Tips Archive:

Hot Tip of the Month- September 2004: "Noises and Feelings"
This topic deals specifically with the drive train. I’ve been selling quite a few refurbished bikes lately and the reactions I get from some buyers compelled me to address this issue. When you engage the drive train of a chain driven bike, there will most likely, always be some sort of noise generated by the chain and sprockets. The noise alone shouldn’t be cause for alarm unless a rough feel in the drive train accompanies it. This feeling will usually be felt in the feet through the pedals. Since most all chain driven bikes make noise, this would be considered normal, BUT when a chain driven bike feels rough AND makes a louder than usual noise, then it’s time to look for a cause. Typically, the flywheel alignment or chain tension could be the cause. If you have a “metal on metal” noise, check to see that perhaps some hardware hasn’t come out of the chain guard causing it to drag against another part of the bike. One last thing is the noise and feeling caused by lack of chain lubrication. No one sneaks into the gym in the middle of the night and lubes the chains. For this and other golden bits of info, check out our manuals for sale in the store section of this very website.