Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the March Giveaway: Coming Soon 3/24


Pedaling
#1
Hi all, I have had my bike for just over a year, not a real expensive one as it's my first, but when I took my bike out the last time and would pedal all of a sudden the pedals continue to move but there is no forward propulsion on the bike. I have checked and the chain stays on, but nothing happens. And then it will work for a couple of feet and then nothing again. Would like to know what you might think this is and if it's worth fixing or just getting a new bike.

Thanks!!
  Reply
#2
Describe the bike, pictures of the rear gears would help. Typically the pawls inside a freewheel being gummed up will do that. You get suddenly almost ZERO resistance when you pedal, so it's the same resistance pedaling forwards or backwards?
Take the back wheel off, look at the freewheel, spin it. Insert oil (not WD 40) in the tiny gap between what spins & what doesn't. Break Free, 3in1 oil, Tru oil, something like that.
Or replace the freewheel, typically under $30 including the tool you need. We can tell you more when you post pics.
This is a one speed freewheel
[Image: 51luugdvdNL._SY445_.jpg]
This is a multi speed freewheel
[Image: 51IGWpUtjhL._SX342_.jpg]
put some newspaper under the freewheel to collect excess oil or you'll have a mess (& oil on a tire) in the morning.
  Reply
#3
It's a 21-speed mongoose mountain bike with a shimano gear system. I noticed it do this just after moving about 200 miles away and having the bike on the back of my car for a day or so in the rain. so the fact that it may need oil seems to make a lot of sense. I'm going to try that tonight if I can get the oil. Thanks
  Reply
#4
The little arms (pawls) that make the ratcheting sound when you spin the rear cogs can get gummed up or dried out. If the oil doesn't work don't sweat it, a new freewheel is cheap.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
4,566
05-31-2020, 03:28 AM
Last Post: Joe_W
 
10,296
11-03-2016, 02:50 PM
Last Post: DaveM
 
7,713
09-05-2015, 09:12 AM
Last Post: Sixtoejoe
 
81,409
09-02-2014, 04:45 PM
Last Post: cny-man
 
12,084
08-24-2014, 03:55 PM
Last Post: cr0nis

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Santini fluted frame
Today 01:39 PM
Expensive bikes with crappy wheels
Today 10:15 AM
Where are you from and What is your favo...
Yesterday 11:43 PM
2007 Trek Pilot S.P.A. 5.2
Yesterday 07:06 PM
2010 Specialized Hardrock
03-26-2024 09:16 PM
1990 Specialized Rockhopper How to Fluff...
03-25-2024 07:05 PM
Thread busted on right pedal crank
03-24-2024 08:52 PM
Trek domane tyre
03-24-2024 05:48 PM
Modern rims crack at spoke holes
03-24-2024 05:32 PM
Cup & Cone — Simple & Durable or PITA & ...
03-24-2024 04:53 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. Painkiller
21 posts
no avatar 2. Jesper
16 posts
no avatar 3. ReapThaWhirlwind
16 posts
no avatar 4. meamoantonio
15 posts
no avatar 5. GirishH
15 posts