How to fix a bike that pedals nowhere?

Question

when i pedal everything seems to be ok but there is no resistance and the wheels are not spinning so my bike does not go anywhere. It gave out a couple times and seemed to go back to normal but now is completely shot. The eye test shows me (an idiot) nothing, but obviously there is a problem with the mechanism requiring the pedals to turn the wheel. Any insight would be tremendously helpful to me and very much appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Well most likely, it is the bottom bracket. This is the most important part on the bike. The part t hat holds the cranks into position. If the threads go or the stem goes in it, the pedals will not turn the bike.

Take your cranks off and the chainwheel and then take the bottom bracket out.

Take it along to a bike store and ask them if t here is anything wrong with it. If there is, replace it.

Alternatively, just take the bike to a bike store and ask them to have a look at it. They'll be able to pick up any small problems with it. Bottom bracket service costs about £30.

Hope i helped!

Answer 2

I'd have a bike shop take a look at it.

Answer 3

Sounds like the freewheel has broken, you will need to have the rear sprocket replaced, not an easy job to do yourself without the right tools and knowledge.

Take it to your local bike shop, they will do it for you, but don,t be surprised to be told you may need to consider replacing the chain and chainwheel also, as they all wear out together, especially if the bike is old.

Answer 4

Similar thing happened to me several years ago, the name of the part on your bike i am not sure of, but i would assume that the bike is a cheaper model, something you would buy at a target, walmart, etc. and to be honest, it'll cost about 40-50 dollars to repair at a bike shop.  The rear gear was probably slipping, but has now completely broke loose and spins continously.  My suggestion is if there is a bike repair shop nearby to take it in and have it taken care of, however, and this is what i ended up doing, if they charge you more than your willing to pay, just leave the bike there and go purchase a new one, it happens so rarely that another target bike should be just fine

Answer 5

I think if you can't see the problem then you probably don't know enough to be able to fix it.  I suggest you push it (or free wheel if it is downhill) to your nearest bike shop.  They will be able to give you a price for fixing it.  It could save you a lot of frustration and wasted time to say nothing of the oil and cut fingers.  

Answer 6

You need to install the chain! j/k...

I'm no wrench, but I'd guess the pawls in your freehub or freewheel are shot or crudded up.  If it's a cheaper or older bike with 6 or 7 cogs in the rear, it's probably a freewheel failure.

Remove your rear wheel from your bike.  Rotate the freewheel.  Does it freely rotate in both directions?  If so, that's where your problem should be.

"Crudded Up" -- The grease has become gummy around the pawls, affecting their ability to spring down to *catch* or engage the wheel solidly.  I've heard of people flushing out their freewheels with WD40 or the like and relubing with a light oil (such as you might use for chains).

"Shot" -- Pawls are worn, broken, or otherwise incapable of properly engaging.  Freewheels aren't as common today, but replacements are available...and typically inexpensive.

Again, I'm not a professional bicycle mechanic...nor do I play one on tv.

Answer 7

your questn. was no specific enough to pin it down without looking but it feels like you have a multi gear bike with several sprockets on the read wheel.  if this is the case,  the rear hub has these little fingers inside that are not catching when you pedal.  they are making your wheel freewheel both directions,not good.