What's wrong with my bike?

Question

I have a Next Ultra Shock bike that I got several years ago. I bought it "as-is" at a really decent price. First of all, I KNOW this isn't the greatest quality of bike. But I don't ride hard and I don't ride often so I don't need an expensive bike. But there's something wrong with it and I need help with ideas on what to look at. I can be riding just fine and it'll act like it's changing gears but I don't think it actually does. My pedaling is no different. It does this quite a bit. Every couple of minutes or so. If my husband or I can fix it before taking it to a shop, that'd be great. But we might resort to that if we can't figure it out. Any (sincere) ideas or suggestions would be appreciated! :)

This is the bike I have. Mine is a 21 speed rather than an 18 speed though.
http://i12.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/9c/60/8425_1.JPG

Answer 1

Three things it can be. Assuming it is problem from changing on the front gears.

1. Front derailleur limit screws need to be toggled. Generally, if it was shifting fine before the limits are alright unless you had a crash of jarred the derailleur hard.

2. Old chain. Need to replace chain or cogs on front or rear disks. Also be sure to lube and clean your chain to extend the life of your cogs and chain.

3. You need to tighten the cable. Cables stretch overtime and need to be tuned in. A loose cable can prevent it from getting a complete shift. Tighten or loosen the cable until you get a crisp clean shift.

Those are the three main culprits that people run into. If it is a rear derailleur issue the same things apply just to the rear derailleur system. Hope that helps.

~Monte

Answer 2

Sounds like you have a bad chain, it could also be worn along with the rear cog set. If worn then it does it only on a gear or two and when applying pressure on pedals like taking off or climbing a hill. If it's a stiff link in the chain try spinning the crankset in reverse and watch to see if the chain jumps every revolution, this will be the bad link. If it's out of adjustment a repair shop will look at it regardless where it was bought from or what type of bike it is, business is business.

Answer 3

hahaha, a dual crown fork on a walmart bike.....

but seriously, does it feel like the chain is just jumping around, but not actually changing gears? if it several years old (or been abused by the previous owner) you may have a bad chain or freewheel. once the chain stretches out or the teeth wear out to a certain point, the chain will jump around like that. replacements for that bike should be minimal ($40 in parts).

look at the back of the bike. is the derailluer (the piece that changes the gears) look like it is straight vertically? if not, then that can cause major issues. depending on if it has a replacable hanger or not, this could be a few dollars or a new bike for you.

the easiest way is to take it to a shop and have them fix it. you can take a chance and try fixing it yourself, or have it done properly at a professional shop.

Answer 4

There are a couple of problems I can think of.
1:worn chain/cassette
This would mean that that the chain is jumping,not actually changing.
To see if this is the problem,check the cassette and see if the points are extra pointy.If they ARE then unfortunately you will need to replace the cassette.This requires a special tool so I'm afraid you may have to take it to a shop.
2:you need to adjust the derailleur
(2A)look at the wire going from your handle bar shifter to the derailleur. at the derailleur end there should be a screw.
unscrew the screw to adjust the derailleur. I'm not sure how to explain it but you'll know when you see it.
(2B)There should be two tiny screws on the derailleur, usually one with a L beside it, and one with a H beside it.The L and H
represent low and high. you adjust the L screw to determine how low the derailleur will go on the cassette,and adjust the H screw to determine how high the derailleur will go.

Answer 5

It's probably just the cable tension.

The adjustment screws adjust the high and low limits, if it's jumping in the middle then they are not the problem.

It could be an old chain (or cassette) if it's seen alot of miles.

It could be the wrong chain for the cassette, but chances are the cable needs a little more tension and then the gears will sit perfectly.

Cheaper bikes require their gears to be adjusted more frequently, but that's not to say they can't work perfectly when adjusted correctly!

Answer 6

Could be gear slip. You have a 21 speed and sounds like you have had it for a while.

Two possible. 1 cable stretch, or similar reason has put your gears out of sinc. Take to bike shop and get them re-indexed.

2. Chain stretch. Replace chain (Casset needs changing at same time).

However, if you want further advice on how to tackle this:

www.chainreactioncycles.com
(Chat room especially)

Luck

Answer 7

its your derailleur. You need to fiddle with the two adjuster screws on the rear derailleur while spinning and shifting the bike. If you new to cycling then just take it in to a shop. It will be a much easier option. But don't be surprised if a bike shop wont fix your bike if you got it at a big box store.

Answer 8

GL is right. But many bike shops won't even touch a Next brand bike. Sorry,but they're bottom end bikes sold by Target. A bike shop will charge you more than the bike is worth. Your best bet would be to go to Target / Walmart / K-Mart and see what they have on sale.

Answer 9

Gl is right the derailer is the problem, that and check the gears, if they are really worn, the gear might need to be changed. Some adjustment to the derailer screws and some white lithium grease should fix it

Answer 10

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