Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > General Cycling Discussion
Reload this Page >

Pedalling weirdness

Notices
General Cycling Discussion Have a cycling related question or comment that doesn't fit in one of the other specialty forums? Drop on in and post in here! When possible, please select the forum above that most fits your post!

Pedalling weirdness

Old 05-18-21, 03:51 PM
  #1  
Mickmeister
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 33
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Pedalling weirdness

I just took my new bike for a test drive. It's been decades since I've ridden a bike...and the first time I've been on one that required shifting, so I'm wondering if what I'm feeling is normal: I'll be feeling resistance in the pedals, but then for a second I'll lose the feeling of resistance and the pedals feel like they're turning freely for a few degrees - as if they're not connected to anything...then all is back to normal. It's not something that happens during shifting, it's while I'm in gear. I bought the bike at Dick's, and I was totally sure they mis-adjusted something, but I took it back in and they checked it out and said everything's fine. Is this the way a normal functioning bike should feel? It seems like it would get annoying pretty fast.
Mickmeister is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 04:12 PM
  #2  
wolfchild
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721

Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes

Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times in 1,286 Posts
That almost sounds like pawls in the freehub or a freewheel are sticking and not engaging...If that happens the freehub or the freewheel needs to be cleaned up and lubed.
wolfchild is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 04:31 PM
  #3  
Koyote
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,762
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6881 Post(s)
Liked 10,869 Times in 4,634 Posts
Did the tech person at Dick's take it for a test ride in order to experience this phenomenon?
Koyote is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 04:49 PM
  #4  
CAT7RDR
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Hacienda Hgts
Posts: 2,082

Bikes: 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 811 Post(s)
Liked 1,945 Times in 935 Posts
If there are wide gaps in the cogs' teeth count you may feel while pedaling a momentary gap where it will take a full crank turn or more to get the chain engaged in the next cog.
CAT7RDR is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 04:51 PM
  #5  
Erzulis Boat 
Le Crocodile
 
Erzulis Boat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Santa Barbara Calif.
Posts: 1,873
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 367 Post(s)
Liked 771 Times in 311 Posts
Originally Posted by wolfchild
That almost sounds like pawls in the freehub or a freewheel are sticking and not engaging...If that happens the freehub or the freewheel needs to be cleaned up and lubed.
Yep. Problem is that it usually occurs when at "speed" (cannot re-engage fast enough, or merely skip) so just checking it on a workstand etc. will not induce the malfunction.

Quick "fix" is to get some light oil in there to dilute things a tad and get the pawls to stay engaged. You can do that without taking it apart. Not 100% the correct fix, but to get underway until the real fix gets implemented.

More than likely this is your issue, but it could be a defective component too.

ETA- Can be from wear, too heavy/excess lubricant, too little or no lubricant, or simply not manufactured/assembled properly.

And NO. Not normal at all!

Last edited by Erzulis Boat; 05-18-21 at 04:57 PM.
Erzulis Boat is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 04:57 PM
  #6  
cxwrench
Senior Member
 
cxwrench's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Nor-Cal
Posts: 3,767

Bikes: lots

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1958 Post(s)
Liked 2,932 Times in 1,489 Posts
Originally Posted by Koyote
Did the tech person at Dick's take it for a test ride in order to experience this phenomenon?
Wait...the 'tech' at Dick's?
cxwrench is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 05:00 PM
  #7  
OldTryGuy
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: SW Fl.
Posts: 5,604

Bikes: Day6 Semi Recumbent "FIREBALL", 1981 Custom Touring Paramount, 1983 Road Paramount, 2013 Giant Propel Advanced SL3, 2018 Specialized Red Roubaix Expert mech., 2002 Magna 7sp hybrid, 1976 Bassett Racing 45sp Cruiser

Mentioned: 17 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1063 Post(s)
Liked 771 Times in 499 Posts
Might not be keeping up with the pressure required for power. Apply hand brakes lightly and pedal like when it happens for a quick check.
OldTryGuy is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 05:18 PM
  #8  
gringomojado
Full Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 475
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 200 Post(s)
Liked 136 Times in 86 Posts
Are you "slacking off" a bit in your pedaling (like a mini-coast) just before you notice this?

GM
gringomojado is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 06:43 PM
  #9  
Koyote
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,762
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6881 Post(s)
Liked 10,869 Times in 4,634 Posts
Originally Posted by cxwrench
Wait...the 'tech' at Dick's?
Hey, at least I didn’t use the word “mechanic.”
Koyote is offline  
Likes For Koyote:
Old 05-18-21, 07:12 PM
  #10  
Mickmeister
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 33
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Did the tech person at Dick's take it for a test ride in order to experience this phenomenon?
No...he put it on a workstand and turned the pedals by hand...then shifted up and down a few times and said all looks normal.


