Help! My bike chain keeps skipping?!?

Question

I have a Marin Larkspur bike that's about 4 years old, well taken care of. I took it to a bike shop for a tune up. It's a few miles away so I tossed it in the car and drove. They replaced the chain, front and rear cogs. I picked it up a few days later and when I took it for the first spin, the chain kept skipping, or that's the best way to describe it at least.

What happens is whenever I place any significant pressure on the pedals, the pedal will suddenly drop forward about 4 inches before it catches again. It does this constantly.

My guess is that the derailleur was not adjusted properly and needs adjusting. I just don't know how to figure out if it is the front or rear derailleur and I don't want to make it any worse.

This isn't a symptom of a new chain, is it? If not, any ideas on how to go about correcting the issue? Riding my bike has gone from a joyful to an annoying experience and I really don't want to drive all the way back to the bike shop if all that is needed is the turn of a few screws.

Thanks.

BigE · Answer

It isn't the front.  They replaced the front cogs?  The front chainwheel takes way less wear. I sort of question what they did or your explanation.  Maybe they installed a new chain and adjusted derailleurs?

Most skipping is due to a worn chain or rear cog.

if you stand on it and it just moves without skipping, my guess you got a bum freewheel.

If it seems to be SHIFTING into another gear, that is an adjustment first.  There are other reasons (frame bend, freewheel wobble).

Take it back.

OldHippie · Answer

The repairs are under WARRANTY.  The cable tension needs to be adjusted on the rear or front derailleur - or maybe both.  DON'T mess with any of the high/low limiting screws!!!

You're best bet is go back to the shop.  5 minute fix from a qualified mechanic.

Mtrlpqbiker · Answer

Unless you rhave done tens of thousands of miles on that bike, there was probably no need to replace chainrings. However cassettes and freewheels wear out much faster, especially if you rode with a worn chain. Did you see the worn out parts they changed? Your trouble sounds very much like a worn cassette

? · Answer

it might do that if it also needs a new cassette
they should have told you though
and it c an do exactly that if you have a worn cassette t hen th row on a new chain

or it could be a lot of other things

wle

John M · Answer

Take it back and have them adjust it again.

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Help! My bike chain keeps skipping?!?

5 Answers