Bicycles Stack Exchange
Bicycles Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [chain]

Repairing, maintaining, or replacing the chain on your bike that connects the front of the drivetrain (cranks, chainrings) to the back (cogs, cassette).

965 questions
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New chain is pre-lubricated, should I clean it before use?

My new chain is totally coated in lube. I would never ride a bike with a chain like this normally. All that goop is just going to collect flotsam from the road and wear out the chain. Should I clean this coating off the new chain too?
Darth Egregious
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What is the deal with the new weird Gazelle chain case design?

I was about to buy this bike (a Gazelle Arroyo c7): http://www.gazelle-fietsen.be/assortiment/arroyo-c7 when I realized the chaincase is seemingly deliberately designed so that the chain constantly rubs against the bottom while you pedal. Their…
Andrew Wagner
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Will regular removal, cleaning and re-placing of my chain weaken or damage it?

When I'm cleaning my bike, the quickest way to degrease my chain is to remove it and degrease it in a small tub. Will constant removal / re-adding to the bike cause damage? I don't have a quick release chain.
Mark Ingram
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What harm results from riding with a stretched chain?

Due to sheer laziness, my maintenance amounts to an annual trip to the LBS. After moving, my new LBS suggested that I replace my chain immediately, before it destroys the drive train. What they didn't mention was that it already had, so I needed a…
eswald
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6 answers

What is the easiest way to fix a loose chain?

Are there adjustments that can be made instead of replacing it?
mrooney
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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 and should we be thinking of changing to SS…
David Miall
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Mechanism behind chain wear phases

Methods As an experiment I started taking regular chain stretch measurements, from when I first put on a chain until it is worn out. A Park CC-2 was used and each measurement was done in triplicate, then averaged to improve precision. Measured…
Rider_X
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How many chain links do I need?

Looking for chains at ebay, I see, that they have 106, 114, 116 links and so on. I have a racing bike (2x7) and see, that chains are often announced as 6-7-8-speed, 10-speed, 11-speed. Since there are some prime numbers, I guess it is only back…
user unknown
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How do I stop chain from moving and jamming up when I stop pedaling my multi-speed bike?

When coasting (not pedaling) on a multi-speed bike, the chain does not stop moving and starts piling up on itself between the pedals and rear gears. How do I fix this?
Zack
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Do I need a new chain after 1300 miles (2100 km)?

I have a Boardman Airpro and probably need a new chain having done about 1,300 miles (2100 km) with it. The bike is used for leisure and commuting and therefore goes through all weathers. I also keep the chain pretty clean and well-oiled. Do I need…
gedp
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How does a chain get filthy and how can you stop it from getting filthy?

For the record, my chain looks a lot filthier. I hate cleaning bikes beyond anything. I don't clean my training bike very often, because it's only got cheap compenents and I do not care much if they don't last very long. All that filth has to come…
AzulShiva
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Why did the chain on my kid's bike slack after I changed his tire?

I changed the rear wheel on my child's bicycle today. Once I was done and put it back together, the chain is inexplicably longer; there is a lot of slack. How did this happen and how do I resolve it? Edit: looking at the photo, I think I may have…
JoshDM
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How to tell what length of chain to get?

I am replacing the chain on my road bike soon. How do I know how many links to get? Does it have to exactly 114 or 116. Or is it not a big deal? I ordered a 116 link chain. Will I need to shorten it? Thank you.
Sponge Bob
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What are the consequences of a chain that is the wrong length?

I changed the chain on my bicycle before doing any proper reading on it, and I did not check whether the chain was the correct length. It seems to be working ok... but what could potentially go wrong?
Ne Mo
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Chain shortening only one link?

Is it possible to shorten or extend a chain only one link as shown in the photo (in red square). Or do I have to shorten at least two links in order for the other end to match? The reason I'm asking is that with my current setup (front 52/36, rear…
Umut Birey
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