Repairing, maintaining, or replacing the chain on your bike that connects the front of the drivetrain (cranks, chainrings) to the back (cogs, cassette).
3
votes
2answers
569 views
Are chain-drive gears 'ridiculously' efficient even when dry of oil?
Allegedly chain-drive gears are something like 99% efficient when well oiled and something like 98% efficient when without oil.
Personally I do not like the noise a dry chain makes, this has a 'I ...
3
votes
1answer
100 views
Formula to calculate Single Speed Chain Length from Chainring Size, Cog Size, and Chainstay Length
I've seen formulas to calculate chain length for multi-speed bikes, but I need something for single speed.
Example:
42T Chainring
17T Cog
406mm (16") Chainstay Length
The answer in this case should ...
3
votes
1answer
2k views
Are there any disadvantages to running a stainless steel bike chain?
We are currently using KMC Z51RB rust resistant chains on our bikes, a competitor has started to use stainless steel chains. Does anyone know the advantages and disadvantages of using stainless steel ...
3
votes
1answer
315 views
Is my front derailleur angled straight?
I am attempting to adjust my front gears and have also been following a video to adjust the high/low position of my front derailleur.
The issue I am having is that the low adjustment is no where near ...
3
votes
2answers
3k views
Options for replacing a 7 speed Shimano cassette / chain
I would like to replace my 7 speed HG70 cassette and chain. My problem is that it is increasingly difficult to find quality parts for 7 speed system.
My bike is a Trek 970 from 1993, originally with ...
3
votes
4answers
150 views
Will an 1/8' chain and cogs wear slower than 3/32' chain and cogs for single speed / fixed gear setup?
Will an 1/8" chain and cogs wear slower than 3/32" chain and cogs for single speed / fixed gear setup? What about using an 1/8' chain mismatched on 3/32" chainring and cogs?
3
votes
1answer
186 views
Should I use an already master-linked chain or add a masterlink to a plain chain?
Trying to find moderately-priced 9-speed chain is a pain, particularly with a master/missing link already installed. I can only find PC-971 master-linked chains from US market but shipping and ...
3
votes
2answers
131 views
Cold weather chain lube?
My Rock N Roll Gold bike lube seems to get solid or gelatenous when stored on my unheated, but enclosed porch at colder temperatures. Is a chain lubricated with this product still going to be ...
3
votes
1answer
133 views
Checking fixie for damage
This morning during my morning commute I had an unintended lesson in fixie skidding: I dropped the chain, it got stuck between the cog and the hub and locked the wheel. I'm not sure where that skill ...
3
votes
1answer
175 views
What kind of lubrication is used on Electra Townie 8i chain?
I just got a new Electra Townie 8i and notice that the chain appears clean and silvery. Is it supposed to be lubricated and if so, what is recommended lubrication?
3
votes
2answers
220 views
What kind of master link is most convenient for IGH / fixie / ss setups?
Here's a question related to this and this -- I've got a IGH bike and want to keep the drivetrain clean. I prefer to remove the chain for regular maintenance, but don't want to have to remove the ...
3
votes
1answer
231 views
Are all 9 speed chains compatible with all 9 speed systems?
My current chain is x9, but it's expensive in eBay. Can I use any 9 speed chain like on this page?
3
votes
2answers
163 views
Can a 10-speed mountain bike chain be used on a 10-speed road bike?
I would like to use a Shimano Deore XT Chain CN-HG94 on my road bike. Are there any differences between roadbike chains versus mountain bike chains that prohibit this?
Sample Road Bike Chains:
Dura ...
3
votes
3answers
314 views
Which durable Chain Breaker?
I bought the cheapest chain breaker, XLC 10EUR, and its head got loose on the first try (maybe due to my poor handling or it is not well-done product).
I was on the journey and had to get it so did ...
2
votes
5answers
919 views
What's the most useful style of chain gauge?
I see that there are three kinds of chain wear gauge:
The basic kind. I'm used to using this kind:
The hook style. Supposedly provides an indication of how worn the chain is. I've used these and ...
2
votes
2answers
862 views
SRAM chain with Shimano cassette and crankset?
When new my bike had all Shimano components.
When it was time to replace the chain, the LBS installed an SRAM chain.
Was that a mistake on their part (if so, was it a bad mistake)?
