Hi everyone! I'm completely new to cycling and just picked up a bike. It's now making a strange noise, and I suspect it might be coming from the chain or gears. I have absolutely no idea what I'm looking for🥲, and there are no repair shops nearby. Could anyone offer some advice on how I might figure out what's wrong and fix it? Any beginner tips would be hugely appreciated!👍
by KitchenEnd7713
6 Comments
The most obvious thing is what’s called a stiff link in your bike chain.
Put some tri-flow or silicone spray on that link. Let it soak in for a bit. Then you can try torsionally twisting the chain at the stiff link and see if you can get it to flex and roll just like the other links.
If you can get that link to the point where it’s no longer an obvious problem, then you need to use lubricant on the entire chain.
More info here:
https://share.google/aimode/qrsYAyAbAH164gMrP
It’s extremely rusty. I’d look into a new chain
You have a stiff link, which can be seen at the beginning of the video. It’s the one that kind of sticks out from the rest of the chain. Put some lubricant on it and move it back and forth with your fingers. It should loosen up. If you can’t move it with your fingers, you can use a pair of pliers to get it unstuck. Good luck!
If not repair shops, I bet theres someone you can find in a local bike group, FB markerplace, or similar, that will take a look at the bike for you. Generally buying a used bike you’d wanna take it into a bike shop for a safety check. Tbh I’ve bought two bikes (both in great shape) and havent done it, but with a bike with a chain like that its not been well cared for and is worth a once over by someone who knows bikes.
Holy shit, your rear derailer is mounted upside down!
/s
Chain looks like it’s never seen a drop of lube or even care of any form its rusty and needs to be replaced.
When you do get it replaced ask in the shop they will be more than happy to show you how to look after it and recommend lube based on typical conditions in your area.
In the greater scheme of things lube & care are always cheaper than new chains.