What's up wih my gears?

Question

my mountain bike has 27 shimano xt gears. Just lately it's started to feel as though the chain is slipping over the gears or something when i pedal hard, especially in the lower 2 front cogs.

What do you reckon is wrong, do i need a new chain or something?

thanks

Answer 1

i think they need tightning,

make sure nothing has come loose.

or you can try removing a link or two,

Answer 2

Shifter adjustment.  Turn the barrels on your shifters counterclockwise a turn or two until the problem goes away.  If it's more than that, either visit Park Tool's website and figure out dérailleur & shifter adjustment for yourself, or take it to a shop and pay them to do it.

Answer 3

sounds like your freewheel is worn out  or gears on your back wheel they run 30 to 50 dollars to replace them

Answer 4

The most obvious is chain wear.  Get a tape measure and measure 12 links (Inner bit + outer bit) from link pin to link pin.  This shouldbe 12".  If it is longer, then that is chain stretch.  If it is 12 1/16, change the chain.  If longer than 12 1/8, change the casset.

If, having changed the chain it still jumps, change the casset as well.  The other weak area is the front chainset.  You might consider changing the middle ring or the whole lot.  Again, the litmus test for this is if your chain jumps.  

Note:  Once you have changed your chain, look to replace other worn components asap, otherwise it will cause your new chain/components to wear out quickly.

Luck

Answer 5

"especially when I pedal hard"

this symptom is the bad one. sounds like you have worn out your nice, easily worn out nine speed cassette and chain.

Try to keep your next drivetrain meticulously clean and get rid of any shimano chains you've got and you might make the next ones last longer. good luck.

Answer 6

If it feels like the chain is slipping ONLY when you pedal hard, then either your chain has stretched or your gears (front or back) have worn out.  Check the chain by laying it flat and measuring with a ruler exactly 12", starting at the center of one of the rivets.  If 12" does not land exactly at the center of another rivet, then your chain is stretched.  Buy a new one or it will destroy your gears.

Your gears are worn if they no longer have uniform points at each of the teeth.  If an indentation is visible from the chain having worn into the teeth, then the cog is showing signs of wear.  At this point in time, there's probably not anything you can do other than replacing the sprocket, it might be bearable if you can live with some sloppy shifting and chain skipping.  It also might cause your chain to slip off entirely, which is pretty dangerous.

In either case, take your bike to a local bike shop and have them adjust/ test it for you if you don't feel comfortable adjusting your own bike.

Answer 7

most likely you have some chain stretch going on. This would be fixed with a new chain or rear casset. Also check how you are shifting make sure you are not in both big rings and visa versa this will cause some slippage as well. good luck

Answer 8

I rekon that them bickiles are two drn terknolajikal fer us foke

Answer 9

Your derailleurs may need adjustment because the cables have stretched. This is very likely if it's a new bike. The people who sold you the bike should readjust the derailleurs for free. If you want to try it yourself, the best how-to web pages are http://sheldonbrown.com/derailer-adjustm... from the late, great Sheldon Brown and http://www.parktool.com/repair/byregion.... from Park Tools.

Adjust the derailleurs before you go for a new chain.

HTH

Answer 10

probably time for a new chaing and rear cassette.  the bike shop can check the chainrings for you too, but they don't wear as fast normally.

Answer 11

Minor adjustment should take care of it. Check your cable tension.

Could also be a bent derailleur hanger or a chain but I doubt it.