Are you "slacking off" a bit in your pedaling (like a mini-coast) just before you notice this?
Hmmm...not sure...I'm just giving it whatever power is required for the speed I'm trying for. I wasn't going very fast...just cruising around in a deserted parking lot to get a feel for the bike. I'm going to take it out again tomorrow for another test ride.
Mickmeister is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 07:18 PM
  #11  
Koyote
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,762
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6881 Post(s)
Liked 10,869 Times in 4,634 Posts
Your rear hub has only so many pawls…it is normal that there is a bit of slack when you start pedaling after having coasted.
Koyote is offline  
Old 05-18-21, 07:29 PM
  #12  
rsbob 
Grupetto Bob
 
rsbob's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2020
Location: Seattle-ish
Posts: 6,065

Bikes: Bikey McBike Face

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2512 Post(s)
Liked 5,421 Times in 2,824 Posts
Are your chain rings (the ones in the front) perfectly round or are they slightly ovalled (elliptical)? If they latter, you will want the round ones.
__________________
Road 🚴🏾‍♂️ & Mountain 🚵🏾‍♂️








Last edited by rsbob; 05-18-21 at 07:49 PM.
rsbob is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 09:27 AM
  #13  
Iride01 
I'm good to go!
 
Iride01's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,800

Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020

Mentioned: 50 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6099 Post(s)
Liked 4,730 Times in 3,260 Posts
Sounds like the DR's aren't adjusted correctly and it's trying to shift gears even when you aren't.

I've had that happen to me before. More likely I'd think than a slipping free hub which I've never had happen. Though I have had some very rusted up freewheels do that, but the bikes had more issues than just that.
Iride01 is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 09:40 AM
  #14  
alcjphil
Senior Member
 
alcjphil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 5,869
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1792 Post(s)
Liked 1,671 Times in 955 Posts
Originally Posted by Mickmeister
I just took my new bike for a test drive. It's been decades since I've ridden a bike...and the first time I've been on one that required shifting, so I'm wondering if what I'm feeling is normal: I'll be feeling resistance in the pedals, but then for a second I'll lose the feeling of resistance and the pedals feel like they're turning freely for a few degrees - as if they're not connected to anything...then all is back to normal. It's not something that happens during shifting, it's while I'm in gear. I bought the bike at Dick's, and I was totally sure they mis-adjusted something, but I took it back in and they checked it out and said everything's fine. Is this the way a normal functioning bike should feel? It seems like it would get annoying pretty fast.
Nowhere in this post do you mention what make and model bike you have or what sort of shifting system you have. Diagnosing a problem at a distance depends on having enough information about the bike. Otherwise people have to guess about the bike in question
alcjphil is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 09:40 AM
  #15  
rosefarts
With a mighty wind
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,554
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1072 Post(s)
Liked 841 Times in 475 Posts
Originally Posted by rsbob
Are your chain rings (the ones in the front) perfectly round or are they slightly ovalled (elliptical)? If they latter, you will want the round ones.
​​​​​I've ridden several elliptical. Old Biopace and even messed around with new absolute black. I don't care for them and have switched to round, but oval rings absolutely do not cause the issues he's having. At all, ever.
rosefarts is offline  
Likes For rosefarts:
Old 05-19-21, 10:05 AM
  #16  
Mickmeister
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 33
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by alcjphil
Nowhere in this post do you mention what make and model bike you have or what sort of shifting system you have. Diagnosing a problem at a distance depends on having enough information about the bike. Otherwise people have to guess about the bike in question
Ah...my bad. It's a GT Aggressor Pro. The forum won't let me link to a page with specs, but here's some info:

Frame: All new 6061-T6 Aluminum Triple Triangle Frame, w/ Replaceable Derailleur Hanger, and 1 1/8 Head Tub
Fork: MTB suspension fork, 80mm travel
Crankset: Forged Alloy 42/34/24T
Bottom Bracket: Cartridge Sealed
Pedals: GT Slim Line Flat Pedal
Front Derailleur: MTB Type
Rear Derailleur: MTB Type for 21spd gearing
Shifters: MTB Trigger type, 8spd right/3spd left
Cog Set: 11-34T, 8-Speed Cassette UPC
Chain: 8spd type
Rims: Alloy Double Wall, 32H 27.5, disc specific
Mickmeister is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 10:28 AM
  #17  
alcjphil
Senior Member
 
alcjphil's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Posts: 5,869
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1792 Post(s)
Liked 1,671 Times in 955 Posts
Originally Posted by Mickmeister
Ah...my bad. It's a GT Aggressor Pro. The forum won't let me link to a page with specs, but here's some info:

