Chain slow when pack pedaling

When I'm doing regular maintenance, my chain is often reluctant and choppy when I back pedal (bike is upside down)....the bike seems to function fine when I'm riding it :) I keep it pretty well lubed and cleaned :)

What is the most likely culprit?

-chain needs replacement
-derailleur needs adjustment

I would love to hear any similar experiences or advice any of you have :)

Thanks! :D

More like your freehub needs serviced. You might not notice that your hub isn't spinning as smoothly when you're riding. If you get the wheel going fast (while bike is off the ground) then coast, you might hear grinding or notice that the wheel will stop sooner than normal, even though your brake isn't rubbing.

Could also be bent or stiff chain link, but you'd probably hear something when you ride.

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Originally Posted by aicabsolut

More like your freehub needs serviced. You might not notice that your hub isn't spinning as smoothly when you're riding. If you get the wheel going fast (while bike is off the ground) then coast, you might hear grinding or notice that the wheel will stop sooner than normal, even though your brake isn't rubbing.

Could also be bent or stiff chain link, but you'd probably hear something when you ride.

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Yeah, the chain seems fine when riding/testing regular pedaling motion.... Is it safe to ride the bike if the freehub needs servicing? :p

Ummm... if it only happens when the bike is upside down, maybe you could check on how well your jockey pulley is spinning? Or if the weight of the chain is tweaking the derailleur arm when the bike is upside down?

But if it only happens when the bike is upside down, I have to wonder how often you ride upside down?

So the chain needed replacing....I just didn't want to do it unless I was positive it would solve the problem. I removed the back wheel and spun the cassette and it seemed to be fine. I checked out the chain link-by-link and it seemed to have some stiff ones. I know a while back, it was near the brink of needing to be replaced (i.e. hitting the 12 1/4" mark).

So now my bike seems very happy with a new chain :D

Thanks for your suggestions :) I'm glad it was an easy fix (not a clean one, though :p)

I must say that there is something extremely satisfying about being able to work on your own bike :D

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Originally Posted by Ana

hitting the 12 1/4" mark

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That's a typo, right? 12 links in 12-1/16" is the standard for when a chain is done.

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Originally Posted by OakLeaf

That's a typo, right? 12 links in 12-1/16" is the standard for when a chain is done.

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Sheldon says 1/16" (or 1/8" is very much plenty). I will note it for next time ;) I always have to look it up... I bet it needed to be replaced a while ago :p :(

Pedaling backwards is the classic way to look for stiff links. The jockey wheels will jump when a stiff link goes through them.

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Originally Posted by DebW

Pedaling backwards is the classic way to look for stiff links. The jockey wheels will jump when a stiff link goes through them.

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Once I got the new chain out, it was obvious that the old chain was done :p

I haven't ridden since the fall and now I'm beginning to remember that I knew the chain needed to be replaced but that I would do it later (i.e. during or after the winter).... :p :)

You should also check your cassette and chain ring teeth for wear. They usually wear together. Chains are usually steel and rings can be aluminum which will wear quicker. Have your LBS check everything