Brand new bike and the rear cassette is sticking?

Question

Apologies, it's been ages since I've been on Y!A and I'm not sure of this new "Ask a question"  I do hope it puts it in the right category.

So, I've just treated myself to a brand-new bike and when I'm free-wheeling I notice that the rear cassette is sticking slightly producing some slack in the chain.  I've never come across this before on a shiny and new, only on an old and decrepit and I would like to know if this is normal and the cassette will loosen as it wears in or is it a dodgy cassette and needs replacing?  Many thanks.

Mtrlpqbiker · Answer

When asking a question about a problem with a bike it is always best to include the make and model. You may or may not be right about whether your bike has a cassette, and if it does, it isn't the cassette that would be the problem it would be the ratchet mechanism inside the freehub body attached to the wheel hub. Standard answer for a new bike would be to return to where you bought it for repair. If the store where you bought the bike has no repair shop, ask for an exchange or preferably for your money back

EDIT: You should not wait hoping that the freehub will loosen up. If it gets worse and locks up completely, it could tear the rear derailleur off, possibly damaging your frame and also your rear wheel. Don't wait, this is a serious problem

blazingpedals · Answer

As Mtrlpqbiker  wrote, it's not the cogs. If you have a cassette, then the drive unit is sticking. The cassette (cogs) mount onto the drive unit. That's the difference between cassettes and freewheels - Freewheels combine both the drive and the gears into one unit.

Astaroth · Answer

Thank you everyone.  Yes, freehub/cassette (cogs on the back wheel)  It was a mid-range bike and I've literally had it two days so my thoughts were either it is faulty or it is just new and needs to loosen up a little.  It goes back for a 6 week check and maintenance (readjustment of cables etc) but if it continues over the next couple of days, I will pop back and get them to replace the cogs.

pmt853 · Answer

A brand new bike? Then take it back to the shop you bought it from and get their bike mechanic to check it out. It's probably just in need of an adjustment as things bed in with use. If they can't fix it you should get a refund or replacement.

? · Answer

Standard answer for a "brand new" bike.  If it's new - it's under WARRANTY!  Don't touch a thing.  Take it back to where you bought it & have a certified mechanic look at it.

RaleighBob · Answer

It's under warranty.  Why is that so hard to figure out?  Take it back & let them fix it.

Samuel · Answer

Something is definitely wrong. You should take it back and have them fix it

mt75689 · Answer

Something is definitely wrong. You should take it back and have them fix it.

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Brand new bike and the rear cassette is sticking?

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