Sorting out my Bicycle Gears

[SuperBeatBoy]

Right i'm having problems with a bike i picked up used, whenever i pedal it goes slack and sounds like its trying to change gears. They are shimano, read somewhere i will need to adjust them as from what i read it sounds like they might be too slack. Any tips?

[charlaph]

If you really want to give them a full overhaul;

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailleur-overhaul

If you just want to adjust tensions etc;

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/rear-derailler-adjustments-derailleur

Also good guides on bikeradar and sheldon browns websites. When I got my bike I followed a mishmash of bikeradar and park tools guides and between them both managed to figure out how to get them spot on.

[SuperBeatBoy]

Thanks for the links charlaph, they greatly helped.

Think i worked out what the problem is. Think i have a dodgy link on my chain, everytime it goes through it sounds like its trying to change gear, anyone know how do i go about sorting this out.

EDIT: Doesn't matter, sorted it. The link just needed some extra lovin' lube.

[SuperBeatBoy]

Everything sorted now. But could do with a new seat, my current one feels like a slab of concrete between my gooch. Can anyone recommend me a comfy replacement?

[Ginger Tosser]

Sorry to crash the thread, but a quick question. Is losing a single spoke on a mountain bike wheel a bad thing (when it's used for normal cycling), also can single spoken be replaced?

[Brad]

@Zero - I bought a Brookes leather saddle about 20 years ago. Never looked back!

@GT - You want to replace that spoke asap. Yes it can be replaced. My local bike shop charged me ?12 for two replacement spokes + an inner tube. Doing it yourself can be tricky.

Also, once 1 spoke has gone - in my experience - it can set off a chain reaction. If others start failing you may want to look at replacing the wheel. This happened to my hybrid recently. I have to load the panniers up a fair bit on the back and the wheel just couldn't take it really so I got a stronger replacement with more spokes. Horror story over! It's entirely likely you'll get that one spoke fixed and it'll be fine for years!

[Ginger Tosser]

Thanks for the info, I left the bike at home today as I didn't want a wheel failure at 30mph. Will try to get it fixed at the weekend.

[speedlolita]

Might have to look into that saddle.

Also need to realign my gears and replace brake leavers and disc brake pads.

[SuperBeatBoy]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soft-Silica-Bicycle-Cushion-Saddle/dp/B002ZI4OBG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1310509612&sr=8-2

Ordered this off Amazon. Looks decent.

[SuperBeatBoy]

Bah, always coming across new problems with this bike. Now the rear wheel is wobbly/shaky, I'm guessing its something to do with the bearings.... can it be fixed?

[smouty]

If you have a cup and cone type they can be adjusted. Probably worth a google for an easy to follow guide.

[SuperBeatBoy]

What does a cup and cone one look like?

[Brad]

This:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cone-adjustment.html

[smouty]

What does a cup and cone one look like?

Probably worth a google for an easy to follow guide.

For those that find it easier to ask questions on a forum than use google - http://lmgtfy.com/?q=cone+and+cup+bearing

BTW it look like some cones shaped things and also some cups shaped things