Wheels on bike stop spinning.

Posted by: warwick on 25 June 2012

As I started to cycle home from work the pedals and chain went round as normal BUT the back wheel

didn't spin round. I was stationary. In all my years cycling this is the first time that this has happened.

After walking with the bike for 30 minutes through the West End I decided to give the bike a go again. It worked as normal ! Wheels went round when I pedalled. Was fine for rest of the 30 minute journey home. But probably a bit harder to pedal up the hill.

So I suspect that the rear drive system/ real wheel axis is geriatric.

Anyone else ever had this experience ?

Posted on: 25 June 2012 by bunter

pawls on the freehub are failing/seizing up? Often happens when it is very cold. Has the wheel been serviced.

Posted on: 25 June 2012 by winkyincanada

Yep, it is the pawls on the free-hub/freewheel not engaging. It definitely needs a service. If you really aren't into that, lay the back wheel on its side with the sprocket upwards and drip oil into every crack and seal you can spot whilst spinning the sprocket(s) backwards so it ratchets. Often, the internal grease has gummed up, and some oil will soften it and the mix will continue to lubricate it for some time. But as I said, it really needs to be stripped and serviced. The bearings are perhaps shot, too..

Posted on: 02 July 2012 by Svetty

Or it's a hub gear where the cable tension is wrong and it is falling in between gears?