bit the chain will do a violent shift...like it's disengaging/re-engaging. The bike is a brand new Aggressor Pro; I've recently had it looked over and tweaked by a local bike shop and the tech said he test rode it and all was fine (though I'm not sure whether he rode up any hills).
I came across this video this video where a guy with the same bike and derailleur increases the derailleur tension by turning a screw (you can see the screw at the 2:28 point in the video). I wanted to see if that would help, so I gave it a quarter turn and did some loops around a big parking lot that has a little uphill stretch. All was good on the uphill stretches the first three times, but on the fourth pass the chain slipped. So I tried turning the screw another quarter of a turn. Three more tries with no problems, but then on the fourth uphill stretch the chain completely dropped off the front derailleur.
So...I don't know...do you think maybe I should tighten that screw some more, or is something else going on here?
I came across this video this video where a guy with the same bike and derailleur increases the derailleur tension by turning a screw (you can see the screw at the 2:28 point in the video). I wanted to see if that would help, so I gave it a quarter turn and did some loops around a big parking lot that has a little uphill stretch. All was good on the uphill stretches the first three times, but on the fourth pass the chain slipped. So I tried turning the screw another quarter of a turn. Three more tries with no problems, but then on the fourth uphill stretch the chain completely dropped off the front derailleur.
So...I don't know...do you think maybe I should tighten that screw some more, or is something else going on here?
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Well, here's the history:
- Bought the bike from Dick's Sporting Goods a few weeks ago
- Tried it out...seemed to be doing weird things - pedals would lose resistance for a split second or so, then re-engage
- Took it back to Dick's...a tech put it up on a stand and shifted gears up and down...said everything was fine (he didn't test ride it though)
- Tried it out again...still didn't seem to be working right
- Took it into a local bike shop. He did some tweaking to the drive train then said all was fine...he said he had test ridden it for twenty minutes
- Did a bunch of test rides in a big parking lot that has a few steep inclines. It's working fine until I go uphill...then I get the chain issues detailed in my OP.
So to answer your question, I assume the problem was there from the start...but I've only started learning shifting and hill climbing a few days ago, so who knows. The thing that makes this such a huge pain is that this is the first time I've had a bike in fifty years...and the first time I've had a multi-gear bike - so I'm trying to learn shifting and diagnosing drive train issues at the same time. I don't even know what's normal and what's not (though I'm pretty sure my chain isn't supposed to jump ship when I go up hills!)
- Bought the bike from Dick's Sporting Goods a few weeks ago
- Tried it out...seemed to be doing weird things - pedals would lose resistance for a split second or so, then re-engage
- Took it back to Dick's...a tech put it up on a stand and shifted gears up and down...said everything was fine (he didn't test ride it though)
- Tried it out again...still didn't seem to be working right
- Took it into a local bike shop. He did some tweaking to the drive train then said all was fine...he said he had test ridden it for twenty minutes
- Did a bunch of test rides in a big parking lot that has a few steep inclines. It's working fine until I go uphill...then I get the chain issues detailed in my OP.
So to answer your question, I assume the problem was there from the start...but I've only started learning shifting and hill climbing a few days ago, so who knows. The thing that makes this such a huge pain is that this is the first time I've had a bike in fifty years...and the first time I've had a multi-gear bike - so I'm trying to learn shifting and diagnosing drive train issues at the same time. I don't even know what's normal and what's not (though I'm pretty sure my chain isn't supposed to jump ship when I go up hills!)
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There is too little information to go on to troubleshoot this over the web. OP, you didn't even say where the mis-shift happens, at the front or rear derailleur? If at the front, why are you trying to adjust the screw in the rear?
If this is an actual problem, there's very likely going to be a way to consistently replicate the issue; try to figure out the exact procedure and then describe in detail or make a video.
If this is an actual problem, there's very likely going to be a way to consistently replicate the issue; try to figure out the exact procedure and then describe in detail or make a video.
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Since there is a chance this is a shifting technique issue, especially since the LBS mechanic rode it uphill without issue, I’d just ride it and enjoy.
It is important when going uphill that you plan your shifting. If you get caught in the wrong gear, try to get a couple strong strokes, back off and shift, before your legs are gone.
Depending on how far off you are, you might be able to stand up and stair step up the hill. You need to be in a little higher gear to do this since you’ll be turning the cranks so slowly.
Good luck and have fun.
John
It is important when going uphill that you plan your shifting. If you get caught in the wrong gear, try to get a couple strong strokes, back off and shift, before your legs are gone.
Depending on how far off you are, you might be able to stand up and stair step up the hill. You need to be in a little higher gear to do this since you’ll be turning the cranks so slowly.
Good luck and have fun.
John
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Another example is like using the front brake on a bicycle. You just don't squeeze it will all your might initially. The brake needs to be modulated to the conditions. If the rider does not control the influence of strength applied, over the bars you go.
