Hello, everyone! I have some serious concerns for my bike.
I was partway through a ride before I realized I didn’t have first gear anymore, and when the shifter was in the first gear position, the bike would stay in second. Then, when put into the second gear position, the chain would skip around like crazy. After a little while, 2nd was gone too, and now all I have is 3rd gear. The shifter now feels limp and floaty when changing. When inspecting the bike, I noticed the part which I assume connects the hub to the cable was detached. Could this be the problem, or rooted to the problem?
For additional context, on my previous ride the chain had slipped off one of the cogs on the chain tensioner, and I had to re-seat it on the side of the road, but it felt fine afterward and I didn’t notice anything else wrong. Although I might have missed something when I inspected the bike visually on that occasion, since it was dark out.
I’m just looking for ideas and potential ways forward. I use my bike to commute and to explore my area, and I want to tour with my Brompton so I want to get it back on the road as soon as possible. Should I have it appraised at a bike shop, or send it back to Brompton? Or is it trivial enough of a fix that I might be able to do it myself? Or am I completely missing the mark with what might be wrong with it?
Thank you so much for reading.
by ultragenerate