Repairing Guides

how to repair a bike chain on the road

by Meghan Erdman Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair a Broken or Bent Chain

  • Stop riding and flip your bike over. This is the easiest way to assess the damage, as you can easily pedal the bike...
  • If the chain is bent and still attached to the bike, remove the chain using a chain breaker tool as close to the...
  • You do not have to remove the chain completely from the bike to fix a broken chain, but it can be a...
  • You’re good to go!

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Broken Bicycle Chain - YouTube
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Itself. Once you've found the tight link simply grasp the chain with the tight link in between yourMoreItself. Once you've found the tight link simply grasp the chain with the tight link in between your hands and flex the chain. Laterally. This will open up the plates. And resolve the tight.

Full Answer

How often should you lubricate a bike chain?

  • Once it is cleaned thoroughly, users can start lubricating the chain entire length.
  • Lubricating the chain may seem easy, though it doesn’t apply similarly for all beginners.
  • That its, all done.

How to properly lubricate a bike chain?

Chain lubricant: Properly lubricating your chain helps extend the life of your drivetrain. Always apply bicycle-specific lube oil to a clean chain. There are two types of lube: wet or dry. Wet lube is best to use when you’ll be riding in wet conditions. It strongly adheres to the drivetrain and is less likely to rinse off in rain.

How to change and reattach a bike chain?

Why Does Your Bike Chain Fall Off?

  • Loose Part. Your chain may be too loose or worn out. This will prevent the links from being fitted properly onto their sprocket.
  • The Chain Is Very Long. The chain is too lengthy to fit through the sprocket. ...
  • Worn-Out Chains. If your chain looks worn out or discolored, it may be time to replace it. ...

How do you put a chain back on a bike?

The Guideline Of Putting Bike Chain Back On Derailleur

  • Shifting To Big Ring. Please start with the gear’s condition first by shifting it to the biggest chainring. ...
  • Re-Position Your Bike. ...
  • Fix The Tension. ...
  • Release The Derailleur. ...
  • Replace Your Broken Bicycle Chain. ...
  • Last Check. ...

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How do I fix my roadside chain?

1:312:48How To Repair A Bicycle Chain - GCN's Roadside Maintenance SeriesYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLeave the end with the pin on the floor. And for the other end of the chain. Up around the bottomMoreLeave the end with the pin on the floor. And for the other end of the chain. Up around the bottom bracket shell. And through the front mech. Pull it through and then wrap it around the cassette.

Can you mend a broken bike chain?

To fix a broken or bent chain, you will need to remove it from your bike AND remove the broken or bent links. To do that, you will need a chain breaker tool. In the video, we used the Park Tool Master Chain Tool, which is the best tool for the job.

What do you do if your bike chain breaks?

How to fix a broken chain. To start, you need find and remove the broken link. ... Removing a broken chain link and shortening chain. For older chains you can remove the broken link and mend the chain back together one link short. ... Install a quick link. ... Install a chain pin. ... Ongoing maintenance.

How do you reattach a chain on a road bike?

0:428:49How to Replace a Chain on a Bike - Sizing & Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOther tools and supplies including master link players for chains with master links for connectingMoreOther tools and supplies including master link players for chains with master links for connecting rivet chains you'll need a drop of Lube for the rivet and a chain tool to break the chain.

How do I fix my bike chain without tools?

2:267:01Roadside Bicycle Chain Repair - without master link - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd hold the four part of that derailleur down and remove the chain. Off of the chain ring. So itMoreAnd hold the four part of that derailleur down and remove the chain. Off of the chain ring. So it hangs over the bottom bracket. Give you a little bit more slack. Let's find that broken link again.

How much does it cost to repair a bike chain?

How much does a bike chain cost to replace? Entry level chains can start off around $15.00 with more expensive and higher performance chains ranging from $25.00 to $60.00 or more. More expensive chains increase shift quality and are generally more durable as they wear.

Why do bike chains come off?

It might be that the chain is worn, has a stiff or bent link, or has become clogged up with dirt. A visual inspection while turning the cranks should reveal if there's a problem here. The chainring, or a chainring tooth, could be bent. Again, a visual check will tell you what you need to know.

Do all bike chains have a master link?

Not all bikes have these links. They are most likely to be found on BMX bikes, single speed bikes or three-speed town bikes with internal gears. The more sprockets a bicycle has on its rear cassette, the narrower the chain must be and therefore the less room there is for this extra-wide master link.

Can a broken chain be fixed?

Yes, it can be repaired. However, a golden rope chain belongs to the types of chains that aren't as straightforward in repairing. It's hard to maintain its original integrity because of the way it is constructed once it is broken. Gold rope chains are made with delicate, tiny interlocking rings of gold.

How do you relink a broken chain?

0:277:42How to Fix a Broken Bicycle Chain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipItself. Once you've found the tight link simply grasp the chain with the tight link in between yourMoreItself. Once you've found the tight link simply grasp the chain with the tight link in between your hands and flex the chain. Laterally. This will open up the plates. And resolve the tight. Spot.

How do you fix a broken mountain bike chain?

4:336:173 Hacks To Fix A Broken Mountain Bike Chain | MTB MaintenanceYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo holding the chain together with the third hand tool take your mono join and pin and push itMoreSo holding the chain together with the third hand tool take your mono join and pin and push it through from the bike side outwards.

How often do bike chains break?

about every 2,000 to 3,000 milesMost mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.

How to remove a chain from a bike?

