A broken bike chain can be a real pain. It can keep you from being able to ride your bike, and it can be expensive to fix. But before you go shelling out your hard-earned cash for a new chain, it’s important to find the cause of the break.
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Causes Of A Broken Chain
Wear And Tear
Wear and tear is by far the most common reason for a chain to break. Over time, the links in the chain slowly wear down until one finally snaps. This is especially likely to happen if the bike isn’t used very often, or if it’s only been ridden on short trips. The constant flexing and un-flexing of the chain causes tiny cracks to form in the metal, which eventually leads to a break.
Misaligned Gears
Another possibility is that the gears on your bike are misaligned. When the gears are out of alignment, it can put extra strain on the chain, which can lead to a break..
One way to check if your gears are misaligned is to take your bike for a spin and shift through the gears. If it feels like the gears are slipping, then they may be out of alignment. You can also use a gear gauge to check the alignment of your gears.
If you determine that your gears are out of alignment, you can take your bike to a local bike shop for repairs. They will be able to realign the gears and get your bike back up and running.
Loose screws
If the screws that hold the chain together are loose, it can cause the chain to break. Make sure to check them regularly and tighten them if needed.
Improper Installation
Improper installation can also lead to a broken chain. If the chain isn’t installed properly, it can come loose and snap. Make sure to consult your bike’s owner’s manual for instructions on how to properly install the chain.
How To Fix The Chain
Broken Link
If you have a broken link, you’ll need to remove the broken link and replace it with a new one. To do this, follow the steps below:
1. Use pliers to remove the pin from the chain.
2. Remove the link and replace it with a new one.
3. Put the pin back into the chain.
4. Tighten the screws that hold the chain together.
5. Check the alignment of the gears.
6. Take your bike for a spin and shift through the gears.
Bent Chain
If your chain is bent, you’ll need to straighten it out. You can do this by using a hammer and a block of wood. Place the chain on the block of wood and hit it with the hammer until it’s straight. If this doesn’t work, replace the chain-link as above.
Removing the Bike Chain (if Required)
Removing a bike chain can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done relatively easily. The first step is to gather the necessary tools. You will need a chain tool, a hex key, and a rag. The chain tool can be either manual or electric, and the hex key should be of the Allen variety.
The next step is to locate the master link on the chain. This is the link that is not connected to either the crank or the rear wheel sprocket. Most chains have a special marking on one side of the master link to indicate its position. If you are unsure which side is the master link is on, try disconnecting both ends of the chain and reversing them. The reversed chain should still fit correctly onto the bike’s gears.
Once you have located the master link, use the hex key to remove the connecting pins. There should be one connecting pin on either side of the master link. Be careful not to lose these pins, as they can be easily misplaced.
Next, use the chain tool to break the master link open. The chain tool should have a small hole in the center that fits over the connecting pins. Gently tap the tool with a hammer to pry the master link apart.
Once the master link is broken, remove the chain from the bike. Hold one end of the chain and twist it to loosen any dirt or grease. Then use the rag to wipe off any remaining dirt or grease.
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