chain stuck

[n18]

I would say do it yourself, but in a very well let area. Don’t try it too hard, just try another method of one doesn’t work. I would generally try both peddling backward and pulling the chain at the same time.

[Harry Meatmotor]

Sometimes the only way to get a chain that’s stuck like that one out without scratching the crap out of the chainstay or BB shell, or bending links in the chain, is to remove the drive side crank arm. In a shop, that’s a 2 minute job. At home without proper tools, i.e., a crank puller, it’s pretty much impossible.

[streetsmarts]

@Harry Meatmotor 167702 wrote:

Sometimes the only way to get a chain that’s stuck like that one out without scratching the crap out of the chainstay or BB shell, or bending links in the chain, is to remove the drive side crank arm. In a shop, that’s a 2 minute job. At home without proper tools, i.e., a crank puller, it’s pretty much impossible.

I was thinking the same thing. So if you see someone drenched and freezing tonight, rushing home and walking the bike to the bike shop – that’ll be me. Prep for Freezing Saddles!

Also, note to self – if you get a large bike, and put fenders and a rack on it – no matter what car you own/rent or taxi /rideshare you take – it’s not easy to put the bike in it and not easy to transport without messing up the fenders. Little did I know.

So last I night did bus/Metro… which work. But wish I could’ve done rideshare.

[streetsmarts]

Speaking of….weren’t you talking about some group type classes – for ex. “how to shift”….
seems like a good idea to me.

[streetsmarts]

@Judd 167661 wrote:

The other thing that I can think of is how you’re shifting. If you’re holding the shifter down for a long time when shifting, this can cause an overshift and a chain drop.

Weren’t you talking about offering some “learn how to” classes. Like maybe “let’s talk about shifting”. ……

[Emm]

@streetsmarts 167708 wrote:

Weren’t you talking about offering some “learn how to” classes. Like maybe “let’s talk about shifting”. ……

Somebody gave me this book a few years ago. You’re welcome to borrow it if you want to read up on some of this stuff (it has a whole section on shifting I found very helpful.) I found it useful overall, although hands-on-lessons are usually even better

[streetsmarts]

@Emm 167710 wrote:

Somebody gave me this book a few years ago. You’re welcome to borrow it if you want to read up on some of this stuff (it has a whole section on shifting I found very helpful.) I found it useful overall, although hands-on-lessons are usually even better

Good book. Komorebi lent it to me last year but I didn’t get to read much. I still have a lot to learn. Would love to borrow it again. Thanks!

[Lt. Dan]

Do you have a quick/master link on the chain? If so, you can pop that loose and thread the chain out of there if need be…

[DismalScientist]

Master link probably won’t do it. Try turning the bike upside down and turning the crank to “unwind” as much of the problem as possible so it is clear where the chain is stuck between (likely) the frame and chain ring. Grab the chain where you can get the most leverage and pull like hell. As with most bicycle repairs, violence is the only solution.

[streetsmarts]

RE whether I have a master link: how would one know this? would one … ask, when the bike shop puts on a new chain? (learning…learning)

[streetsmarts]

@DismalScientist 167716 wrote:

Master link probably won’t do it. Try turning the bike upside down and turning the crank to “unwind” as much of the problem as possible so it is clear where the chain is stuck between (likely) the frame and chain ring. Grab the chain where you can get the most leverage and pull like hell. As with most bicycle repairs, violence is the only solution.

Ahh, Dismal!! Violence!!

[bentbike33]

@streetsmarts 167718 wrote:

RE whether I have a master link: how would one know this? would one … ask, when the bike shop puts on a new chain? (learning…learning)

A master link is usually a different color than the rest of the chain’s outer plates. It will also have 2 elongated holes in the outer plates where the chain pins go through. If the two elongated holes are on the same outer plate, you break the chain by bending the chain so the pins of that link go toward the center to the bigger part of the holes. If the elongated holes are on opposite sides (one on each), then you need a needlenose pliers to squeeze the master link open by sliding the pins to the bigger parts of the holes.

See http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_m.html#masterlink

[Judd]

@streetsmarts 167708 wrote:

Weren’t you talking about offering some “learn how to” classes. Like maybe “let’s talk about shifting”. ……

Yes, Bike University is a real thing in my head, but not a real thing outside of my head.

[anomad]

@streetsmarts 167718 wrote:

RE whether I have a master link: how would one know this? would one … ask, when the bike shop puts on a new chain? (learning…learning)

Look at what is stamped on your chain, Shimano? Kmc? Sram? If it’s not Shimano there’s a solid chance you have a link that can be removed without tools. It’ll look different than all the other links. Removing and installing a chain is a good skill that you can learn at home with a chain tool and/or knowing how a quick link works. Figure out what you have and spend an hour with it. I’m not in Alexandria for the time being or I’d offer to swing by and help un#uck your chain and give you a few pointers.

Removing the crank (as suggested) or removing the chain are the best options for serious chain suck. Learning to shift comes with experience and will almost eliminate those issues. But even us old guys screw up once in a while. I did it this summer dropping into my triple and shifting in anger. When mountain bike triple groups were fairly new to the scene it happened all the time.

I dig the park tool videos if you have some time to spend on YouTube.

[Harry Meatmotor]

BITD:

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