Dropping chains, etc.

So some of you know when we bought bikes last June my husband ordered them from http://dynamicbicycles.com because he didn't want to fool with chains, and he thought chainless technology had to be superior.

We've had no issues with the chainless aspect, but my bike doesn't fit and the only way to get one that does truly fit is to get fitted and test-ride, etc. (all of which I wanted to do last year).

But that means -- chains. When I was told my bike was too small, my husband just wanted to know why I didn't buy the next size chainless? Well, because even then, I don't know that it's a good "fit." Geometry, etc.

But ... well, I figure if I get a bike with chains, it's gonna be my problem to deal with and I'm not very techy so that has me more than a tad nervous. People write about dropping chains and adjusting chains, etc. and I don't know how often this happens, what makes it happen, and how big a deal it is to fix.

Also, when discussing doubles and triples, is that doubling/tripling the likelihood of problems?

I'd like a little bit of base info, here. Especially from those of you who aren't techy -- did you find it's not a big deal, or do you leave it up to your SO or DH to handle, or bike shop?

Thanks!

It's not really a big deal, don't be leary of chains!

Sheldon Brown has a great bit on his website explaining (in non-techy language) how shifters and derailleurs and chains work. http://sheldonbrown.com/beginners/index.html There is a ton of good info in other parts of his site, so explore around.

I've only dropped my chain on Flossie once, when the derailleur was out of adjustment after the LBS reassembled her when I got her. Flossie is a double (two chainrings in front. With the 8 cogs in back that gives me 16 gears.) I think I dropped the chain on my commuter once when I was riding around in a soccer field practicing with my clipless pedals. My commuter is a triple (three chainrings in front. With the 8 cogs in back that gives me 24 possible gear combinations, but you don't actually use all of them.)

When a chain misses its ring, it's pretty easy and quick to put it back on. Just kind of messy. When you buy your bike (or as you are test-riding bikes) tell your LBS about your dropped-chain concerns. Ask them to "drop" a chain, show you how to put it back on, and let you practice a couple times.

If you were near me, I'd say come on over and we'll take my bikes out and drop some chains! Generally if you shift while just twirling the pedals rather than pushing on them (let up on the pressure you put thru the pedals so chain can shift over to another ring without trying to put power thru that ring at the same time) both bike and you will be happy!

yah, like Knot said. I am not mechanically inclined and have thrown/dropped my chain twice now.

the first time was a pretty bad experience because i was so sure i had done everything right! but i got off, put the chain back on lifted the rear wheel, spun the pedal and got back on the bike.
DH carries rubber gloves (they weigh almost nothing) so that if a chain comes off you don't have to get dirty.

and then when you start getting used to it, you can start loving your chain by cleaning it and applying chain lube to it. THEN you start feeling like a real bike owner. :D

they are messy things but easy to deal with.

oh, one more thing. If you drop your chain and your bike is still moving, sometimes you can shift back up to the higher gear and the chain goes back on BY ITSELF!

You really won't have to worry too much about "fixing" a chain. All you really need to know is how to clean your chain/drivetrain....which is really easy. If you search this message board, I know you find a few threads that explain this.

Eventually your chain is going to wear out and will need to be changed. If you don't want to deal with it, make your bike shop take care of it. When you bring it in for a tune up just ask them if they think the chain is still good (there is actually a tool that measures the wear on a chain) and if it isn't, ask them to put a new one on. Else, you can buy a chain tool and do it yourself. It is very simple. When you buy a new chain, it will come with instructions. Read them and it will tell you exactly what to do. The most important part of chainging a chain is to count how many links are on the old chain and take out just as many links on the new chain (chains will come with more links than you need).

If you drop your chain, it is generally because you didn't shift properly. And sometimes it can be because you drivetrain needs a tune up. When shifting, make sure you are pedaling nice and easy and you won't have a problem (unless you are constantly cross-chaining, then you might have a problem). If you drop your chain, just push on the rear derailleur (to get some slack) and put the chain back on the front chainrings and softly spin the pedals (make sure there are not kinks in the chain). Have your bike shop show you how to do this.

As far as a double or a triple, it depends on what type (and price) of bike you get and what your needs are. Is this going to be a comfort bike? You most likely will just have to test ride the bike and see if the gearing suits you.

Good luck.

I'll check out the Sheldon Brown site again. It overwhelmed me when I first went there, partially because I knew NOTHING and all the new words/things flung at me made me dizzy. Partially because so much of it wasn't really applicable to me, with my chainless bike and handlebar-shifters!

Yeah, I see all the references to cleaning chains, crossing chains, etc. and get the shakes. Also, since I'll be totally new to gears, that might mean I'll be dropping the chain until I figure out what I'm doing.

I guess I just need to gird my loins and get on with it, though.

Thanks.

well, one thing that really helps is this: at first, just stay in the middle chain ring. since you live in flat country, it should be sufficient for your needs for now.
Get used to going up and down the gears in the middle chain ring.
You will probably do just fine.

On my bianchi, i rarely get into the 3rd ring (high speed) so i sit on the second ring much of the time and drop down to the little one for tougher hills.
get used to one, then 2 then three.

baby steps!

I would not worry about the chain at all. Whenever my chain hops off, I pedal slowly and shift on the left side, and the chain hops right back on. I've been surprised how many people don't know this that I've ridden with. And the more you get familiar with shifting, the more the chain does what you want it to. I've been riding for years and still manage to lose it from time to time. As far as maintenance, I occasionally stop by my lbs and have them look at it and tell me if I need to do anything. I need to get better at that part but it's never been a problem.

