UKC

My Roadie is sick please help me fix her.

This has happened few times, Coasting up to a red light, feet on the pedals but not spinning. The lights change to green, and press down on the pedals and no resistance and im just left there spinning. I drop a few cogs and im able to set off again. Annoying, worried and dangerous

In reply to goldmember:

Sounds like the pawls in the freewheel aren't engaging. Depending on model it's either a service or replacement.

In reply to goldmember:

If you have a cassette removal tool, pull the cassette off, and then remove the free hub body and inspect the pawls, if you haven't looked in here before, it's likely to be full off mucky grease, so remove it, clean it up and regrease and see if this solves the problem - if not, you may need a new freehub

In reply to balmybaldwin:

I wouldn't have the tools or knowledge, how much would a bike shop quote to do this ?

Is there an easier way to clean the muck off, jet wash?

In reply to goldmember:
Does it happen when your not at traffic lights?

Sounds like the chain is slipping,
In order I would check:
Rear mech alignment
Chain stretch, there should be half an inch between each link ( measure it over a few to make it easier)
Have you replaced any of the drivetrain recently? If so it may be a miss match between the chain and cogs (caused by wear).

Also don't use a jet wash it will force water into the sealed bearing.

In reply to goldmember:

Have you been through a lot of mud / grit recently? I had this happen to a bike of mine last year and as Bob suggests it was the freehub not engaging. I solved my problem by removing the cassette, giving it a good clean, cleaning the freehub, and letting both dry thoroughly before putting it all back together. Fingers crossed that you don't have to replace the hub!

In reply to goldmember:

+1 for not jet washing - you're likely to force water and dirt into places that they don't want to be!

In reply to goldmember:

Freehub. Change.

In reply to goldmember:

I had this issue when I was rebuilding an ancient Raleigh racing bike . It happened once or twice in urban areas which was a bit scary .
I actually upgraded the drive train in the end anyway so the problem has gone.

In reply to goldmember:

If you haven't got the tools, it really is worth investing in them and there are thousands of "how to remove a cassette" videos on You-tube.

You need a chain whip (£10) and a cassette lock nut adapter (£5-10) to suit your make of cassette (together with a big spanner you've probably already got)

It's a 10 minute job at worst, and will most likely be cheaper to buy the tools than get a shop to look at it, plus you've learned new and valuable skills for next time.

Never Jet wash a bike (especially when using muc-off), it'll ruin all the bearings very quickly.

In reply to balmybaldwin:

the old thing i seem to have changed lately is my lube, im using wet lube instead of gt-80

In reply to goldmember:
If you were using gt 80 only, then I would suspect your chain might not be in the best of condition - GT80 being the spray-on stuff like WD40?

If so, then it's ok for driving out moisture, but not good enough to lube a chain - you should be using a wet (or dry) chain specific lube like you are using now.

Measure your chain. From centre point of a link pin measure 12" with a ruler... does the 12" mark align with another link pin?

In reply to goldmember:

http://www.merlincycles.com/icetoolz-chain-whip-44504.html
and
http://www.merlincycles.com/park-fr5c-hg-shimano-sram-cassette-lockring-too...
or
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/x-tools-pro-cassette-remover/rp-prod5593...
(other cheaper/pricier alternatives available)

If you can clean and re-lube the free hub pawls, great.
If not, some can be removed (large hex wrench in the middle) and replaced.
If not, it's a new hub/wheel.

You'd know if it was the chain/worn cassette, as you'd hear it crashing across the gears.
Use http://www.merlincycles.com/park-cc3-chain-wear-indicator-49404.html to check for chain wear and check the gear teeth for wear - they'll look more "hooked".

In reply to LastBoyScout:

where is good for cheap free hub wheels?!

In reply to goldmember:

Rose bikes are very good for parts. German based, but quick delivery.

In reply to balmybaldwin:

Thanks what great website!

Has anyone used this before http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/shimano-wh-r501--28700-c-road-wheel-set/... ?

In reply to goldmember:

Similar thread, same problem, same solution:

http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=575391

In reply to Chris Harris:

Cheers Chris. Wish I had thought off pouring over some boiling water. I use quite a bit of gt-80 in combination with moving the hub and banging the wheel.

But I fancy a new set of wheels!