Clunking in gears Has anyone experienced a clunking in the gears with this bike? I've owned it about 6 months and now the gears are no longer smooth but rather clunk twice in each revolution. This happens much more at higher speeds. I've tried adjusting the pedals, as other people have suggested but the clunking seems to be coming from inside the bike. I haven't called Schwinn yet but any suggestions will be appreciated. Clunking in gears Has anyone experienced a clunking in the gears with this bike? I've owned it about 6 months and now the gears are no longer smooth but rather clunk twice in each revolution. ... » Read More Clunking in gears Has anyone experienced a clunking in the gears with this bike? I've owned it about 6 months and now the gears are no longer smooth but rather clunk twice in each revolution. This happens much more at higher speeds. I've tried adjusting the pedals, as other people have suggested but the clunking seems to be coming from inside the bike. I haven't called Schwinn yet but any suggestions will be appreciated. « Show Less
1754688
The plastic flywheel covers are secured by a series of screws. One of the screws is obscured under a promotional decal on the left side of the flywheel cover, which is at the back near the top (left, back, both as viewed from the position of sitting on the bike facing forward). The decal should peel right off without any scratching or tearing.
1754689
I am considering a 231 model. I have had a 201 model for 2.5 years.... had to have a flywheel in it for this exact problem after one year. ... now the 201 model is doing it again, and it is out of warranty. .... is the 231 built with better components?? By this post it sounds like it is not.. I bike on this a ton... every day. up to 80-100 miles on a good day. Seems like a waste if it is not. I bought Schwinn because I though the components were the best. .. and not so concerned about the bells and whistles. Any help appreciated. Thanks.
1754690
I've had the bike about 18 months. Shortly after I received it, a clunk developed. I called Schwinn. They sent a repairman and he replaced the flywheel bearings. It is a task. I doubt he could have done it with out my help and some special gear loosening oil (Kroil) which I had and he used at my suggestion. It was repaired under warranty at no charge. It has worked perfectly since. Hope this helps.
1754691
The clunking is generally caused by a loose belt on the flywheel. There is a spring-loaded tension unit that stretches the belt and keeps it taught, and if it is loose (as it was on my unit), you'll experience the clunking. On my unit, tightening the tension unit eliminated the clunking.
1754692
I received the R231 at the end of Jan. It to clunks but only when cold and usually below about 12.3 MPH. I tried to get the flywheel covers off with no luck. Something seems to be holding them from inside. I will call Schwinn customer service who was very helpful when the bike was received. However, it pedals very smoothly even with the "clunk". Also, the fan didn't work at all and neither did the replacement. Evwerything else works well.
799450
I have the same issue with mine. Other than the sand noise in the wheel, I think the manufacturer needs to grease the ball bearing of the axle. I don' t know if some manufacturers do that on purpose, but whenever you starting hearing those noises, the bike won' t be too long before the bike breaks down. In the old days, I used to fixing bikes, that is how I know about the issue. But if you are not a heavy user, I think it will be ok for a while. Good luck!
1324040
I made the purchase as a gift for my daughter. She loves it and says you change the gears on your bike for resistance change. Perhaps there's a problem with your bike? Or you could ride for a longer time to burn more calories? Perhaps a more expensive model would have the features you want?
457758
Sounds like a problem with the motor. Gears maybe bad. It has never happened to our bike. If the bike is new call it into customer service ASAP. Easy to swap out the motor.
305023
Thanks your a life saver.. worm gear follower was chewed up.. must not be hardened gears. The grease is liquifying so that probably doesnt help matters either. Only a few hours usage, though with stiff batter.Any recommendations on grease? I'm inclined to want to use automotive wheel bearing grease.
