chain slipping on new bike

Random

Ive bought a "voodoo hoodoo" bike recently. Ive only used it 3/4 times so far.

I find when starting off sometimes the gear seems to slip or change on its own.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

rollingscone

1. Is it well lubricated?

2. Are you starting off in a high gear (i.e. does it take quite a lot of effort to turn the crank).

3. Is there any chance you are cross chaining, i.e. going into the extreme opposite cogs on the chainset and rear casette (Front and back gears - e.g. if you're in the biggest ring at the front and the smallest at the back).

Random

1. the bikes new, i assume its well lubricated? ive not checked though. maybe no harm to just spray a load of wd40 on it?
2. seems to happen regardless of gear.
3. im not changing gears when starting off.

dquirke1

With new bikes, cables stretch and bed in in the first few weeks.
Its normal enough and easy to fix yourself. There are plenty of guides on youtube. Search for gear adjustments or gear indexing...

Otherwise, it'll be sorted when you bring the bike back for its first service.
Just mention that the gears are slipping when you drop it off.

Edit: Keep that WD40 away from your chain If its only used a few times, its fine for the moment. After that, invest in some proper chain lube

Zen0

I wouldn't just spray a load of WD40 on it.WD40 is too light for lubricating bike chains. Using it will shorten the life of the chain. Use a proper bike chain lube or something like 3-in-one, just enough to lube each of the links.

In terms of the chain slip, is your rear derailleur properly adjusted. Does the chain line up with one of the cogs, or is it between two?

TychoCaine

+1 on the WD40. Don't use it. If it does anything it'll actually rinse what oil is there off. 3-in-1 will do at a pinch, but there are specific oils for the job.

If I were you I'd take the bike back to the shop and get it set up properly (which they're supposed to do). You can't just pull it out of the box, attach the wheels, pedals and bars and send it out the door. They're supposed to lubricate and adjust the gears and brakes to make sure it goes and stops.

funnights74

White lightening is excellent as a lubricant, it's a synthetic substance which has the added property of not picking up a lot of grit and dirt when you go on your cycles. Most bike shops stock this.
If you are not used to performing your own maintenance get in touch with the shop where you bought the bike, a lot of shops would give the bike a free service after about a month to iron out any teething problems a new bike might have.

Random

i think i got a year long maintenance package with it so maybe im best to bring it back to the shop and have them sort it out so. cheers