Bike not coasting

[agentsmyth]

Love the site. I've used it on many occasions. I have a problem that you may not have addressed yet. I have an old trek 12 speed that I use every day. Recently, when I walk my bike down the street, the pedals move forward as if a ghost is pedaling it and I don't hear the clicks. No matter what position my rear derailleur is in. I've also been having a much harder time pedaling backwards while riding. Again, no matter what position my rear derailleur is in, it's getting progressively worse. One more thing to add is that the bike does still coast, but only when I'm riding it, and my feet are actively keeping the pedals from moving. The clicks sound a little different too. Longer clicks - very "uncrisp". Any ideas? Is this a rear derailleur problem or a hub problem? Thanks.

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[Alex Ramon]

I'm guessing you have a <a href="http://bikeride.com/replace-freewheel/">freewheel</a> on your bike (as opposed to a <a href="http://bikeride.com/replace-cassette-cluster/">cassette</a>), and it is likely gummed up inside. Some bike shops may recommend replacing it, but if you have a good bike shop nearby they may be able to free it up with a freewheel greasing tool (hard to find these days). First they'll flush it out with solvent and then force new grease in. If you remove the freewheel so they don't have to it likely won't cost that much.

[DaveM]

Quick test you can do: Lay you bike on its side with the gears up. Drip chain lube into the freewheel right at the point between where the outer part (gears) rotate and the inner section stays still. Drip some in, then back pedal a little to work it inside. If you do this a few times and it improves, then the free wheel is just gummed up inside. Then its worth having fresh grease injected in as the chain lube is too thin to provide adequate lubrication long term.

[agentsmyth]

Thanks guys. I took off the freewheel and put some oil in the point between where the outer part (gears) rotate and the inner section stays still. Worked immediately. Might be temporary, we'll see how it goes.