1203146
I had no issues assembling this bike, there were, however, parts missing(nuts and bolts) i replaced those got the bike together and went for a short ride to test it all out before i let my GF(who the bike is for) ride it. Well i immediately regretted buying the bike. The frame is bent and pulls to the right. i should have spent a little more and got a better bike. She seems to like it overall but she also regrets the purchase and i probably wont ever buy a bike off amazon again because of it Local Bike shops for me from now on. the 6 speed gears are a plus. having the baskets is nice but the whole bike seems poorly engineered. I had no issues assembling this bike, there were, however, parts missing(nuts and bolts) i replaced those got the bike together and went for a short ride to test it all out before i let my GF(who the bike is for) ride it. Well i immediately regretted buying the bike. The frame is bent and pulls to the right. i should have spent a little more and got a better bike. She seems to like it overall but she also regrets the purchase and i probably wont ever buy a bike off amazon again because of it Local Bike shops for me from now on. the 6 speed gears are a plus. having the baskets is nice but... » Read More I had no issues assembling this bike, there were, however, parts missing(nuts and bolts) i replaced those got the bike together and went for a short ride to test it all out before i let my GF(who the bike is for) ride it. Well i immediately regretted buying the bike. The frame is bent and pulls to the right. i should have spent a little more and got a better bike. She seems to like it overall but she also regrets the purchase and i probably wont ever buy a bike off amazon again because of it Local Bike shops for me from now on. the 6 speed gears are a plus. having the baskets is nice but the whole bike seems poorly engineered. « Show Less
2009632
I have not experienced this as of yet. One idea I would suggest is going around and tightening all the bolts on the bike. I do this about once a month or so just as a routine and usually will find one or two that have loosened up. Sorry to hear your experiencing this problem, if this does not work I would call the Schwinn customer service number and they maybe able to help you.
1394637
Yep, the bike must be in motion with the pedals moving. This is pretty much true of all drailleur systems. Enjoy! I still have mine and though I've had to make small adjustments, it still rides great.
1671408
Same thing happened when I purchased this bike for my grandson. the other online reviews say that the gears strip and the bike stops working. I returned bike and asked for refund.
1658243
By Brandon K on September 15, 2012After maybe grinding up 20 or so pounds of pork, the machine started to make internal noises and ceased to work. After pulling it apart I found cheap plastic gears that were stripped of their teeth. I can't find replacement parts online and I emailed manufacture no response yet. My advise spend some the extra cash and buy a STX, because that is what I will be doing soon. I'm sure if I get another set of gears it will only be a matter of time before they strip too.
916945
If I were you I'd call Schwinn and ask them. I guess you didn't see my review where I gave them a one-star rating because the electronics in my bike just up and quit after about 40 hours of use. I threw my bike away.
1984689
Hello. I did send the bike back. Amazon's service was great, once again. The left hand grip was tearing in two places. It had a total of three hours use. The chain drive is very loud. There is no way to fix that. New road bikes don't have that noise. This one gear spinner should not be so loud. I liked the elbow pads, however that is a where the hands go. One of the pedals came off and was stripped. It would not go back on. I know I put it on correctly. For a new product this should not have so many problems. Spend a little more and get a quality product. I got what I paid for. Hello. I did send the bike back. Amazon's service was great, once again. The left hand grip was tearing in two places. It had a total of three hours use. The chain drive is very loud. There is no way to fix that. New road bikes don't have that noise. This one gear spinner should not be so loud. I liked the elbow pads, however that is a where the hands go. One of the pedals came off and was stripped. It would not go back on. I know I put it on correctly. For a new product this should not have so many problems. Spend a little more and get a quality product. I got what I paid for.
1446241
Just finished putting the bike together and am having the same problem. The seat is ridiculously loose, it rotates around and flexes up and down as I'm riding. It almost seems like it's intentionally built this way. Have either of you been able to fix this problem since you posted? Or are you just dealing with it? Thanks
1790156
I got the bike more than a year go and I am not sure if I asked for warranty or not. sorry could not help. I have had no problem so far though.
2009628
I am so sorry, I have never had that problem. I would have a Schwinn expert help you with that. Sorry, and best wishes.
70859
I personally own this bike, and weigh over 300lbs. I did have a problem with it right after I bought it though. The first time riding it I was going up a small hill and the chain popped. I don't mean just came off the sprocket, I mean sheared in half. I simply brought it to a bike shop and had then put on a better quality chain. I haven't had a problem with it yet. I use it on the street, and even take it off road sometimes.
1417995
Hello, I had no problem with mine, I think yours has some kinda electric problem, did u get extended warranty? If not call Schwinn I am sure they can help you what to do.