How fucked am i? Can pedal backwards but not forwards
Posted by li-ll-l_@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 154 comments
bike is around 2 months old, its driven on wet roads but not in rain or snow and when not in use it always has a tarp over it. i genuinely don't understand how its so rusty already
Fraternal_Antipathy@reddit
My brother in Christ, LUBE YOUR DAMN CHAIN.
calkop@reddit
Chain line at some point would probably help
Translator_Various@reddit
If this is what the chain and derailleur looks like I’m sure there is horrible rust inside on the controller or battery.
tomcatx2@reddit
There is this concept called routine maintenance.
FamousFee6926@reddit
Some folks never will understand you either somehow
tomcatx2@reddit
Sick burn my dude.
What else is In your keyboard?
BassesNBikes@reddit
Reading comprehension
BassesNBikes@reddit
Famous was agreeing with you. Still is. Just read it all again slowly.
No_Wrangler_1226@reddit
Y'all should of seen my bike in the late 90s and early 2000s. Rust was probably 4x that bad and I just lubed her up with WD-40 and on we went
capsteve@reddit
Your chain is rusted enough to either remove and clean or replace completely. Time or money.
The rear cassette also has the same level of rust, and I imaging the derailleur is in similar condition.
Cheap ebikes with cheap components. IMHO chain and cassette are candidates for replacement, possibly derailleur.
Lastly, check your brakes.
Gold_Area5109@reddit
Rear cassette has broken teeth and does need to be replaced. It's an immediate problem.
Chain needs to be removed and front sprocket also needs to be inspected for damage.
Chain should be cleaned to remove the rust and inspected.
Given the state of the cassette personally I'd probably replace the rear cassette, front sprocket and Chain. Otherwise parts free of damage / within spec could be oiled and re-used.
What you see here is accelerated by cheap parts that are likely more iron than steel, but you're supposed to clean and oil your Chain and sprockets after riding in the wet.
rvralph803@reddit
I'm pretty sure the cassette just has asymmetric teeth for chain pickup. They probably are fine, just rusty.
Gold_Area5109@reddit
I don't believe that's the case from comparing it to a new "SAIGUAN 7-Speed Bicycle Freewheel Cassette" they can be found on ebay
Or you can look up OP's bike for images
rvralph803@reddit
Yeah, the photo of exactly what you suggested I look up shows assymmetic teeth.
Gold_Area5109@reddit
Well, it seems reading comprehension isn't your strong suit.
I never said the rear cassette didn't have asymmetrical teeth, I said the circled section had damage not found on a new one.
And since you can't seem to do a basic search here is the correct cassette.
ColonelTime@reddit
Do you always sound like a bitch or is it only on the Internet?
Gold_Area5109@reddit
I give back the energy I get.
As for you... Do you always go through people's post history and respond to months old posts like a twat?
rvralph803@reddit
Wait, are you saying you thought I was being rude to you? Why?
It's ok for us to have differing opinions on something without descending into belittling each other.
If you perceived some sort of negative tone, none was intended.
ColonelTime@reddit
He's just a cuck bitch, don't let it bother you.
ColonelTime@reddit
Only when I need to.
rvralph803@reddit
Ok, I'm not sure why you've jumped to being rude. But even in this image there are clearly assymmetric teeth.
danielv123@reddit
Nah, looking closer at then original image the teeth look fine shape wise.
Gold_Area5109@reddit
That's doesn't have the features I cropped and circled from the orginal image.
In particular I'd have to take a look at the teeth I circled, in particular the hooked one.
RipOk3600@reddit
Don’t have to oil the sprockets, just the chain.
flippertyflip@reddit
I don't think that's broken.
funfacts2468@reddit
Replace the chain. They are not that expensive
flippertyflip@reddit
Freewheel not cassette.
capsteve@reddit
Looks like a multi speed cassette to me
gerspunto@reddit
Its a 7 speed freewheel. Cassette attaches to a freehub body thats on the rim, this is a cheap Freewheel that screws on the rim.
Close but very different.
flippertyflip@reddit
A freewheel can be multi speed.
https://www.sheldonbrown.com/free-k7.html
Honestly freewheels were all but dead (apart from super cheap bikes) until e-bikes came along. I don't know why they don't make more hub motors with cassettes (actually I do, it's down to cost and the increased axle size) but they should. It's a way better system.
Danube11424@reddit
ya get what ya pay for…..
Motor_Ad_8664@reddit
You don’t know how to ride backwards ?
Nibb31@reddit
When was the last time that chain has seen any grease?
BassesNBikes@reddit
nivaOne@reddit
I think the chain is on strike. 🪧
BassesNBikes@reddit
Got some chain in his rust.
