Pedal strike “uneven”?

Does anyone have an idea as to why the pedal strike may be uneven on this bike. The chain pulls tight on the drive side down stroke and loosens up on the upstroke. Everything is aligned. I find it hard to think the chain ring could be the cause...

8 Comments

Oooops...Pedal stroke..

I think it has more to do with the chain its self.Maybe the chain needs to be replaced.

Do you have a new chain on it?

No. It's an original chain but very well cleaned and lubed. Good suggestion, I'll try a new chain and see if that makes a difference. Thanks!

I agree with Dave that it's the chain. Chains stretch unevenly with wear. I saw this problem all the time on the motorcycles I used to ride. Whenever I adjusted the chain tension, I needed to make sure that I didn't tighten it on the loosest area in the chain. When done, I had to spin the wheel checking the chain tension throughout its length and if I found a tight spot I had to redo it.

Thanks Brian. That's two votes for the chain. I'll replace it shortly and report back. 

Ive got a number of bikes with that issue that have had new shimano chains. I figured its uneven wear on the chain ring. You could try flipping the chain ring backwards to confirm. But I just set the chain tension when the cranks are rotated to the tightest position and the bikes ride okay

Thanks for the reply. If the new chain doesn't resolve the problem then yhe chain ring is the likely culprit. I will give your suggestion a try and see if that makes a difference!!

CCM Roadster Update...

It was the chain! Replaced the chain and I have even tension around the chain ring. Thanks to those who commented.

What a fun bike to ride! I am so impressed with the '37 hub. The braking for a coaster hub of some 60 years old is incredible. It takes very little backpedaling to engage the brake and an even, increasing pressure will slow/stop you as desired.

Sadly I'm 5'11&7/8" and its a little small for me.

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