I had a problem ...
2
votes
4answers
193 views
What is causing phantom shifting on front chainring?
I have a steel cyclocross bike which doubles as my weekend bike and my daily commuter. About a month ago I got in a wreck and bent the rear derailleur hanger and the rear derailleur. Got the hanger ...
2
votes
1answer
51 views
Should I remove the chain before installing new rear derailleur?
I want to put a new Sram X7 instead of killed one, should I open the chain (if I have no chain lock) or it's better to open the derailleur?
2
votes
1answer
275 views
my chain is skipping on my single speed
The chain keeps wanting to load towards the right hand side of the cog no matter how I orientate the chain. This causes painful skipping. Do the marks have anything to do with it?
I have a ...
2
votes
2answers
831 views
How do I figure out which size chain my fixed gear bike has
My fixed gear bike is going to want a new chain soon, how do I figure out which width I should use?
2
votes
3answers
559 views
What causes chain suck?
Specifically when changing gears from middle chain ring to smallest, the chain will sometimes get 'sucked' up between the inner chainring and chain stay. It seems to happen more often in muddy ...
2
votes
2answers
115 views
Is there any reason to keep original drive-train components together until they can all be replaced?
I broke the master link in my chain a while ago and my LSB told me it was because I wasn't cleaning/lubricating my chain often enough. The chain had experienced more wear than it should have as a ...
2
votes
4answers
163 views
Chain replaced but bottom jockey wheel “jumps”?
I have a 10speed MTB and replace the chain using a powerlink. Now the bottom pulley wheel makes like a jumping kind of movement. It is not smooth. Also when in my small ring in front I get chain ...
2
votes
3answers
2k views
Chain skipping on MTB
I've had my Trek 3900 for about a year now, and I replaced the chain about 3 months ago, but otherwise it's running with the same parts it came with (not counting tubes and tires).
I had to replace ...
2
votes
2answers
515 views
Which master links for 1/8 inch aka BMX chains?
It was very easy to find master links for 3/32inch (aka 9-speed chain) but I cannot find them for 1/8 inch (aka BMX chain). My chain is the Nexus CN-NX10. Cannot understand the odd observation that ...
2
votes
3answers
753 views
Why is my chain riding up and skipping teeth on the freewheel?
Due to a number of reasons, I would like to keep my freewheel at all costs (It's a Sachs freewheel, the bike has all sorts of more 'vintage' components, and they're hard to come by). From reading all ...
2
votes
1answer
360 views
Using non-Shimano link with Shimano chain?
I know the official answer from Shimano is you can only use their quick link, but practically is it okay to use SRAM or KMC links?
Specifically, I have the Shimano HG-40 chain.
2
votes
2answers
359 views
Squeaking sounds after lubricating the cogset and chain
My bicycle didn't produce any squeaks until the last weekend, when I decided to make a little maintenance. First, I used "Easy Clean" spray from the White Lightning brand to clean the cogset and the ...
2
votes
2answers
104 views
Had the front derailleur adjusted, now it feels like the rear is skipping
Here is the short version. I'm all for adding more once I know what that more is to help answer said question.
I work on the road. I take my Felt ZW75 ...
2
votes
2answers
178 views
How to break reinforced Shimano pin?
Sorry if my technical English is a bit imprecise.
I just put on new Shimano CN-HG53 chain. I joined the ends not with regular pin, but with provided reinforced one (like one of those below).
The ...
2
votes
2answers
145 views
What is causing noise/vibration high power input on right hand (drive side) crank?
I am getting a repetitive grinding sound/slight vibration while fully mashing on my Kona-humu single speed.
Description of Problem
This grinding is more similar to what you would hear from an ...
2
votes
1answer
120 views
Which chain should I use for Rex Touring with 5 gears?
The bike is about 15 years old. The size of tyre is probably 28.
I want to change the old chain.
I am not sure which chain I can put to the bike.
Does any chain which length is enough for 28 fit my ...
2
votes
1answer
124 views
Are these chainrings the reason my chain skips/hops?
When I ride my bike normally, then chain skips like crazy. I know it skips in the front because I stuck some paper in the chain to see if it moved and it didn't.
Chainrings:
2
votes
1answer
425 views
Upgrading wheels on a vintage Peugeot Frame
OK so I have a Peugeot Galibier bike that consists of a Reynolds 301 steel frame.