Numerous_Ad_8981@reddit
BassesNBikes@reddit
ImTooOldForThisKC@reddit
Looks like your motorcycle needs some maintenance.
BassesNBikes@reddit
Toy motorcycle
PEV_Pro@reddit
I would get your hands dirty and take it apart for a more thorough inspection. It seems like some parts will need to be entirely replaced. If you have some super rusted pieces that seem ok, use evapo-rust to get rid of the rust, then lubricate with some grease or oil to prevent further rust.
I had a similar situation with some electric motors, and now they look new again after evaporust. I had to change the bearings though.
Cusp-of-Precibus@reddit
Chineseium. Jesus. I have the original chain on my mountain bike from 2009 that has zero rust on it. Was the chain completely void of any lubrication and left submerged in salt water?
DuckAxe0@reddit
It will be ok. Time for a little TLC and some Loctite Extend Rust Neutralizer, All-weather link lube, and a little touch-up paint.
ColonelTime@reddit
I can't wait for the flood of abused e bikes to hit the market.
Gad_Seditious@reddit
Fuckin' trash biker
Timko2020@reddit
Replace the chain, my gawd do yourself a favor and leave it on the curb unlocked, unload your problems onto the scummy ebike thieves of the world and treat yourself to a new ebike life which you can do really well for $600. So worth it. PLEASE PLEASE DO THIS SOON, I'LL BE WORRIED ABOUT YOU UNTIL THEN 😂
BigFarm-ah@reddit
because you didn't keep it oiled, tarp doesn't really prevent moisture from rising up off the ground, it actually traps it, Go to a bike shop and find a good chain lube that works for your enviro and wet riding and maybe a chain cleaner tool. You might want to start over that one might come back, but it'll take some work
Veganarchy-Zetetic@reddit
Grease the chain or buy a new chain.
Adept_Spirit1753@reddit
Greasing will do shit, this drivetrain should be replaced eons ago.
hysys_whisperer@reddit
Lol, OP says bike is 2 months old.
Looks like OP did not grease it when they got it, and then drove it on roads that had been salted.
BlakeMW@reddit
I'd also daresay it's a lowest bidder chain with zero rust protection. A decent quality chain shouldn't rust barely at all even if driven on salted roads.
I ride my e-bike in a place with salted roads, don't take immaculate care of it, and haven't seen a single speck of rust in like 4 years, because the chain it came with was rust-resistant, and I've always looked for that property when buying replacement chains. As for the chain my wife's e-bike came with, that rusted fairly aggressively.
Veganarchy-Zetetic@reddit
Greasing will get it moving again. Most people do not care enough to keep their bikes in pristine condition hence why this bike looks like this in the first place.
Adept_Spirit1753@reddit
There are broken teeth on a casette..
Veganarchy-Zetetic@reddit
I see no broken teeth, just rust. My cassette looks way more worn than that thing but it has no rust whatsoever.
Adept_Spirit1753@reddit
Look at other comments. Last photo also shows broken teeth on jockey wheels.
Schemeckles@reddit
Even with a broken tooth and the chain in that condition - it's still serviceable.
Clean up the best you can, grease the hell out of it, it'll function.
Should it be replaced as you said? Yes.
But it'll also still work if it's serviced. Might not work very well.. but it'll work.
You're both right.
Adept_Spirit1753@reddit
It will work till chainring will be fucked.
Schemeckles@reddit
The chain ring is probably already fucked.. or at least halfway there.
It's a throwaway at this point, but if OP was trying suck a bit more life out of it.. it's doable.
Veganarchy-Zetetic@reddit
I have still seen FAR worse. My neighbour for one. Every time I see his bike there is either a brake caliper hanging off his bike or one of the wheels not bolted on properly. Last time his rear wheel was not bolted on at all so every time he pulled the brake it pulled against his frame. He can never be arsed to wait while I fix it for him, he would rather just ride the death trap.
A rusty cassette with a few shorter teeth is nothing compared to that. On my own personal bike I would replace everything yes but the majority don't give a shit. For them a bit of grease will do and off they go.
twking321@reddit
Good lord man do you throw your bike into the front yard and call it a day like a 10 year old? Why even spend the money on a bike if you’re just gonna let it rust to shit
ghostnova6661@reddit
Where did you get that chain, the titanic wreck?
Famous_T9669@reddit
I think I may need a tetanus shot after seeing this
TehKudo@reddit
Salty wet roads?
Stonkpilot@reddit
The thing is that so much rust in so little time absolutely means theres negligence on your part. That poor chain oh my lawd!
whattteva@reddit
This is after ONLY 2 months? Do you store your bike submerged in the ocean?
