chain slipping- back to the LBS?

[fastdogs]

I just got a new Trek 7200 last thursday. Yesterday and today, I noticed the chain slipping- not jumping out of gear, but just like- slipping. It didn't do it on the 14 mile ride saturday, just started sunday.
Is there something I can learn to do myself, or do I need to take it back to the bike shop? They told me there that sometimes with a new bike they have to make adjustments at first (I had it back for the handlebars coming loose).
vickie

[boy in a kilt]

Um, what do you mean by slipping?

Is it in the front or rear?

If it's in the rear, it may be very easy to fix. If you've taken your rear wheel off since you've bought it, try loosening up your rear quick release and making sure both sides of the axle are touching the drop-outs.

It may also be a little bit of cable stretch.

[fastdogs]

sorry- definitely the rear. It's like when you're pedaling, your foot suddenly jumps forward, sometimes three or four times in succession. Even on level ground, just pedaling easily, it'll slip- feels like it's jumping the teeth. It doesn't change gears on it's own. I haven't removed the rear wheel, but can check the quick release. I guess the cable can stretch with new bikes, so I'll bring it to work tomorrow to drop it off at the bike shop. Hopefully it'll do it for them so they know what I'm talking about.
vickie

[DebW]

What you describe is typical of a worn out chain and/or cassette. Shouldn't happen with brand new components. Does it happen on any/all of the rear cogs, or just one?

[fastdogs]

seems like 3-4-5 in the rear.
vickie

[DebW]

Hmmm... Is this a sleazy shop? Did they put a used cassette on your new Trek and keep the good one for sell for $80? If they don't have a good explanation for what's wrong, insist on a brand new cassette.

[fastdogs]

Just got back, they adjusted it in just a few minutes. It did do the slipping while on the stand, so they were able to see what I was talking about. It was just cables stretching, so they tightened them up.
The bike shop is in chesterfield valley; miles of flat, wide, bike friendly roads, and it was in the low 70's. Although I only had about 20-30 minutes for lunch, I went for a ride, couldn't resist it. No problems with slipping. It was very windy, so even though it was flat I still had to work going out, but coming back I could relax. What an enjoyable way to spend my lunch break (with the trip to the shop, the ride, and the trip back, it was too long a lunch break, but nobody noticed).
vickie

[smilingcat]

Oh forgot to mention...

If you start experiencing similar thing in another two to three weeks. just turn the barrel screw counter clockwise by about a quater to half a turn.

Before you experience the "slippage" as you call them, the first indication you'll notice is that shifting becomes sloggish and not so responsive.

After that you shouldn't have any more trouble.
Smilingcat