Spinning Bike Sprocket Problems

While you ride a bike, you transfer power through the pedal, the chain and the power transmission gears, or sprockets, to move the bicycle. Sprockets that spin unnecessarily waste energy; to avoid this, the sprockets should be kept in good working order.

  1. Function

    • A sprocket appears as a round metal plate with teeth turned by a chain or track. An 18-speed bike, for example, features three different-sized sprockets on the chainwheel at the front, and six sprockets on the freewheel at the back.

    Problem

    • Loose bearings and incorrectly aligned or overstretched chains cause spinning bike sprockets. If the sprockets spin, the bearings can detach and your bike won't move.

    Solution

    • Tightening the chain or changing the bearings will solve this problem. Bike experts recommend you changing the chain and realigning the sprockets once every two years.

    Safety

    • If the bearings detach as you're riding uphill, the pedal can jump forward, dropping you onto the bike frame and possibly causing injury.

    Fun Fact

    • According to BikeWebsite.com, unicyclist Steve McPeak found that the height of his 10-story unicycle presented less of a challenge than keeping the chains on the sprockets.