After having ridden over 3000 kms I decided to take my cycle for a service to the shop I purchased it from in Panjim. Made a call to the owner and fixed an appointment for the session on 4th January 2021. I reached the shop at 9.30 am and their service technician examined the cycle and said the following needed to be replaced as they had worn out:
1. Shimano 7 Speed Freewheel
2. Chain
3. Brake pads
Went to collect the cycle the next day at 5.30 pm. Took a test ride and found the gears hard to change. Over the next two hours, the technician tried to adjust the settings till it was somewhat satisfactory. As it was getting late, paid the amount owed and left, in the hurry forgot to check the rest of the bike. Amount Rs. 1500/- for service and Rs. 1690 for the parts replaced.
Next day on my ride noticed the following missing:
1. Plastic disk – that protects the chain from hitting the spokes
2. Gear position marker
3. Cable caps
4. Chain snapping back and hitting the frame every time I stopped peddling
Forward a few weeks had taken the cycle to a local mechanic to fix a few spokes that had broken and mentioned the chain snapping problem. He had a look and said it was the cause of a cheap quality freewheel used and not a Shimano as it originally had. Showed it to a few other mechanics in Margao who were of the same opinion. Have been searching around for a Shimano freewheel but unfortunately, there are none available anywhere in Goa at present due to the pandemic shortage.
Fed-up of the chain snapping problem, last week took the cycle for repair to Rafik (located in Gandhi Market, Margao, ph: 9923968148) who suggested replacing the freewheel. Replaced it with a Starlight freewheel that I bought from Lenin Martins for Rs 360/- Ridden since for over 300kms without any reoccurring problems.
