General Discussion Triathlon Talk » New Bike Frustration... Rss Feed  
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2008-09-28 3:45 PM

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Subject: New Bike Frustration...

I bought a new bike (Opus, with Shimano 105 components + Ultegra rear deraileur, double).  I've taken the bike out the last 2 weekends: rode 25km each time.  Today (2nd ride), my front (double) deraileur broke down on me: couldn't change from small to big.

Anybody else have similar experience with a new bike?  I took the bike in for tuning after the ride and the guy couldn't fix it.  He recommended I return to where I bought the bike and have a full tune-up.

Suffice it to say, I'm very frustrated today. 

Is this common?  Perhaps it will take a few rides and tune-ups to get it just right?  Thoughts?



2008-09-28 4:16 PM
in reply to: #1701868

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Pro
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Subject: RE: New Bike Frustration...

I had a similar problem years ago when I converted my double to a triple on my old road bike.  I had accidently set the derailleur too low on the tube, so it couldn't quite make the change I wanted. If you are comfortable working on the bike, just loosen up the derailleur and raise it in 1/4 inch or less increments.  If you are not, take it to the shop, and have them try that.  It could also be that the cable is not correctly adusted (or may be too loose and not be able to pull the derailleur without slipping).

In any case, it's unlikely it would get better with time all by itself.

2008-09-28 10:49 PM
in reply to: #1701868

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Expert
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Boise, Idaho
Subject: RE: New Bike Frustration...

"the guy couldn't fix it"?

Find a new LBS.  

All new bikes suffer from cable stretch after a few rides, a New Bike Tune-Up may be in order. This might even be part of your service agreement when you bought the bike-it usually is. 

 

2008-09-29 7:34 PM
in reply to: #1701868

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Subject: RE: New Bike Frustration...

You haven't supplied enough information you really guess what the problem might be. But, to answer you in general:

New bikes have a breaking in period, but typically the shifitng get rough as the cables stretch, not impossible. I am leery of a shop where the mechanic can't tell yuo what is wrong with the derailer.

2008-09-29 8:14 PM
in reply to: #1704904

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Master
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Subject: RE: New Bike Frustration...
Broompatrol - 2008-09-29 7:34 PM

I am leery of a shop where the mechanic can't tell yuo what is wrong with the derailer.



x2!!! Sounds to me like this shop doesn't have very competent bike mechanics. I think I'd find a new shop...pronto.
2008-09-29 9:17 PM
in reply to: #1701868

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Champion
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Subject: RE: New Bike Frustration...
Sounds like you brought it to a different shop than you bought it from. Bring it back to where you bought it and they should fix it.


2008-09-30 6:41 AM
in reply to: #1705103

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Master
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Subject: RE: New Bike Frustration...

KathyG - 2008-09-30 3:17 AM Sounds like you brought it to a different shop than you bought it from. Bring it back to where you bought it and they should fix it.

x2

When you buy a new bike they will often tell you to take it back to them in a couple of weeks to sort out any minor problems, such as shifting issues.  They shouldn't charge you.

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