To remove the chain from the bike, you need to disconnect the chain, which is also called breaking the chain. There are a couple methods to do this depending on whether your chain has a master link or not. Before you begin, shift your chain to the smallest chainring and smallest cog. Even better, remove the chain from the front chainring ...

How to check if bike chain is stretched?

How to Check a Bike Chain. To check your chain for excessive stretch, use a chain wear tool. Hook one end over one roller (or pin) in your chain. The other end will either come to rest on top of the chain or you will be able to insert it in the opening between two rollers. If it drops between the rollers, it means your chain is stretched ...

How to use a chain pin?

Using a chain pin: If your chain does not have a master link, use a chain tool to reconnect the chain with the chain pin included with your new chain. If you are repairing an existing chain, always use a new chain pin rather than reusing an existing pin. Your new pin should be compatible with your chain speed and brand.

What to do if your chain doesn't have a master link?

Using a chain pin: If your chain does not have a master link, use a chain tool to reconnect the chain with the chain pin included with your new chain.

What is a master link chain?

Replacement Pin or Master Link: New chains will come with either a new pin, or a specialized link called a master link, to connect the two ends of the chain together. If you are repairing an existing chain, you can buy replacement pins or master links separately—they should be compatible with your chain speed and brand.

How to remove tension from chain?

If you have a standard chain with no master link: Seat the chain in the chain tool, with the pin of the chain tool aligned with a pin in the chain. Turn the handle of the chain tool until you push the pin out far enough that you can break the chain.

Why is my chain rusty?

If you live near the beach where sand can get into your drivetrain or if you live in a wet environment where rain routinely flushes away your chain lube, making your chain rusty, keep a closer eye on the condition of your chain. Both can cause your chain to wear out faster.

How to repair a broken chain?

In that case you need to remove the link that failed with the chain tool on your mini-tool. Then to fix the chain, you will simply install the master link with your fingers. KMC’s Missing Link is a popular choice, and other chain companies make them, too. If you’re running a top-line chain you may want to carry the specific master link made by that chain company for that specific chain.

What to do when you don't have a chain?

What you can do when you don’t have a chain is walk as necessary and coast as much as possible. If you’re riding with friends, someone can push you along. These things aren’t as good as riding, but they will get you to help in a pinch and are a lot faster than only walking your bike.

Why does my chain get bent?

A chain might get bent and twisted if a stick gets stuck in it, you don’t realize it, and you keep pedaling. If the links get bent badly, the chain will trip up running through the derailleurs and can damage them. So you want to fix the chain. To do so requires removing the damaged section of the chain.

Why do you need a master link on a chain?

Note that even if your chain does not have a master link joining its ends (this is a relatively new feature), I tell everyone to carry a master link because it makes repairing breaks much easier and faster.

What does it mean when you break a chain?

But even if that’s true – every roadie should know that if you DO break a chain, it can mean the end of your ride. Because, without a working chain, you can’t pedal the bike. That’s why I recommend and try to always carry the tools and key part to fix broken chains. It’s not just for me.

Can you get a chain stuck on a bike?

You want to keep that in mind when riding home and not mistakenly shift up onto the larger cogs when you’re on your largest chainring. If not, you can get the chain stuck and have to remove the rear wheel in order to free it from that extreme position – or worse, possibly break the chain again.

Can a chain be a fault?

It’s not always the fault of the chain, either. Sometimes the chains were improperly installed at the factory that built the bicycle, leading to the failure. And, even on road rides (not just mountain biking), things can get caught in and mangle the chain beyond use.

What is a power link on a bike chain?

A PowerLink allows you to remove your chain without a chain breaker and reattach your chain without fumbling with pressing a pin back into your chain link.

Can you ride alone on a bike?

Getting stranded on the side of the road or miles down a trail is never fun. In fact, it is one of the main reason cyclists avoid riding alone. Learning some basic bike repair tips can help you feel more confident on solo rides and enable you to be the hero should a buddy have a bike issue.

How to fix a broken chain on a bike?

To fix a broken or bent chain, you will need to remove it from your bike AND remove the broken or bent links. To do that, you will need a chain breaker tool. In the video, we used the Park Tool Master Chain Tool, which is the best tool for the job. But if you are on the side of the road or trail, you will probably want something a little more ...

How to remove a chain without letting the pin fall out?

You should be able to remove the damaged chain without letting the pin fall out completely. Thread the chain back through your derailleur and line up the pin on your tool with the pin in the chain. Slowly and carefully drive the pin back into the link to connect the chain.

How to reattach a powerlink chain?

When you reattach your chain with a PowerLink, there is a neat trick to use: Connect the chain with the PowerLink and pull the chain on either side to work the link’s pins into the holes. It is likely that the pins will not lock completely just by pulling. So, squeeze your rear break and press down on the front pedal.

What is a power link on a bike chain?

A PowerLink allows you to remove your chain without a chain breaker and reattach your chain without fumbling with pressing a pin back into your chain link.

Why do cyclists avoid riding alone?

Getting stranded on the side of the road or miles down a trail is never fun . In fact, it is one of the main reason cyclists avoid riding alone. Learning some basic bike repair tips can help you feel more confident on solo rides and enable you to be the hero should a buddy have a bike issue. A broken or bent chain on your bike is super common, so ...

Can you remove a broken bike chain?

You do not have to remove the chain completely from the bike to fix a broken chain, but it can be a little cumbersome to kneel over the bike to fix it. If you remove the chain completely from the drivetrain, lay a piece of cloth you don’t really mind getting greasy on the ground to prevent your chain from getting super dirty.

Do you need a chain breaker for a bike?

However, this isn’t totally necessary.

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