3 Ways To Fix A Slipped Bike Chain

After fixing the bike chain, it is a good idea to inspect the cassette, derailleurs, and limit screws to see if they are properly adjusted or to check if they need replacement.

Bike stands hold the bike right-side-up in the air and are great for maintenance. However, since most chains slip on the road, you will likely not have access to one. Instead, you may set the front of the seat over a large horizontal pole. Keep the bike about 4 feet (1. 2 m) off the ground or at least high enough that the rear wheel is not touching the ground.

The front derailleur, right next to the pedals, looks like a little metal bracket that hovers over the gear the chain should be on. The rear derailleur, found by the back wheel, looks like a small mechanical arm. This arm slides back and forth underneath the cassette (collection of gears) to move the chain. It will be underneath the right gear. Many bikes will tell you the gear number on the handlebars, but you need to know how to read them to make sense of it: The left hand adjusts your front gears: 1 is the gear closest to the bike, or smallest gear. The right hand adjusts the back gears: 1 is the gear closest to your bike, which is the biggest gear. [2] X Research source

You can also use a pencil, pen, or small stick to guide the chain onto the gears if you don’t want to use your fingers.

Make sure you are pedaling the correct direction – the back wheel will move as you pedal forward, but not backward.

Frequent cleaning and maintenance of your drivetrain can add years to your bike’s working lifespan. [3] X Research source You will need to turn the bike upside down or clamp it in a bike rack, in order to work on the drive train.

Go through 2-3 cycles putting pressure on the top and bottom of the chain, then another few putting pressure on the sides. Lightly scrub away any patches of grease or grime with your rag if you still see them.

Use a screwdriver to scrape off hard to reach areas or precise, small spots. A screwdriver is ideal for getting rid of any grime on the pulleys on the rear derailleur

Both sides of the idler pulley and jockey pulley wheels, which are the small cogs on the derailleur arm. The back side (closest to the bike) of the chainrings. The bike frame, joints, and hinges near the chain.

Use a clean rag to wipe up any excess lube from the chain when you are done, as extra lube can hold dirt and lead to grime. Your goal is to get a light coating of lube on the entire chain. [5] X Research source Anytime you ride in the rain, clean the chain, or hear squeaking, you should apply lube. Feel the chain with your fingers – if it feels dry then you need to apply more lube.

Shift before you get to a hill. Don’t wait until you can barely pedal to shift. As a general rule of thumb, your feet should always move at the same speed – you keep shifting to make this possible. Use “soft pressure” when you shift. Right as you shift, ease up on your feet as if letting go of the gas. You don’t want to stop pedaling, you just want less weight on the pedals. Work on timing this with your shift, then resuming normal pedaling. [6] X Research source

Turn the “H” screws clockwise to prevent the chain from moving too far to the right, away from the bike. Turn the “L” screws clockwise to prevent the chain from moving too far to the left and into your wheel in the back or to keep it from falling between the seat tube and chain ring in the front. [7] X Research source If you are in the furthest gear, you will see the derailleur moving as you adjust the screws. Make sure it lines up in the middle of the gear.

It’s better to replace a chain with bent or sticking links than try to replace individual links. Replacing a single link in a chain means the links won’t have the same amount of wear, which could be dangerous. If you absolutely must replace a link, make sure it is the same brand as your chain and meant for a bike with the same number of speeds. If your chain is covered in rust or the links have trouble moving, it is best to purchase a new chain. Chains generally wear out faster than cassettes and are much cheaper to replace. [8] X Research source

After cleaning the cassette, look at the gears. Do any of them look more visibly worn down than others? If there is a disparity it is likely time to get a new cassette.