Cycling home just now- was it me or the bike that made it so hard to get up the hill?

Question

I cycled this morning, all fine.

Then on my way home, it was so so hard. Flat or even downhill was such an effort. When trying to get up hill I had to stop and walk it half the way.

Then I tried to change gears and the chain fell off, had to stop and put it back on. Still, it was just as hard to get anywhere.

Now I'm exhausted.

Its normally only a 20 minute journey and I'm a slow cycler.

But it took me going on 40 minutes just now.

Anyway, the bike was fine this morning, I thought maybe it was me being tired. But I've been tired before cycling, and never has it been so hard.

I'm going to get my dad to look at the bike later, but for now, does this sound like it was a fault with me or the bike?

Answer 1

i agree with chance b

Answer 2

I'd guarantee it's the bike...nobody has trouble rolling downhill.

The chain falling off means, at least, that the derailleurs need adjusting. It could mean the rear wheel has come loose and, consequently the chain has gotten slack. A wobbly rear wheel can cause all kinds of problems, including yours.

You didn't mention if you heard any noise.

Regardless, for things to go south that quickly, something has happened to the bike, not you.

Answer 3

Normally I'd say it's the rider, but you say even downhill it was tough? That sounds strange,

Only thing I can think is to check both wheels to make sure they're spinning freely, especially the back one. Lift the wheels in the air and give them a spin - it's possible the brake shoes are rubbing, or maybe that the wheel isn't centered properly on the dropouts and the tire is rubbing on the frame somewhere.

Only other place I would check is the crank (the arms that the pedals attach to). Rotate it by hand to ensure it's spinning freely as well.

Other than that, it'd be a good idea to give the chain, rear sprockets and tensioner assembly all a good spray of chain lube, and make sure your tires are inflated properly.

Answer 4

did  you have a  tail wind  then a stronger headwind on the way back?

Have the bike checked, then, go do the route again noting the wind.

Answer 5

It's hard to say whether it was the bike, whether it was you, or a combination of the two.

If your bike is of the department store variety, I would be suspicious of the bike. They're usually heavy, and not properly adjusted. If you bought it without help, it may not be the right size for you as well. When it comes to bicycles---you really do get what you pay for.

Sometimes it's just the rider. Every cyclist has days when their energy level feels completely depleted. It could be nutrition, or lack of rest, or whether your heart is in the ride or not. It could even be a combination of all three.

If I were you, I'd take the bike in for a tune up. The guys in the shop should be able to get it working smoothly, so that you can at least eliminate it from being the problem. I don't know how handy your dad is, but bicycles are a lot more technical than they were when he was a kid. There's a special tool for every thing. Unless your dad has those, he will never be able to do very much on your bike at all.