While biking is an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to get around, a falling chain can be disturbing. With over 47.5 million cyclists in the US alone, only suggests how many people suffer from this issue.
It can happen when you least expect it and at the most inopportune moments. It is very annoying, and can be dangerous, especially when you are riding on a busy road. So, how to fix a bike chain that keeps falling off?
Well, if it drops from the rear side, make sure the derailleur’s two screws are adjusted. And if the issue is inside the cassette, then fix the chain using the smaller front chainring and the rear sprocket (larger one).
There can be more to it! Let’s discuss every possible reason why the chain keeps falling, and how to resolve it.
How Does a Bike Chain Work?
Well, before you start fixing the bike chain, it’s crucial to understand its components and how things work. This will make the further fixing process easier for you.
A bike chain is a roller chain and a collection of plate and pin links. It’s what connects the pedals to the gears on the rear, which help to propel the cycle by transferring the power from pedals to its drive-wheel.
Maximum bike chains are made with alloy steel, plain carbon, and even nickel-plated. Typically, bicycle chains come with three to thirty different gears. In a typical bike, the chain is placed on the front crankset’s teeth and the rear chainring.
So, when you pedal, the rear derailleur, combined with the front gear derailleur guides the chain. And when you make the gear shift, these derailleurs help the chain to move and guide them onto the corresponding gear that you’ve chosen.
You can consider bicycle chains as the driving force of your bike. Suitable budget electric bikes come with heavy duty ebike chains that last the longest. They provide flexibility, strength, and reliability in order to keep it running well for years.
How Many Miles Should a Bike Chain Last?
Actually, the lifespan of a bicycle chain depends on several factors like-
- How often do you ride?
- Your riding style
- How well do you maintain your bike’s chain?
- How fast do you ride your electric bike?
Technically, a well-maintained bike’s chain lasts nearly 8000 miles (12,874.75 km). But, in general, the rule of thumb is to replace the chain about every 2000 to 3000 miles (4,828.03 km). This way, you can avoid the accelerated wear of your bike’s cassette and chain rings.
Why Does My Bike Chain Keep Coming Off?
There are a number of reasons why your bike chain keeps coming off again and again. So, here are all the major reasons which lead your bike chain to drop.
- The bike chain or gear is loose.
- The rear derailleur might have got into a misalignment
- The front derailleur is not accurate
- The chain size is too long or the drivetrain parts are incompatible
- Your bike chain and its components are stretched and worn out
- The shifter twisted too far
- The bike chain might got clogged with dust, dirt, and grime
And if you’re riding the ebike on a rough surface like the beach, it will suffocate for sure! To ride such unforgiving terrains, you will need ebikes for sand that sustains heavy pressure on the chain and motor. Snow ebikes also do real good here if you live in such area.
How to Fix a Dropped Bike Chain
If you’re facing a bike chain fall off for the first time or maybe for the third time, fixing is not necessary. In that case, you might just want to fix a dropped chain by pulling it back in place. To place the chain back in place, follow these easy steps:
- Grab the chain in the front and place a few links aligning the teeth of the chainring.
- While having the back wheel lifted, pedal forward with your hands.
- The forward torque will put the rest of the links in place and put the chain in place.
Want to see the process in action? Watch this video:
How to Fix a Bike Chain That Keeps Falling Off
Now that you know the components of your bike chain and the reasons for them coming off let’s see the process of fixing them. So, let’s find out from here how to fix a bike chain that keeps falling off?
Tools You’ll Need
Doesn’t matter if you’re on-road or at your home garage, to start the fixing process, you’ll definitely require some tools. Regular bikers should always keep one Multi-Function Tool with them for any urgency.
These compact and multi-tools are just perfect to help you out in any situation. It is easier to carry and the only convenient option while you’re on the road. In contrast, you can just use a hammer, wrenches, and pliers to repair your chain at home.
So, are you ready with your bike chain repairing tools? If so, then let’s start fixing with the following steps.
1. Flip the Bike Over
First, flip the bike over on the ground. It will help you to get the chain and work with it more easily. Now, make it steady by supporting it with the help of a stand. While working with the chain, your bike would be resting on the seat and handlebars.
2. Look Carefully at Where the Chain Is Slipping
If you find that the chain is coming off from the rear wheel, make a simple adjustment to the rear derailleur’s limit screws. Also, look out if the chain is coming off on the rear derailleur cassette on the inside. If so, then, you should place the chain onto the front smaller chainring along with the larger gear located at the rear.
Then, keep rotating the lower screw clockwise until the hanging part of the derailleur cage is moved from the center of the bike.
This will take it to a point where the chain can move freely into the larger sprocket and can’t move further. Then, if the chain slips off on the outside of the cassette, you should place it in the larger chainring along with the small rear gear.
Keep turning the high screw clockwise until the cage starts moving towards the center of the bike. You should keep moving it until it starts moving freely into the small gear and no longer moves.
Also, be sure that the rear derailleur cage is not bent with the hanger. Keep in mind that the rear derailleur’s pulley of your bike chain needs to be properly lined underneath each other.
3. Check the Gear Your Bike Is On
Check the gear your bike is on and find out where your bike chain is resting currently. Keep pushing the rear derailleur’s arm towards the handlebar to get the slack in the chain. You can use your other hand in order to slide behind the right gear chain.
Now, using your 2-3 fingers, drape the chain on the right rear gear and then bring the other end of the chain to the front of the front gear. Ensure that there is enough slack to get 10 to 15 teeth in the chain groove’s gear.
Once you see that there are some teeth in place, you can start releasing the derailleur slowly. Now, gently cycle backward with your hands for 1 full rotation. After the first reversal, now is the time to pedal 2 or 3 times more cycles to ensure that the chain is secure.
Frequently Asked Question
Let’s go through some frequent queries people have about bike chains and need answers:
How Often Should I Change My Bike Chain?
It is recommended that replacing your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles is good. It’ll keep the chain free from wear, get damaged, and help you to avoid certain risks and accidents.
What Happens If the Bike Chain Is Loose?
With a too-loose bike chain, it may skip over the tooth while rolling around the sprockets. This can lead to uneven power transmission from the engine to the wheel.
How to Make Your Chain Last Longer
To make your bike chain last longer, you should keep it clean by cleaning the dirt every day, lubricate it frequently, and check the chair for rust periodically.
Should I Replace a Rusty Bike Chain?
Yes, the reason behind this is, a rusted chain can be utterly dangerous. In fact, it ruins the gear shifting and also makes you pedal harder than before.
How Do You Adjust the Tension on a Bike Chain?
Grab a wrench to the rear axles and loosen the rear tire bolts. Then keep moving the tire back until the chain gets tightened.
Should I Oil My Bike Chain?
Regular bikers should oil their bike chain frequently throughout the week. It will keep the chain working in perfect shape and help to extend the lifespan alongside.
What Is the Best E-Bike Chain Oil?
You can use a Clenzoil chain & sprocket cleaner to oil your bike chain. It works excellent for bike chains, loosening rust, and pivoting the joints.
Final advice
If you’ve found yourself with a bike chain that keeps falling off, it may be time to take the leap and fix your bike. It’s no fun or easy for you to ride when the chain falls off again and again and gets caught in between gears.
Fortunately, the bike chain is a simple machine that is easy to fix when you know what the problem is. This guide shared what tools are needed for this project, as well as how to fix a bike chain that keeps falling off.
Best of luck getting back on the track with your bike (having fixed chains on) with the help of this guide!