Mystery noise on my big bear - suggestions please.

[trex]

if you want to change the gearing, it's simpler to change the chain ring and keep the inexpensive (£6 delivered) TZ21.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-MF-TZ21-Tourney-7-SEVEN-Speed-Screw-on-Bike-Freewheel-14-28-/131476228170

 

[Woody]

if you want to change the gearing, it's simpler to change the chain ring and keep the inexpensive (£6 delivered) TZ21.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Shimano-MF-TZ21-Tourney-7-SEVEN-Speed-Screw-on-Bike-Freewheel-14-28-/131476228170

Thanks Trex,

But as I've got to change the freewheel anyway thought I'd kill two birds with one stone.
I thought about changing the chain ring but it would mean losing the chain guard. One of the brackets is welded to the frame - so it would look a bit ugly.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Woody]

Here's an update on my "mystery noise" - it was the freewheel. Just recently got back to France, changed the freewheel and problem solved.
With hindsight I could have pinpointed the culprit earlier - taking the freewheel off by using the removal tool in a vice it was clear that there was a lot of play in the freewheel. I could probably have detected it with the freewheel still attached to the wheel if I'd known what to look for.
The new one is 11-30 which is a much better range for my daily outing, though the rear changer needed quite a bit of adjustment to get it to run smoothly and it still skips on the 30 tooth cog occasionally - needs a bit more adjustment.

Thanks to everyone for all the advice - it's great to be back on my bike!

Will post the first part of my review soon.

All the best,

Phil