A while back the original derailer gave up the ghost while riding, bending the rear-wheel spokes in the process. I ...
2
votes
1answer
193 views
stiff gears and chain coming off while pedalling forward (hub gear)
So I recently replaced the back wheel's tyre on my bike. Got it all fitted back on again, and the chain and everything are in place as they should be. However, changing up gears has become very stiff ...
2
votes
2answers
588 views
Better 7-speed chain for Trek Allant?
Bought a Trek Allant for cycling to work (ca 10 miles). Now, after exact 512 miles the chain is worn out and starts damaging the cassette and chainset. Cheap crap material!
Is there anything out there ...
1
vote
4answers
1k views
Can I use gear oil on my chain?
I don't have any chain oil right now, but I have some gear oil left over from working on my car. Would it be an effective chain lubricant? It's listed as 80W90, but reading the Wikipedia article ...
1
vote
4answers
1k views
Alternative Chain Grease/Lube
Can I use this general-purpose lithium grease on my chain until I can get some Finish Line lube? Thanks in advance.
1
vote
3answers
501 views
Can a greasy chain cause the chain to come off the rings?
I heard once that you should clean your chain with a light degreaser whenever it looks especially dirty or at the very least once every few months. But that doesn't account for frequency of rides or ...
1
vote
3answers
6k views
How to fix problem with mountain bike chain falling off gears?
The chain on my girlfriend's bike came off the front gear today, it looks like the back gear changing mechanism isn't handling back-pedaling properly, whenever she pedals backwards the chain slacks ...
1
vote
1answer
78 views
Is it ok to use a 9spd link on a 10spd chain?
I accidentally broke the master link (a.k.a reusable missing link) on my 10psd KNC x-10 chain.
Since I only had a SRAM 9spd replacement link, i used that to connect the chain.
I rode 30 Km without any ...
1
vote
2answers
181 views
New Chain causing skipping on cassette - will this work itself out or is it unsafe?
I just installed a new chain on my 2002 Trek 2200 Road Bike. The old chain was a Shimano 9 speed that I installed 18 months and about 5000 miles ago. It had stretched modestly and was full of winter ...
1
vote
1answer
713 views
Using a new chain on worn out sprocket?
I went to REI yesterday because my bottom bracket was creaking. I brought my bike with me so I could get the right tools to take it off, but while I was there the mechanic actually took the ...
1
vote
2answers
547 views
Chain “vibrates” on higher gears
My freewheel that I have installed myself only 1.5 years ago has totally worn out by the moment and so I just had it replaced along with a chain at the workshop. I'm still concerned though about the ...
1
vote
1answer
145 views
For what kind of bike and under what riding conditions would a Biologic FreeDrive Chain Cover be suitable?
I've got a Strida 5.2 and absolutely love the greaseless experience.
For ordinary chain bikes, when could a Biologic FreeDrive Chain Cover be used without causing troubles, but only provide a cleaner ...
1
vote
1answer
117 views
Shimano Ultegra chaninrings on Truvativ Elita Tandem crank
I'm attempting to replace the chainrings on my Cannondale Road tandem. The crankset is a Truvativ Elita Tandem (52-39 10 speed big/middle ring). The new rings are Shimano 6603 52-39 rings.
I swapped ...
1
vote
2answers
157 views
10-speed chain too short, can I add links?
I purchased a new KMC DX10SC 10-speed 114 link chain to replace my worn out chain. I'm running a mountain triple and it seems that The chain is slightly too short at it's full length. I can't get in ...
1
vote
1answer
396 views
Is an Acera cassette compatible with an 8-speed Deore rear derailleur?
Is this Shimano Acera 8-speed cassette and chain compatible with a Shimano Deore 8-speed rear derailleur on my mountain bike?
1
vote
1answer
84 views
Can I use this chainlink?
I bought this SRAM PC1091 chain for my compact chainset and have been running it since January. In order for the chain to fit properly I cut a few links from it.
I am now getting a standard chainset, ...
1
vote
2answers
879 views
Cassette HG 51, which chain?
I need to replace my cassette (Shimano HG30 8speed 11-32) and chain (KMC Z7) that is currently on my bike (pinnacle Aura), however these parts are now discontiuned and I need to find the replacments. ...