Ilikesome69@reddit
Try actually taking care of your bike by doing some maintenance before shit is rusted
Maleficent-Square-55@reddit
This is like, one of the worst drive trains I’ve ever seen bro.
Motor_Doughnut_1338@reddit
Just quit leaving cheap stuff in the rain lmfao
personguy4440@reddit
this has to be a material choice fuck up in manufacturing
Quarter-Whole@reddit
For the love of God please replace that rusty chain 🙏🏽
Crazy_League1685@reddit
Nothing money can’t fix
AwarenessUnhappy7153@reddit
Maintenance, it's a thing.
IDontDeserveMyCat@reddit
Wait. So you're saying that even cheap Amazon bikes need regular, if not more, upkeep?
But they are so expensive and well made.
Jokes aside, the maintenance coupled with other necessary part replacements/etc on that thing could very well cost as much or more than that bike is worth. Better idea to return/sell it and save up x3 what you spent on it and get something actually somewhat decent in the entry level realm.
It's crazy that my yearly winter prep/maintenance costs a bit less than most of these Amazon bikes, which is both terrifying and sad.
PEE_GOO@reddit
$500/yr for maintenance is outrageous
IDontDeserveMyCat@reddit
Around 4, sometimes a bit higher but I splurge with the money I save from my bike being my main mode of transportation year round.
I feel it's still a fraction of what car ownership would entail year round so why not ya know?
rvralph803@reddit
Yeah all the necessary parts to get this in order might cost $100 on the high side. But probably more like $25 because that derailleur is probably fine and the cassette doesn't look shark toothed, just surface rusted.
ShredGuru@reddit
Sounds like a broken gear system in the drive wheel.
Geronimo0@reddit
You've probably got it stuck in reverse.
doh13@reddit
Geese Yer chain my boi. A few drops of Earl will do wonders for that siezed up chain. Once u get it pedaling again use some brake clean and a tooth brush to clean the chain then lube it up again and repeat erry so often.
TChoppa_Style@reddit
Just like rain.
unioncarbide@reddit
Invest in some lube, that cassette and chain is a disgrace
Fettman501@reddit
Water gets kicked up from the wet pavement onto the components. It's important to keep your chain clean and lubricated.
That said, as long as the "e" part of your e-bike works and you got a throttle, it should be easy enough to weather until you get it in a bike shop for a touch up. The worst that'll happen is that the rusted parts will need to be replaced, which is both quick and inexpensive, and in the meantime you'll consume more power than normal.
JolyonWagg99@reddit
Storing a bike outside is a good way to make sure this happens. You need to protect it better from moisture, as well as ensuring that the moving parts are correctly lubricated.
Looks like you’re majorly fucked, my friend.
FlowerCrowss@reddit
Agree but also this isn't majorly fucked at all. More like a moderate inconvenience for someone who's never worked on a bike before.
Replacing the drivetrain here would probably cost $30 for new chain/freewheel. A cheap Amazon chain tool and freewheel removal tool, another $20. A YouTube video or two and 45 minutes. Cherry on top chain oil $10. So $60 and an hour of time total, plus the experience and tools gained for future bike maintenance, which also won't be so daunting with the foot now in the door.
Compare to $150-$200 at a bike repair shop. Bikes are very simple mechanically and more people should be working on their own especially for basic maintenance like drivetrain, brakes, tires, etc.
QualityPixel@reddit
There is a saying:
"Run hard and put away wet."
People that do that, their stuff doesn't last. Occasional chain maintenance goes a long way.
derping1234@reddit
Take everything apart, remove rust, check for damage, replace what needs to be replaced, assemble and apply a wet lube.
Honestly I would just replace everything directly and don’t go through the hassle of cleaning stuff that has worn so much by rust to begin with. Better to just start with a clean slate.
jim914@reddit
Cheap bikes mean more maintenance! Even though I have better components on my Fuji when I’m riding in wet conditions the chain and drivetrain gets cleaned and lubed at least twice a month but in normal dry conditions I can go at least a few months between cleanings. This shows absolutely no maintenance and it’s to be expected!
Wossor@reddit
Welp, that bike was never really built to be pedaled anyway, it’s just for the legal purposes only. You can’t adjust seat height, Q factor is stupid wide. Just throttle it like I’m assuming you’ve been doing.
DiezDedos@reddit
“I wide in the rain and then cover it with a tarp while it’s still wet. How can it be so rusty???”
