(before you read on i’d like to add that i have little to no experience in fixing mechanical problems so i’m sure this sounds stupid but i will happily take all the advice i can)
the past few days i’ve noticed my gears keep skipping even when i’m not intentionally trying to change them & will change mid cycle (usually on the higher cogs) which has never been a problem before so i’m clueless on how to fix it. about half an hour ago it stopped pedalling as the chain got stuck in between the cassette and the frame so i’ve fixed that and put the chain onto the smallest cog and crank (as i’ve been instructed to via a YouTube video) but it’s still so loose, i’m certain i’ve done something wrong but i would love any advice because atm i’m very lost. thank you in advance
ps. ignore how dirty my bike is, probably isn’t helping the problem but i’m getting to it
by guwopflame
3 Comments
Getting your chain stuck is a good way to kill your drivetrain and wheels.
The rear mech is effed, the springs have been over stretched, probably the chain has been damaged as well. Have a look at your spokes behind your cassette as well, if they’re bent then it’s time for new spokes at the very least, probably a new wheel.
Learn how to set limit screws properly before you get on a secondhand bike.
Setting up limit screws on the derailleur but also keep your chain in good codition. You have it kind of really dirty. Clean and degrease it every now and then. This is much more important than it seems- your chain needs to be oiled to move properly, but that oil collects all types of dirt, sand, dust and debree from the road making it a mud-like substance on you gears and chain.
This behaves as a sandpaper and eats out of your chain and also grinds down teeth on front and rear gears. Eventually your chain stars skipping, falls of or gets stuck. Cleaning and oiling, or waxing your chain saves you money on new chain, but also you dont need to switch cassette so often.
While at it, please check your brake pads every now and then too.
i think you just have to adjust the derailleur limits, are the two screws (only one is visible in the picture) on the rear of the black stuff. On the handle you can also adjust for the cable length so gears match the indicator.
I will also verify that the derailleur has enough spring tension to kept the chain straight in any gear. It could be that the spring inside the black stuff is full of dirty, or that it have been moved slightly towards the front, for example after an small fall or accidental kick with something. The silver colored hexagonal screw that fixes to the frame allows to reposition it.
The rest looks fine to me, it’s not obviously new nor fancy, but i’m riding bikes with similar condition or even worse.