As the human needs the heart to circulate the blood, the bike needs a chain to convey strength from the pedals to the bike’s wheels’ drivetrain and performs shifting jobs.
Mainly, I would like to put into words with you about the bike chain. What do you think- Does the chain keep slipping? Some of you know that it is definitely yes, but most of you don’t know why?? Many of you are curious to know the reason for your bike chain slipping.
So, let’s get deep into this.
Related: Why Do My Bike Brakes Squeak?
Why Does The Chain Keep Slipping? 7 Reason
Slipping off the bike chain is one of the problems that can be seen very often. It can make your riding experience monotonous; it is necessary to know the reason and how to fix it. So, first, let’s know the reason behind these problems.
These difficulties can be caused by simple arrangements of the bike (derailleurs & rear or front chain. The bike chain keeps slipping because:
1. Improper Installation:
If you do not follow the manufacturers’ reference, such as (improper installation method, deformation, or derailleur aging) the bike chain can slip a lot. The problems of the chain slipping can be noticed during the time of replacing the new chain from the old one.
2. Use of Excessive Lubricants:
Most riders think that using too many lubricants or grease will give smooth riding, but it won’t result like this. So if you mistakenly apply too much lubricant or grease, the chain will start to slip at the time of riding. As a result, it will lose the capability of contraction between the chain and sprockets teeth.
You know, greasy are sticky materials, so the dust or dirt particles will attach fast which can destroy the functions of the chain and cause slipping.
3. Chain Length:
If your bike chain is too long or loosely attached, the chain will not only slip, it can be fallen or be removed from your bike.
4. Gear Issues:
Gear is also one of the important sections of the bike. Just think like the human body and all the parts of the organs have connections with each section. In the case of bikes, it is also the same. If the gears and chain are not matched, the chain can be slipped when riding your bike.
5. Age-Old Chain:
Many of you use your bike frequently for different purposes. Those who use it frequently must replace an old chain because it gets scratched and rust, making the chainless durable even if you apply grease. So changing chains are a good option as it will reduce the chance of the slipperiness of the chain.
6. Size of the Freewheel:
If the size of the freewheel is massive and the crankset is designed unconventionally, the chain will be slipped.
7. Chain Pressure:
The bike chain should not be kept under load or pressure because when the chain is elongated, it wears the leading cog’s edges.
Why Is Your Bike Chain Skipping?
Bike chain skipping generally results from cable stretch. Almost the meaning of slipping and skipping is similar in the case of the bike chain. If the slipping of the chain starts, after some days, skipping also results automatically, if you do not fix it in a timely.
I would like to write about it in specific points. Your Bike chain is skipping because of:
- Bent derailleur
- Improperly designed parts of the drivetrain
- Vitiated or worn out chain
- Damaged or worn-out cassette
- Trashed or worn cog teeth of the bike
- Non systemically derailleur adjustment
- Dirty sprockets
- Difficulties in replacing or shifting techniques
- Dirty chains
- Excessive use of grease, oil, or lube
- Second-rate contact between the wheel hub and freehub
How To Stop Your Bike Chain From Coming Off? [TIPS & TRICKS]
The person who is using a bike or fixing the bike’s chains for the first time may create perplexion in your mind because the chain may come off from the different parts of the bike.
For various parts, you have to fix the chains in different methods, so you have to look meticulously at which parts of the bike chain are coming off. Some of the common different areas of the bike’s chain that usually comes off are given below:
- Front sections of the bike where the chains come off
- Inner sections of the chainset
- Outer sections of the chainset
Now, let’s know how to stop your bike chain from slipping off.
1. Front sections of the bike where the chains come off:
- Firstly, you have to fix or adjust the front parts of the derailleur limit screws
- Ensure that the two limit screws are perfectly attached
- Check the screw properly because there are some specific meanings whichsoever can be denoted by the capital letter ‘H’ And ‘L”.This letter H(high) displays the motion of the anterior derailleur cage externally, and the letter L(low) displays that limit the motion of the anterior derailleurs cage internally.
2. Inner sections of the chainset:
- The screws have to adjust properly.
- You have to put the chain in the small area for the chain and on the back portions.
- You have to put a large sprocket, and there should be some space between the chain at least 1-2 millimeters.
- The gap should be properly closed so that the internal part of the anterior derailleur is enclosed with the chain by moving the lower screw clock wisely.
3. Outer sections of the chainset:
- In this case, the screw also needs to be adjusted meticulously.
- You have to put the chain in the large area for the chain and on the front portions.
- You have to put a small sprocket, and there should be some space between the chain at least 1-2 millimeters.
- The gap should be properly closed so that the external part of the anterior derailleur is enclosed with the chain by moving the upper screw clock wisely.
Note: Don’t get confused. Internal and outer sections of the chainset are just reversed form.
Does greasing the chain help chain slipping?
No, greasing the chain won’t help the chain slip because it will lose the contraction power between the chain and the sprocket’s teeth. In addition, if you apply excessive grease or lube, it will behave as gravel or dirt particles, reducing the durability of the chains.
Many greases contain acids and abrasives, which can diminish your chain forever. Normally, you should not use grease on the chain because it has a thick consistency. There are some greases or lube which are specifically designed for bike chains, such as Rock N roll gold, SilcaSuper Secret chain lube, Tru tension All-Weather, etc
Read also: Are There Bikes Without Gears?
Will faster paddling cause chain slip?
Faster paddling can cause chain slipping; this can be one of the reasons, although some other problems can cause chain slipping or skipping. If you are riding faster, you are trying to give more force than usual to paddle more quickly.
In that case, you will experience: The rear derailleur can pop up and let you move forward. It has no big problems because it will not skip or slip if you push gently and begin your riding slowly. But if you are not sure about this, ask your nearby mechanic for better functions.
In Conclusion: Why Does The Chain Keep Slipping?
I hope this article will be helpful for you. It describes why does the chain keeps slipping and how you can get rid of it. The chain is the most crucial component of a bike, so you need to be careful about the handling and timely replacement.
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