Derailleur adjustment on new bike

[baiskeli]

He's being all retrogrouchy

A new word for the forum dictionary!

[Greenbelt]

Is it just me, or do new chains also sort of have a break in period? For example, even on my very well-worn bikes, often when I have a new chain installed, the shifting goes a little whack after 50 or 100 miles, then after some twiddles, seems to stabilize after 200 miles or so.

PS. Jon, aren't you due for your warranty tune anyhow, or did you already do that? The shop is open late tonight (until 9pm) for potluck if you want to ride out there with me (and maybe take Metro home?) -- Ben and Anthony and Johnny are there tonight and can probably do at least some adjustments on the spot. You'd have to put on your cross tires... -Jeff

[jrenaut]

This morning, I left the house on the way to Friday Coffee Club. I had gone less than a mile when suddenly my bike was a 3-speed. Absolutely no response from the rear derailleur. I stopped at the bike shop, happily only a few blocks away (The value of having a bike shop or two along your normal commuting route can not be overstated). Turns out the derailleur hanger is bent. They got it adjusted so that the bike would shift again, which lasted maybe 2 miles, and then it went out again. Pulling on the cable got it to shift again, but it looks like a trip to Proteus is in my weekend plans.

Makes me feel better that my complete inability to get the derailleur adjusted well wasn't actually my fault.

[Dirt]

While they're working on it, have them check that the cable housing is okay and that the derailleur isn't messed up. Sometimes those things happen together. They can all contribute to a shifting problem.

[jopamora]

I stopped at the bike shop, happily only a few blocks away (The value of having a bike shop or two along your normal commuting route can not be overstated).

What LBS in DC is open at 8am on a weekday? Maybe your bike didn't like those compromising pictures you posted.

[jrenaut]

The Bike Rack at 14th and Q NW is open 8-7 Monday through Friday, 10-6 Saturday, 10-5 Sunday. Good shop, though their selection of bikes tends towards road racing and cruisers more than versatile commuters.