Bike Help 3 Questions?

Question

Hi, i got a new raleigh seregenti, but have some questions that worry me.

1. the drivetrain makes some noise like rattling, and on second gear like the second gear that only goes up to 3 it makes the chain make some noise.

2. The chair flipped up like the bolt was loose so i tightened it but i dont know if its okay.

3.the back tire is a bit wobbly (normal) but every so he back brake pad touches the rim, not alot but taping, is this bad?

So, should i go get another one or just keep it thank you soo much.

Answer 1

take it back to where you bought it. with hope you are still within some limited type warranty.

all of these issues sound like improperly assembled bike to start with.

don't buy bikes at department stores. buy them at bike stores, with good warranties and trained staff.

good luck

Answer 2

First of all, Sheldon, if it's a new bike, you should take it back to the store from which it was purchased to have it adjusted. If you bought it from some superstore such as Walmart, then you should probably do the work yourself. If price is not an issue, you could take it to a bike shop. But, if you're like me, you should learn to make minor adjustments yourself. Purchasing a good repair manual for bicycles and some basic bike tools would be a good investment. If you ride a lot, you'll find that minor adjustments need to be made fairly often.

      Now to your questions: It sounds like you derailure is out of alignment and is either attempting to jump up to the next gear or it's not shifting enough. In either case the chain is misalligned and rubbing against the frame or the front chain ring.    The rubbing of the brake pad could be caused by one of two things: either the brake calipers,(or whatever kind of brake mechinism you have), are misaligned and one side of the cage is closer to the rim than the other, or, what is more likely, the wheel rim is slightly warped. Invest in a spoke wrench. By adjusting the tension on the rim, you can "true up" the wheel, i.e. take the warp out of the rim. Be careful! It only takes a minor adjustment, and it's pretty easy to really s***w up the wheel. As I said, get a good bike manual. I'm 74, and have been biking over much of the world. I've learned a lot, but I must tell you I'm out of touch with some of the current inovations, but what you describe are pretty common problems and occur often. As to the "chair",( I assume you mean the saddle), it sounds as if you've done the right thing.

Try moving it with your hands. If it's very dificult, then it should be tight enough. One last thing: many people ride a bike with the saddle too low.To get the highest efficiency and the most exercise out of your ride the distance from the extended pedal to the top of the saddle should be 108% of the distance from your crotch to your instep. A pretty good approximation can be made by placing your heel on the pedal when it's in the lowest position of its rotation, if your leg is straight at that point, then, when you place the ball of your foot on the pedal, your knee will be slightly bent. Good luck!

Answer 3

the chain rattle is most like due to your being in an easy gear on rough terrain. the chain is hitting the chainstay. to som e extent this is normal. get a lizard skin for your stay, to mute the rattle. also check your tensioner to see if you can adjust some of the chain slack. the seat, get it tightened! as to the back wheel wobbling, it is most likely not seated in the rear dropout properly. loosen the quick release and reattach the wheel, pulling it into the dropout evenly. if you don't get results with these fixes, get it back to the shop where you bought it. they should help reset it! do this before attempting to ride it again!