Chain conditions

Many chain problems will cause riding to become more difficult, and sometimes more dangerous.

Chain stretching is inevitable, and it is when the chain stretches. This means it no longer meshes perfectly onto the cogs. A result of chain stretch is chain skipping, where the chain jumps over a cog tooth, and misses a link. Chain stretch can be measured using a measuring gauge specifically designed for measuring chains.

Dirt will get stuck onto the chain, cogs, and most other moving parts of the bike. These small particles will accelerate the wear over time, causing chain stretch (as mentioned above), and worn out components. This can be easily prevented by cleaning the bike when necessary.

Sometimes, there will be stiff links when you have just put the chain on, or when it is very old. A stiff link is one that does not flex properly, causing it to not mesh onto the cogs properly. It is easy to identify a stiff link by watching it go around the cogs, or by feeling the chain as it cycles through. Sometimes, all that is needed is some cleaning and lubrication. In some more extreme cases, you may need to replaced the entire chain.