Shifting - Triathlon Week

hez78 · 08-23-2006, 09:09 AM

Hermes and I went for a ride last night. I did the first 3 miles in 20 minutes, I was flying! Then my chain got stuck between the wheel and the gears and it even crossed over itself, making it impossible for me to un-tangle it. I walked the ~1mi back to my house and we came and got it in my car. I don't really mind this happening - in a training session, but I have to wonder that if this bike can't even go 3 miles without getting the chain all turned around, is it going to be able to make it on an 18 mile triathlon ride? It is either the way I am shifting - or it is the bike. If anyone out there can offer me advise on shifting, now would be a great time. I make sure to only shift if I am applying pressure to the pedals. Is there anything else? Seriously considering buying a new bike in the next few weeks.

sfricks · 08-23-2006, 03:29 PM

Most of the time that's a derauler adjustment issue. Your local bike shop should be able to adjust your inner & outer stops to help check that. As far as power on the drive train try just make sure you're not placing sever torque on the pedals when your shifting such as going up hills. If you're really cranking & shift, there's more of an opportunity for dropping the chain.

If you're riding a tripple, (three front chain rings) you're less likely to loose the chain on the middle chain ring. If you're riding a double then make sure the chain is not severly crossed such as on the largest gear (inside most) on the casette (the back gears) and the largest chain ring (outside most) on the front. This stresses the system and stretches the chain.

Good luck!

Spike10 · 08-23-2006, 04:19 PM

Also check the chain to make sure all the links are flexible and there aren't any twists in it, what I do when shifting for ease on the equipment is to lessen the torque on the peddels just before moving the shifter, this helps the chain to glide onto the next sprocket. Another thing you should do is to clean the cassette, rings, derailers, and chain then relube them with a dry lube available at your LBS.
Good luck.
Spike.