Newbie.. just finished first install

[ziosi]

Thanks guys... although i just learned anther lesson about patience. I tried mounting it on a different piece of the frame where it gets a bit fatter, instead of so far back. popped the clutch, and it came loose and ripped out three spokes.
bummed is what i was. at least its been a good a project that kept me busy all weekend. guess ill have to regroup and get back at when i can get a new rim.
i will certainly be fabrication my own bracket to fit the frame.
thanks for the help and im sure ill be back soon .... and often.

 

[rustycase]

Aha!

Popping the clutch puts every bit of possible tension on the BACK side of the chain, which is directly contacted by the tension roller.

If you are not able to ease that clutch out just a little, when starting, you should probably fab a stronger unit AND pin it to the frame so it will not shift position.

There's already good threads on this problem...

Best
rc

 

[ziosi]

i dont see any problems with easin the clutch out. i just have to learn how to operate the bike smoothly. the problem now is what to do about the rear rim. i guess im going to have replace the whole rim since it ripped the nipples right through the rim. cant decide if i should replace the whole hub and gears or just the rim.

 

[tone2crazy]

i dont see any problems with easin the clutch out. i just have to learn how to operate the bike smoothly. the problem now is what to do about the rear rim. i guess im going to have replace the whole rim since it ripped the nipples right through the rim. cant decide if i should replace the whole hub and gears or just the rim.

just get a whole new rim, its usually cheaper then having one built. and the same exact thing with the tensioner happened to me.i went to home depot and got a long strip of metal and some u-bolts and made my own.

 

[rustycase]

Lol

I'll agree with that!

Might be best idea to swing by wallyworld and buy whatever bike is on sale that will fit your frame. Probably cheaper than purchasing one single rim and paying labor, (or even spending your own time) lacing it up.
And you'll get lots of spare parts along with the deal ... like tires and tubes and ...

You already have a spoke wrench, right?
Guaranteed there will be loose spokes on a wallyworld bike!

Have fun!
rc

 

[ziosi]

been looking on craigs list for a cheap bike hat will work. might just go find one at wall mat or something. i guess in will have to be purchasing a spoke wrench as well. truing wheels is going to be a new skill that i guess i will have to become good in order to keep my by running smooth.

 

[ziosi]

well i finally found a bike... for cheap. moved the set up to the new bike and got to take my first ride today. woohoo.... i have a few questions though. the chain sure seems jumpy... i am confident that i have the tension right but it just makes me a little uneasy to watch the chain bounce around. also, it appears my kill switch isnt working. do they stop working often or is it that maybe im doing something wrong?
anyway looking forward to taking it for a real good break in ride tomorrow..
cheers.

 

[Stan4d]

Search for your answers and you will find them. But I will say that you might want to look at your sprocket alignment......sounds like it is not centered on the rear wheel.

 

[Big Red]

Newbie

Congrats on yer first build.
stan4d is most likely right about your sprocket. It is one of the more sensitive parts of the build.
KILL SWITCH, WE DON'T NEED NO STINKING KILL SWITCH.
Just kidding. And yes, the stock kill switch blows. First test it with a low voltage tester. If no continuity when pushed then you can either take it apart to see why, or just replace it with a better one. Just make sure you can reach it easily in case of emergency. What I mean by "EMERGENCY" is throttling out of control towards an intersection. Hey, stuff happens.
Thanks,
Big Red.

 

[ziosi]

thanks guys... i will check the sprocket. however after my first commute to work today the chain seems to have settled down. i am realizing how important it is to operate these things correctly. now that i am use to the clutch it is a much more enjoyable ride. and as far as the kill switch... meh... seems when i come to stop or want to slow down as long as as the clutch us in i can idle down and the engine will stop.
next step... clutch adjustment. still tough to work but i believe i will be able to dial that in.