the wheel turns but nothing is moving

[musicbooks]

Hi All,
Slightly tangential. My friend at work was coming in on his 'normal' bike (I vaguely remember those), and as he was pedallling along he realised that nothing was being transferred to the rear wheel. The chain was on but the pedals had somehow disengaged from providing energy to the rear wheel.
He is very puzzled..
Any ideas how this can happen and what might be the remedy?
BW
musicbooks

 

[Blew it]

Oh dear, sounds like the rachet pawls in his freewheel are not engaging, perhaps some moisture in there has frozen.

Have a read of Sheldon Browns advice, 'Lubricating freewheels' half way down THIS PAGE

hope this helps

 

[Mussels]

When he turns the pedals what else turns with them, if front and rear cogs both rotate then Blew it's advice is all I can think of. The freewheel is a simple piece of kit.
Does he have a freewheel or cassette?

 

[musicbooks]

When he turns the pedals what else turns with them, if front and rear cogs both rotate then Blew it's advice is all I can think of. The freewheel is a simple piece of kit.
Does he have a freewheel or cassette?

Thanks for your help guys.
It's a freewheel. Both cogs go round but the wheel doesn't turn.

BW
musicbooks

 

[Mussels]

Thanks for your help guys.
It's a freewheel. Both cogs go round but the wheel doesn't turn.

BW
musicbooks

If he backpedals can he hear the usual ticking noise from the back?

 

[musicbooks]

If he backpedals can he hear the usual ticking noise from the back?

can't check yet..but he thinks so. Is ticking better than no ticking?
BW
musicbooks

 

[flecc]

Ticking better, it indicates the pawls are engaging with the rachet teeth.

If it's a single speed or derailleur bike, the freewheel element has almost certainly failed, temporarily if it's through the cold, or possibly permanently. Any bike shop can replace.

If it's a hub gear, it could be a "between gears" situation due to a fault instead of the freewheel being the cause. Again bike shop.
.

 

[musicbooks]

Ticking better, it indicates the pawls are engaging with the rachet teeth.
.

Thanks again. I'll ask him to check. Then is it lubrication or replacement?

Or if no ticking , should he drop the bike and run
BW
musicbooks

p.s. He said that engagement faltered on and off for about ten minutes and then failed completely.

 

[flecc]

See above Tom, I added to my answer as you were posting. Lubrication is difficult on freewheels, but warmth could free up one with it's internal oil/grease congealed through the cold.
.

 

[john]

Or if no ticking , should he drop the bike and run

No, tell him he should have got a bike with a throttle and hub motor!

 

[Lloyd]

Remove the freewheel and replace, they are cheap as chips, and most bike shops have them in stock.Not worth the hassle of lubing it up, as it may well go again stranding him! Just bare in mind that if it is an old bike the chain may then slip on a new freewheel if it has worn badly, in which case the chain may need replacing also. Freewheels should be £12-£15 depending on how many gears. If he wants to remove it himself, the freewheel removers are about £7-£8 and just use a socket driver or adjustable spanner to unscrew it. Handy tool to have. No tool required for refitting, just hand screw it on.