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#35
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This is where the nasty stuff sometimes happens. A few times there was a violent slippage of some sort, and grinding - and I was sure the chain had completely disengaged from the gears. But then I stopped and checked and all looked normal. Another time the chain had completely slipped off the front chainring.
But yesterday I looped around the parking lot and hit the uphill stretch eleven times in a row with no problems...that's why I'm wondering if it's a technique thing and I'm just getting better at it. I've always known enough not to shift under load, but now I'm wondering if in some of my earlier attempts I was putting it under load to soon AFTER shifting, and maybe the chain wasn't yet seated properly.
I should also mention that I've never had any problems on level ground or slight inclines.
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You might not want to go into the small chainring and pedal like mad because it is too low and you end up wasting energy you’ll need later.
If you are in the middle chainring keep up a steady pace and as you start to go up maybe drop to the low chainring or go one cog lower in the rear. You want to try and match an increased load with a lower gear rather than spin yourself out until the gear matches the incline.
You’ll need to figure out the right pedaling cadence that will work, but as you ride, and climb more, you’ll get stronger and won’t need to spin as much to keep going.
The kiss of death is losing momentum on a climb.
John
If you are in the middle chainring keep up a steady pace and as you start to go up maybe drop to the low chainring or go one cog lower in the rear. You want to try and match an increased load with a lower gear rather than spin yourself out until the gear matches the incline.
You’ll need to figure out the right pedaling cadence that will work, but as you ride, and climb more, you’ll get stronger and won’t need to spin as much to keep going.
The kiss of death is losing momentum on a climb.
John
Last edited by 70sSanO; 05-28-21 at 03:45 PM.
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I may still do that...but at this point I'm still trying to find out if there's really a problem or it's just my technique.
I tried to rig a setup to get a video but it proved to be easier said then done...I'll try to describe what I'm doing: I'll be cruising along a flat stretch, with the left (3 speed) shifter in 2nd gear and the right in one of the mid gears. As I'm about to get to a steep uphill stretch, I'll first shift the right shifter into a lower gear (first or second I think), then put the left shifter into first. I'm pedalling during this time, but not under load. Once I'm in the low gears I'll start pedalling like crazy for a little bit since I'm still on flat ground...then as soon as I hit the hill all seems normal.
This is where the nasty stuff sometimes happens. A few times there was a violent slippage of some sort, and grinding - and I was sure the chain had completely disengaged from the gears. But then I stopped and checked and all looked normal. Another time the chain had completely slipped off the front chainring.
But yesterday I looped around the parking lot and hit the uphill stretch eleven times in a row with no problems...that's why I'm wondering if it's a technique thing and I'm just getting better at it. I've always known enough not to shift under load, but now I'm wondering if in some of my earlier attempts I was putting it under load to soon AFTER shifting, and maybe the chain wasn't yet seated properly.
I should also mention that I've never had any problems on level ground or slight inclines.
I tried to rig a setup to get a video but it proved to be easier said then done...I'll try to describe what I'm doing: I'll be cruising along a flat stretch, with the left (3 speed) shifter in 2nd gear and the right in one of the mid gears. As I'm about to get to a steep uphill stretch, I'll first shift the right shifter into a lower gear (first or second I think), then put the left shifter into first. I'm pedalling during this time, but not under load. Once I'm in the low gears I'll start pedalling like crazy for a little bit since I'm still on flat ground...then as soon as I hit the hill all seems normal.
This is where the nasty stuff sometimes happens. A few times there was a violent slippage of some sort, and grinding - and I was sure the chain had completely disengaged from the gears. But then I stopped and checked and all looked normal. Another time the chain had completely slipped off the front chainring.
But yesterday I looped around the parking lot and hit the uphill stretch eleven times in a row with no problems...that's why I'm wondering if it's a technique thing and I'm just getting better at it. I've always known enough not to shift under load, but now I'm wondering if in some of my earlier attempts I was putting it under load to soon AFTER shifting, and maybe the chain wasn't yet seated properly.
I should also mention that I've never had any problems on level ground or slight inclines.
#38
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Also shift the front rings first. It takes longer. It is easier to shift the back if you are close to the hill. Don't make a huge rear shift (many cogs), and then do the front. that alone could send the chain off the front.
Last edited by 2manybikes; 05-29-21 at 10:43 AM.
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#39
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Don't over think or over do the easing up on the pedaling pressure as you shift. It's not as much as you might think or others try to make it sound.
In fact, if you aren't a masher and instead always pedal a gear that take little effort to move you along, then you may not need to relax any pedal pressure as you shift at all.
If however you do pedal a ridiculously hard gear and go to shift, that's going to require some but not much momentary relaxing of the effort you are pedaling. technique.
Regardless of the above, I still tend to think your issue is an adjustment or something bent or out of whack issue.
In fact, if you aren't a masher and instead always pedal a gear that take little effort to move you along, then you may not need to relax any pedal pressure as you shift at all.
If however you do pedal a ridiculously hard gear and go to shift, that's going to require some but not much momentary relaxing of the effort you are pedaling. technique.
