chain dropping

[ridebikeme]

There are lots of possiblities that could cause this, as many have mentioned already. FYI: a chain does NOT stretch, but the bushings/sideplates do wear which give the indication that a chain has stretched. AS the chain wears, it tends to get sloppy shifting and makes derailleurs work a bit harder. IF your rear derailleur is starting to wear as Oak mentioned, the spring will not have the ability to shift as easily and will tend to "hang up" a bit more...often times getting stick in a couple of positions. In the late 80's/early 90's we used to be able to buy and replace springs for customers, unfortunately haven't been able to offer that service for quite some time. There is a quick test that you can perform yourself to check the rear derailleur, although you will need to put the bike in a stand or suspend it somehow. Once you have the bike supported, place the chain on the hardest(smallest) gear in the back. Pedal the bike by hand, and push the rear derailleur with your other hand so that the chain is on the easiest cog in the back(biggest). Once on the biggest cog, let it go and the derailleur should snap instantly back down to your hardest cog. If it tends to hang up abit, then that's an indication that you need to replace the derailleur as the spring is indeed wearing out.

Now of course, this is meant for bikes that have the proper cable tension, derailleurs/dropouts are straight and are set up correctly.

Good luck


http://chasecyclery.blogspot.com

[redrhodie]

I cleaned the derailleur, and it wasn't that bad, just a little crud on the jockey pulleys, but maybe that was part of the problem. I found this article on single chainrings, with info on guards, so I may end up going that route.

http://www.bikeman.com/content/view/78/115/

[Becky]

I found this article on single chainrings, with info on guards, so I may end up going that route.

http://www.bikeman.com/content/view/78/115/

I recommend these. They're light, simple, and well-made. I have one on my singlespeed MTB.

[SheFly]

I recommend these. They're light, simple, and well-made. I have one on my singlespeed MTB.

I second Becky's recommendation. I run a single on my 'cross race bike, and use the BBG guards. I have never [touching wood now] dropped my chain using these guards. DH also runs them on his bike without issue.

SheFly

[redrhodie]

Thanks, Becky. I've sent the link to my wrench, so he can make sure I get the right one.

[redrhodie]

The BBG guard is on my bike, and works great! Thanks again for the tip. It's so much better now.