Dropping the chain normally does not happen when the cables are properly adjusted. When you first get a new bike, the cables will stretch, so you should take the bike into the LBS to have it adjusted. Periodic adjustments are always needed the more wear you put on the drivetrain.

There is a fitting you can buy which fits on the botttom of your seat tube and it will prevent the chain from dropping off the inner chainring. It is called a "Dog Fang Chain Guide" and it is made my Deda; cost, $14.99. Most LBS's should have it or they can order it for you. Although some people think it is "Fred", including my LBS, I have used it on 2 of my bikes. It is a small hard rubber ring with a hook (dog fang), which fits close to the innner chainring. If the chain should drop, you just keep pedalling and the chain goes right back on. It is so small and inconspicuous, you don't even know it's there.

I hope my story of chain woes is not in some part responsible for your worries. I think my problem came about because I developed a bad habit of "cross chaining" on my hybrid,which was very forgiving and never ever dropped her chain. Not sure why, I guess I just didn't know any better at the time. I also have a bad habit of waiting until I'm in trouble on a hill and then shifting to the grannie gear in a panic with too much tension on the chain. Since you've always been chainless, it is unlikely you will have developed the same bad habits. If worse comes to worst, I have discovered there is a handy little gadget called a "chain keeper" which is like a little plastic thumb, poised right by the grannie gear which nudges the chain back where it belongs should it start to fall off. Hubby installed mine monday and we tried several times to MAKE the chain fall off and it wouldn't. (I will still try to improve my shifting habits, but it's a nice bit of insurance...)

Ninabike, sorry, your chain CAN be perfectly adjusted and you can throw it if you shift wrong.

some of us are very talented that way.

wait, the gadget is actually called "Third Eye Chain Watcher". I'm sure it is VERY fred, but I snatched up the last one they had at REI, so there must be many other chain droppin' freds out there besides me...

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Originally Posted by mimitabby

Ninabike, sorry, your chain CAN be perfectly adjusted and you can throw it if you shift wrong.

some of us are very talented that way.

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Yeah, I seem to have the same talent; thus need all the "Fred" help I can get!!

I took a basic bicycling skills class and the instructor pulled the chain off the rings/cogs and showed us that you just put it back on. Just grab it and get it back on - just put it anyplace you can get it and when your wheel spins it will correct itself to whatever speed you are in. If you are really coordinated you can use your house key instead of your fingers to grab it, or just use your fingers and look like you've been doing some mechanical work! But definitely find a tree or a bench to lean your bike up against. Otherwise, if you're like me, you will end up in a very awkward position....like with your bike on top of you.....

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Originally Posted by JanB

I would not worry about the chain at all. Whenever my chain hops off, I pedal slowly and shift on the left side, and the chain hops right back on. I've been surprised how many people don't know this that I've ridden with.

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Actually, you have to be careful when you do this and I would recommend against this. If there is any kind of kink in the chain or you put too much pressure on the pedals, you could screw up your drive train or break your chain.

How do I know this, you ask? Because I've done it. I was out on a training ride in the country on my Cervelo soloist team road bike. I was riding up a very steep hill, I shifted (chain was too stretched) and I dropped my chain. I didn't want to get off my bike, so while trackstanding, I gently shifted my front derailleur and slowly pedaled to get my chain back on my bike. Then all I heard was this crunch, crunch, rip. I immediately jumped off my bike to take a look. I had ripped my rear derailleur off the bike. There must have been a slight kink in the chain. I was in the middle of cow town usa, so I had to call someone to pick me up. The final damage was I needed a new derailleur hanger (the rear derailleur was fine) which runs ~$20. Unfortunatelly when I ripped the rear derailleur off, it damaged my rear wheel to the point where I need a new one. The cost of my rear wheel (I haven't bought a new one yet) will probablly run ~$200-400.

So just be careful if you attempt to try this one!

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Originally Posted by madisongrrl

Actually, you have to be careful when you do this and I would recommend against this. If there is any kind of kink in the chain or you put too much pressure on the pedals, you could screw up your drive train.

How do I know this, you ask? Because I've done it. I was out on a training ride in the country on my Cervelo soloist team road bike. I was riding up a very steep hill, I shifted (chain was too stretched) and I dropped my chain. I didn't want to get off my bike, so while trackstanding, I gently shifted my front derailleur and slowly pedaled to get my chain back on my bike. Then all I heard was this crunch, crunch, rip. I immediately jumped off my bike to take a look. I had ripped my rear derailleur off the bike. There must have been a slight kink in the chain. I was in the middle of cow town usa, so I had to call someone to pick me up. The final damage was I needed a new derailleur hanger (the rear derailleur was fine) which runs ~$20. Unfortunatelly when I ripped the rear derailleur off, it damaged my rear wheel to the point where I need a new one. The cost of my rear wheel (I haven't bought a new one yet) will probablly run ~$200-400.

So just be careful if you attempt to try this one!

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Pooks, don't worry about this happening to you!
there are no "Very steep hills" in Texas, anyway; right?

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Originally Posted by mimitabby

Pooks, don't worry about this happening to you!
there are no "Very steep hills" in Texas, anyway; right?

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Mimi- were you being sarcastic? I haven't ridden in Dallas, but Tyler (just east) is hilly and "The Beast" out there is definitely steep!

That being said, I ride steep hills often (usually short but steep) and have not had a big problem dropping chains. Did it a couple times on my old Fuji, no big deal. Haven't done it yet on my Synapse, but I am sure I will one day.
It happens when the bike is in tune but it is really a big problem when your chain is old, cables stretched.

Pooks- It happens but it isn't any reason to swear off chains. Make sure the LBS provides free tune ups for a year and see if they have a basic maintenance class. Some of the shops in Houston even offer women only maintenance classes. You'll be fine. :)