Frame: All new 6061-T6 Aluminum Triple Triangle Frame, w/ Replaceable Derailleur Hanger, and 1 1/8 Head Tub
Fork: MTB suspension fork, 80mm travel
Crankset: Forged Alloy 42/34/24T
Bottom Bracket: Cartridge Sealed
Pedals: GT Slim Line Flat Pedal
Front Derailleur: MTB Type
Rear Derailleur: MTB Type for 21spd gearing
Shifters: MTB Trigger type, 8spd right/3spd left
Cog Set: 11-34T, 8-Speed Cassette UPC
Chain: 8spd type
Rims: Alloy Double Wall, 32H 27.5, disc specific
That will put to rest speculation that you have oval chainrings or a cheap 7 speed freewheel
alcjphil is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 11:31 AM
  #18  
redcon1
Senior Member
 
redcon1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: South Central PA
Posts: 549

Bikes: Focus Arriba, Specialized Roubaix Expert, Bianchi Impulso Allroad

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 109 Post(s)
Liked 82 Times in 53 Posts
I've had this sensation when the cassette lockring was not tightened properly. Check that.
redcon1 is offline  
Likes For redcon1:
Old 05-19-21, 02:30 PM
  #19  
Mickmeister
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 33
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
I just took it in to a (hopefully!) reputable shop so they can give it the once-over and look into this issue, as well as check for anything else that may not have been set up correctly (the face he made when I told him Dick's did the setup told me he wasn't too sold on their reputation!). He agreed with those on this thread who say the problem can't be diagnosed on a workstand...he said they test ride all bikes they service. They're backed up, so I won't have it back til probably early next week...I'll keep you posted.
Mickmeister is offline  
Likes For Mickmeister:
Old 05-19-21, 05:51 PM
  #20  
gringomojado
Full Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 475
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 200 Post(s)
Liked 136 Times in 86 Posts
Originally Posted by alcjphil
Nowhere in this post do you mention what make and model bike you have or what sort of shifting system you have. Diagnosing a problem at a distance depends on having enough information about the bike. Otherwise people have to guess about the bike in question
Did not he mention the "tech at Dick's"? We might assume it is a Dick bike!

gm
gringomojado is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 06:39 PM
  #21  
Mickmeister
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 33
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Did not he mention the "tech at Dick's"? We might assume it is a Dick bike!
"Dick bike"...hahaha...love it! I always wonder why they named the store "Dick's"...I've also bought art supplies from Dick Blick...it always makes me think of a venereal disease!
Mickmeister is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 07:02 PM
  #22  
Koyote
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,762
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6881 Post(s)
Liked 10,869 Times in 4,634 Posts
Originally Posted by redcon1
I've had this sensation when the cassette lockring was not tightened properly. Check that.
Ooh, good one. I think that would make a noise, too - right?
Koyote is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 07:29 PM
  #23  
Happy Feet
Senior Member
 
Happy Feet's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Left Coast, Canada
Posts: 5,126
Mentioned: 24 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2236 Post(s)
Liked 1,313 Times in 706 Posts
Sometimes if a chain link or two sticks, from rust or reinserting a pin after using a chain breaker, that sort of thing can happen. If you get it back from the shop with no answer, try running the chain through your fingers to see if the links flex smoothly.
Happy Feet is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 09:34 PM
  #24  
Mickmeister
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 33
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 25 Post(s)
Liked 5 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by Happy Feet
Sometimes if a chain link or two sticks, from rust or reinserting a pin after using a chain breaker, that sort of thing can happen. If you get it back from the shop with no answer, try running the chain through your fingers to see if the links flex smoothly.
It's a brand new bike though...it's only logged about twenty minutes of me cruising around a deserted parking lot to try it out...
Mickmeister is offline  
Old 05-19-21, 10:59 PM
  #25  
PaulRivers
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 6,432
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 539 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times in 38 Posts
Originally Posted by Mickmeister
Ah...my bad. It's a GT Aggressor Pro. The forum won't let me link to a page with specs, but here's some info:

Frame: All new 6061-T6 Aluminum Triple Triangle Frame, w/ Replaceable Derailleur Hanger, and 1 1/8 Head Tub
Fork: MTB suspension fork, 80mm travel
Crankset: Forged Alloy 42/34/24T
Bottom Bracket: Cartridge Sealed
Pedals: GT Slim Line Flat Pedal
Front Derailleur: MTB Type
Rear Derailleur: MTB Type for 21spd gearing
Shifters: MTB Trigger type, 8spd right/3spd left
Cog Set: 11-34T, 8-Speed Cassette UPC
Chain: 8spd type
Rims: Alloy Double Wall, 32H 27.5, disc specific
Spammers love spamming links so they ban them until your account reaches a certain point. Sounds like you mean this bike?
https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...ggrssrprxxxprf
PaulRivers is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.