Chain slippage?

[binrotheheretic]

I'm struggling to explain this issue but here goes nothing: My hybrid (Ridgeback Flight 02) is running well on the whole, however occasionally when I push down on the pedal there's a kind of crunching sound as if the bike has slipped out of gear. When I try to pedal once more it usually continues to turn as if nothing's happened, however changing down usually helps things become smoother. I'm wondering if this is due to a worn sprocket (two solid years of riding EVERY day), a loose chain (feels okay), or is just because I'm in too high a gear at the time? I clean the chain once a week. Any suggestions welcome.

[bikemanfred]

Have you looked all of the gear teeth over good for sharp point on the teeth or if they look lopsided. and messure the chain, take look at thip page for a better dscription than I can give you

http://bicycletutor.com/chain-wear/

[1FJEF]

Maybe check rear derailleur alignment & adjustment?
Cross chaining?
Remember to change a worn chain & the rear gears simultaneously.

[nfmisso]

two years solid riding - you most likely need a new cassette and a new chain. As Jeff says, replace both at the same time.

[cny-man]

Actually if one changes the chain often enough and ride a variety of gears without tromping too hard it may not be necessary to always replace the rear. Essentially no such thing as skipping due to a loose chain. It's always under tension when you pedal - otherwise you would not go forward.

Pedaling hard will not cause skipping if everything is adjusted properly and not worn, but pedalling frequently in too high a gear will cause faster wear - with no benefit.

[cny-man]

Actually if one changes the chain often enough and ride a variety of gears without tromping too hard it may not be necessary to always replace the rear. Essentially no such thing as skipping due to a loose chain. It's always under tension when you pedal - otherwise you would not go forward.

Pedaling hard will not cause skipping if everything is adjusted properly and not worn, but pedalling frequently in too high a gear will cause faster wear - with no benefit.