[either/or]

Well I found my first road bike yesterday, I had been searching around for a junker to build back up. I finally found one that seemed to fit me right, and it was an old Takara. Now I had never heard about this brand, but I was honestly tired of not having a road bike. So I purchased it and rode home with horrible brakes/shifting/tires etc. but I could tell that I would really like the bike once I get it all tuned up.

Now I have made the bike rideable for the most part, even though the back brakes barely move. But the main problem that I cannot figure out (I know nothing about bikes mind you) is when I am applying a lot of force beginning out in a gear the pedals seem to slip and I hear a clunking noise or two. Now I had a guy run it through all the gears on a bike rack and he said they were all fine, I only have this problem when actually riding. I am assuming this is a common problem, so I figured I would ask you guys! Also, any information on this bike would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to learn as I go.

I will post more pics in a minute or two with my crappy cell phone.

http://img80.imageshack.us/my.php?image=110092mv0.jpg

http://img57.imageshack.us/my.php?image=47574643xw0.jpg

edit: Also, I wish I could explain the clunking sound with the gears a little better. I am hoping someone knows what I am talking about. Thanks for reading my little page of bike problems.

 

[either/or]

anyone have a clue why the image code won't work for me? until then i will just post the urls under the [imgs]

http://img70.imageshack.us/my.php?image=44567577jm8.jpg

http://img235.imageshack.us/my.php?image=93344459yd4.jpg

 

[ljsmith]

Sounds like your chainwheels and or freewheel sprockets are worn out. The teeth are worn so when you torque it the chain slips. This is very common on old bikes with worn drivetrains.

 

[Guest]

you need to use the link to the pic itself, not to the site on which it is shown.

carsten

 

[datawhacker]

you can read through this to learn about chain stretch

http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html#stretch

replacing the chain is the first step, but if everything is worn, it may not help. replacing the freewheel is the next step. you need a special remover that matches the brand of freewheel. They can be very hard to remove on an old bike. Replace chainrings or the whole crankset if they are too worn also. Hopefully you can find a local shop that deals in used parts because 5 speed freewheels are no longer made, and that crankset may use a non-standard chainring bolt circle diameter.

more on that here: http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_bo-z.html#bcd

 

[FBinNY]

Follow Sheldron Brown's advice for checking chain stretch, (max. stretch should be less than 3/16" over 1 foot of chain, about half that if you want to preserve the life of the cogs)

If that's your problem, odds are you won't get off replacing only the chain. New chains tend to run worse on worn cassettes than the original chain did.

If the chain isn't stretched it might simply be a bit stiff from sitting around (and possibly rusting a bit). Give it a thorough bath in kerosene, or other solvent, re-lube it and try again.

5-speed freewheels are still available with limited selection, but as you add the cost of a chain, freewheel and other possible issues this bike may become economically non-viable.
You might look ar yard sales and the like for a second clunker with the same size wheels, especially one that hasn't been ridden much, and buy it to cannibalize the parts.

Good luck.

 

[Zendog13]

As for the brand, Takara bikes were made in Japan by the Kuwahara factory I believe. 80's to mid 90's and exported to the USA and Europe. They were mostly mid-ranged bikes as far I have been able to tell. There is one lying around in a shop's garden I am trying to get my hands on once I figure out who's it is.