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When In Doubt, Stop Pedaling!

Today’s QT is more of reminder than a tip for most of us. It comes from something that happened on a recent ride with my buddies, and reminded me of something that’s happened to me as well – and likely to all of us at some point.

On the 10-mile jaunt homeward after a nice spin around Stone Mountain Park, our group of four headed down a hill when we all heard an odd noise emanate from our buddy Bill’s bike. I happened to be to his right, and slightly behind him, so I had a perfect view of his rear derailleur (most of it, anyway) hanging off the top of his chain, between the rings and cassette!

I immediately said, “Coast. Don’t pedal.” He did so, and eased to a stop at the bottom of the hill to survey the carnage.

His derailleur had basically disintegrated, breaking off the hanger and getting pulled over the top of the cassette to its final resting place. It was a mess.

One more pedal stroke, though, and Bill might have been a mess, too.

If that remaining chunk of useless rear derailleur had gotten pulled into the front derailleur, his rear wheel surely would have locked up.

Which is why, when you feel anything “grabbing” and impeding a smooth turn of the drivetrain — Stop Pedaling!

You need to find out what is causing the issue before cranking away again.

This is in a way counterintuitive, as we tend to think that putting a little more pressure into the stroke will “free up” whatever is causing the problem. But if there’s a hitch in your giddyup, resist the temptation to “pedal through it.”

Check it out first, then if it’s nothing, get back on the road.

— John Marsh


If you have an idea for a QT, fire away. We’re always looking for good info we can share with fellow roadies. We would love to hear from you with any suggestions you have. Contact us by clicking Quick Tips Ideas.

—John Marsh & The RBR Team

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