Regardless of the above, I still tend to think your issue is an adjustment or something bent or out of whack issue.
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I may still do that...but at this point I'm still trying to find out if there's really a problem or it's just my technique.
I tried to rig a setup to get a video but it proved to be easier said then done...I'll try to describe what I'm doing: I'll be cruising along a flat stretch, with the left (3 speed) shifter in 2nd gear and the right in one of the mid gears. As I'm about to get to a steep uphill stretch, I'll first shift the right shifter into a lower gear (first or second I think), then put the left shifter into first. I'm pedalling during this time, but not under load. Once I'm in the low gears I'll start pedalling like crazy for a little bit since I'm still on flat ground...then as soon as I hit the hill all seems normal.
This is where the nasty stuff sometimes happens. A few times there was a violent slippage of some sort, and grinding - and I was sure the chain had completely disengaged from the gears. But then I stopped and checked and all looked normal. Another time the chain had completely slipped off the front chainring.
But yesterday I looped around the parking lot and hit the uphill stretch eleven times in a row with no problems...that's why I'm wondering if it's a technique thing and I'm just getting better at it. I've always known enough not to shift under load, but now I'm wondering if in some of my earlier attempts I was putting it under load to soon AFTER shifting, and maybe the chain wasn't yet seated properly.
I should also mention that I've never had any problems on level ground or slight inclines.
I tried to rig a setup to get a video but it proved to be easier said then done...I'll try to describe what I'm doing: I'll be cruising along a flat stretch, with the left (3 speed) shifter in 2nd gear and the right in one of the mid gears. As I'm about to get to a steep uphill stretch, I'll first shift the right shifter into a lower gear (first or second I think), then put the left shifter into first. I'm pedalling during this time, but not under load. Once I'm in the low gears I'll start pedalling like crazy for a little bit since I'm still on flat ground...then as soon as I hit the hill all seems normal.
This is where the nasty stuff sometimes happens. A few times there was a violent slippage of some sort, and grinding - and I was sure the chain had completely disengaged from the gears. But then I stopped and checked and all looked normal. Another time the chain had completely slipped off the front chainring.
But yesterday I looped around the parking lot and hit the uphill stretch eleven times in a row with no problems...that's why I'm wondering if it's a technique thing and I'm just getting better at it. I've always known enough not to shift under load, but now I'm wondering if in some of my earlier attempts I was putting it under load to soon AFTER shifting, and maybe the chain wasn't yet seated properly.
I should also mention that I've never had any problems on level ground or slight inclines.
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Don’t fret over hold or quick tap stuff. People have been shifting rear (and front) derailleurs for decades with components that were far less precise and not as well made.
Before index shifting there were downtube, bar end, thumb shifters that needed to be used to downshift on steeper climbs than you are riding, sometimes with loaded touring bikes, and people managed. And a lot of it was pre-hyperglide/pre-ramps.
I’ve moved on from friction, but nothing felt better to hit those shifts seamlessly. Like shifting a manual transmission without using the clutch.
It is a learned technique. You can practice on flat ground and it does become second nature where all shifts have a very slight pause/back-off.
John
Before index shifting there were downtube, bar end, thumb shifters that needed to be used to downshift on steeper climbs than you are riding, sometimes with loaded touring bikes, and people managed. And a lot of it was pre-hyperglide/pre-ramps.
I’ve moved on from friction, but nothing felt better to hit those shifts seamlessly. Like shifting a manual transmission without using the clutch.
It is a learned technique. You can practice on flat ground and it does become second nature where all shifts have a very slight pause/back-off.
John
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This ...
Stick with me here. Are you sure its the chain? Do you actually see it skipping?
The reason I ask this. I had an issue with my Trek Checkpoint where the pawls in the rear wheel hub were not engaging or slipping. And it was MUCH worse under load. It took several videos while I was riding to nail down what was happening, And they replaced the wheel under warranty. And the problem has not been a problem since then. The symptoms were exactly as you were describing.
The reason I ask this. I had an issue with my Trek Checkpoint where the pawls in the rear wheel hub were not engaging or slipping. And it was MUCH worse under load. It took several videos while I was riding to nail down what was happening, And they replaced the wheel under warranty. And the problem has not been a problem since then. The symptoms were exactly as you were describing.
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I'm pretty sure it is in the hub. The Freewheel is defective. take it back and get another (replacement). They do wear out, but I would guess they are not manufactured or else assembled correctly.
#45
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So I've done a bunch more riding in the last few days and haven't been having this issue any more...at this point I'm pretty much convinced that the bike is okay and this was a technique issue. Again, this is the first riding I've been doing in fifty years, and my first time on a multi-gear bike - I think there's definitely some learning involved. I'm now thinking that the problems were due to putting the bike under load immediately after shifting...before the chain was fully seated in place. Lately I've been waiting a brief moment after the shift before powering up, then easing into it rather than pouring it on suddenly. Seems to be working.
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It is not easy learning something new that is feel based after 50 year break.
Good for you to hang in there.
John
Good for you to hang in there.
John
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