Maybe store it in the ocean next
li-ll-l_@reddit (OP)
I said i don't ride in rain
DiezDedos@reddit
Wet roads. Same same. My point is you get it wet then seal the water in with a tarp. As many people have pointed out, you need to clean and lube your drivetrain. That helps it work well and inhibits rust. The chain might be too far gone, and maybe the cassette too. Both easy replacements.
BlueMageNeedsFood@reddit
Bro how did you manage to break the teeth on the cassette? Your bike still looks brand new aside from your chain and gears. Have you been riding it through volatile chemicals or something?
li-ll-l_@reddit (OP)
That's what i dont understand! Like i said in the description, ive driven on wet roads but never through puddles or in rain or snow. And when not in use the bike always has a tarp over it. And for 2 months old idk how this even accumulated so fast
diogenessexychicken@reddit
Suxdenly i feel the urge to oil my bike chain.
ChristoStankich@reddit
do you hate your bicycle
leehend_24@reddit
That chain needs some love
laosurv3y@reddit
I clean and oil my chain about every 100 miles.
Puzzleheaded_Can8724@reddit
Rust
Inevitable_Bake_2966@reddit
"Saiguan Casette" ofc you are fucked. Go buy a Real New Shimano Casette, Chain and Rear Derailleur
mack-y0@reddit
did you use your 7th gear at all?
Schemeckles@reddit
It's called chain grease/oil... give it a quick Google.
Most bikes don't come with the chains greased from the factory.
AdministrativeEnd914@reddit
That would prevent the rust but that attracts dirt and other contaminates that ruins the drive train. Best to use actual bike lube like a liquid wax.
Schemeckles@reddit
I'm pretty sure the other 30 people that saw my comment got the general premise of what I was saying, which ofcourse implied using the proper type of grease.
But I'm glad you felt the need to comment.
Hashtag_Labotomy@reddit
If it was me I would replace both. Then the new stuff maybe wax it with silca..something that creates a moisture barrier best ya can.
NoFaithlessness8752@reddit
Take it out of reverse, duh
CraziFuzzy@reddit
Do you remove the chain periodically to store it at the bottom of the ocean?
ACAB007@reddit
Does the bike try to move forward when you pedal forward?
Clean the chain, WD-40 it, grease it, if it is not kinking (showing triangle bumps when it should be straight) it is working fine and you might have a problem with the hub motor.
Hairy_Blackberry_256@reddit
You don't seem to care about your bike at all.
Awkward_Stranger407@reddit
New saiguan parts won't be cheap lol
KDKSenior@reddit
Your chain lacks its daily dose of saltwater lubrication.
Potential_Elk_721@reddit
You need to replace the chain and cassette, no shop is going to waste time trying to clean the rust.
IllOutlandishness993@reddit
It's rust, not a failed motor or bum battery. You're not fucked as others are stating. Just clean it up as much as possible and lube the hell out of it regularly.
Potential_Elk_721@reddit
lol theres no cleaning that will fix that, the drivetrain needs to be replaced
ronniearnold@reddit
The red stuff isn’t Cheeto powder. That’s rust. Does this stay outside?
mellowshipslinky85@reddit
Keep peddling backwards till the milage resets to 0 and then it’ll be like new. If that doesn’t work, i’d try rust removal spray or wd40 just to get it moving to a bike shop
i_am_blacklite@reddit
“i genuinely don't understand how its so rusty already”
I mean when you saw it starting to get even a quarter that bad you could have cleaned and lubed it. But you let it get much worse and then are surprised.
The stupidity of some people is genuinely breathtaking.
froggezoid@reddit
I know right i was like maybe the problem has to do with the diy spray on the chain but upon further inspection its just rust lol
This-Adhesiveness318@reddit
They have this new stuff It's called "chain oil" that you can put on your chain more than once every 10 years..
Schemeckles@reddit
This...
Most new bikes (in my experience) don't come with the chains greased or oiled.
The bike might be only 2 months old, but raw steel rusts instantly.. yeah - instantly. I worked at a steel mill when I was younger.
Fresh rolls would come off the press and placed outside. Even on a sunny day there was enough moisture in the air that by quitting time you could just barely see some scale (light rust) forming.
2 months of riding on wet roads and exposed to moisture... with no grease or oil? This is what I'd expect.
KevinBillingsley69@reddit
Orange is the new black! Sorry, couldn't help it.
ERELiX_@reddit
Just buy a new cassette and a new chain, you can find shimano ones on bike discount for like 12€ the chain and 15-20€ the cassette and it will last a long time
_KeepOnTrucking_@reddit
I would also replace the chain ring,
nothing like a whole new drive train:)
Smooth as silk...
RipOk3600@reddit
Probably going to need a new derailer as well, that looks really gummed up
_KeepOnTrucking_@reddit
Yep. I've got all the parts just waiting for the slush season to be over,
right now it takes daily oiling of the chain to keep off the rust.
For less than $100, it completely rejuvenates the bike for the season.
RipOk3600@reddit
Actually noticed that my chain had rusted in like a day, previously it was fine (I might have pushed it a little to long between oils because I am waiting for a new bike jack) and realised it had rusted (Australia, no salt). Luckily I had already booked the bike in for a service and so I got them to change over the chain as a precaution though he did say I potentially would have been ok (but with how often I ride it and it being a mid drive and my primary transport and a chain only being $12 it wasn’t worth the risk)
_KeepOnTrucking_@reddit
Mine went dry earlier in the winter, stretched a bit and developed
a hump. That's when I started my daily chain lubing and after a
few days, the hump gradually disappeared.
They pour salt on the roads around here to combat ice and it's
been an icy winter, lots of salt. The salty sludge is horrible for the
drive train but getting out for a ride every day is more important.
G-bone714@reddit
You put more effort into creating this post than you did on drivetrain maintenance.
Rotaryknight@reddit
Wtf, how is it so rusty. I leave my ride1up 5core outside all year round for the last 4 years and it's not rusty like that.
Jmauld@reddit
Too late now, but once you get this repaired, read the manual and do the suggested maintenance every once in a while
BarKeep1@reddit
This hurts my teeth 😬
PaperDurex@reddit
Freehub seized? My wheel did not want to turn forwards, and my drivetrain eventually stopped engaging the wheel while spinning. Turned out that 2 out of 3 pawls were not engaging in my hub due to water ingress and use. After a proper clean, rebuild and regrease, the wheel and drivetrain finally worked perfectly. I had also replaced a tired and rusted Deore 11s chain to an XTR 11s chain, so there's that. Best of luck buddy 🤞🏻
PageFlashy4093@reddit
A little lubrication would go a long way
SinkerPenguin@reddit
How do you even let it come to this point ? Cleaning and oiling your chain when it's in good condition is very quick and easy and you won't ever have to deal with this.
You could probably disassemble the chain+drive+ derailleur and clean them thoroughly till they are back to a good rust-free condition but it doesn't seem worth the hours of work and they are probably damaged somewhere.
Buy new better quality replacements and care for them properly and they'll last you years.
BXRunner@reddit
1 new freewheel 1 new chain 1 free youtube lesson
And you're good to go.
Realistically, you could fix this for about $50.
Laserdollarz@reddit
Look on the bright side. At least the derailleur guard kept you from bending your derailleur hanger!
ScaryFast@reddit
I thought this was an April Fools post from days ago but nope. Good lord man get some chain oil, clean your stuff!
TransfemmeKay@reddit
Lube lube lubeeee!!!!!!!!
Humble_Key_4259@reddit
The drivetrain..... I mean c'mon!
Also, that pig has mechanical brakes?
Death trap.
VanillaLifestyle@reddit
Average ebike rider 😑
Lanky_Ad6712@reddit
OK, cmon, this really can't be real, can it?!
chrispark70@reddit
You need a new chain and new cassette or freewheel.
Don't cover it with a tarp. When you put stuff under tarps, it tends to rust worse. If you have to keep it outside, you need to use wet lube and very often.
Jump-Educational@reddit
I think you need a PERS KIT
EvanderCourage@reddit
seems like u let it sit out in the rain alot u need a tarp in the future. also u can remove rust when its not that far in the next time. use vinegar or google other rust remove tactics its easy
MountainOpen8325@reddit
Good god son
Worried_Document8668@reddit
your bb and chain line aren't seized if you can still pedal backwards.
if your chain and all the roadsalt it probably took to get that level of rust is any indication, you might have a bad seal on your motor abd rusted-out gears
poedraco@reddit
Rip bike
ALEXALORD@reddit
I cant understand how you can even pedal
LSbroombroom@reddit
Not sure orange is a good color there friend lol
Significant-Pen-6049@reddit
It sure understand why it won't move forward but get some lube on that chain to see if it helps.
Kong1988@reddit
Seems like the wheel is locked up by something. If you can pedal it backwards that means the chain isn't seized plus the chain is sitting correctly on the sprockets.
Wise-Candidate-8969@reddit
Ton vélo dort dehors !
Lebucheron707@reddit
Chain lube - it’ll ride like new!
Relative-Display-676@reddit
what happens when you try to pedal forward?
Adorable_Wolf_8387@reddit
Pedaling forwards should make the bike move forwards.