Chain loosening over time (Fixie)

Asked by: James Dean

Why does my bike chain keep loosening?

A motorcycle chain that keeps getting loose is usually caused by the rear axle or chain tensioning bolts not being tight enough. It can also be cause by a new chain not being worn in enough, worn down sprocket teeth, having too tight of a tension, or having the wrong size of chain installed.

How loose should my fixie chain be?

It should be tight as it can be without binding. If the chain is too loose, it can fall off, which is quite dangerous on a fixed gear. Set the rear axle so that the chain pulls taut at the tightest part of the cranks’ rotation. One at a time, loosen up each of the stack bolts, and tighten it back just finger tight.

When should I replace my fixie chain?

Quote from video: If you are using an 11 or 12 speed chain replace your chain once it is reach point five percent wear and for two sprocket or single speed bikes replace your chain when it has reached 1% wear.

Why does my chain go loose when I stop pedaling?

If your chain is getting slack on top when you stop pedalling or backpedal, then the problem is in your freehub (or freewheel, whichever you have), a dirty freehub will cause all the problems you’ve listed, even on a brand new bike.
Nov 12, 2014

Why does my bike chain keep stretching?

Chain wear is commonly referred to as ‘chain stretch’, because the chain’s pitch grows in length as it wears. This is the most important type of chain wear, and the growth comes from the bushings wearing with the chain pins. Overtime, the inner diameter of these bushings increase and the pins groove out.
Aug 29, 2016

How do I stop my bike chain from stretching?

How to Prevent Chain Stretch. The most important factor in preventing chain stretch is lubrication. If roller chains are poorly lubricated, stretching will take place very quickly. When a chain has elongated 3% of its original length, it must be replaced.
May 29, 2019

How do I know if my chain is too loose?

To find out whether your chain is too long take a look at it from the side with your eyes being level with the chain. A loose chain will sag close to or below the chainstays as the chain hangs between the rear cogs and chainring. The chain might skip as you pedal, or even drop off the gears.

How tight should a cycle chain be?

It should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about one inch. If it is sagging or much looser than that, you need to tighten that chain up.
Jun 23, 2014

How tight should a chain be?

The rule of the thumb says that the exact tightness of a chain will only let you move for about half an inch. Now, if the chain is too loose, then you need to tighten it. If you cannot even move the chain, then it is too tight, and it needs to be loosened.
Aug 12, 2022

How long do Shimano chains last?

2,000 to 3,000 miles

Replacing your chain regularly can prolong the life of your drivetrain. Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.

How long should a bike cassette last?

Very Roughly: bike cassette can last between 4000 to 6000 miles, and some can last up to 10,000 miles, an equivalent of 3 to 4 chains, it depends on the quality of the cassette itself, maintenance, and riding conditions.

How do I know if I need a new bike chain?

Chain wear indicator

You hook the curved end into the chain and if the gauge tip on the other end fits completely into a chain link, the chain is worn to the point it needs replacing (one side measures 0.5% wear, the other side measures 0.75% wear).
May 16, 2020

How do you tell if a chain is stretched?

Quote from video: And some chain checkers will actually tell you a measurement of how far the chain is stretched. And if you can see that it's stretched that far it's time to replace.

Do new bike chains stretch?

Here’s what to expect from a new chain. A new motorcycle chain will appear to stretch during the first few rides after installation. However, a chain should not stretch too much immediately and might be defective if it continues to stretch or needs to be constantly adjusted.

Do new bicycle chains stretch?

Quote from video: People also ask

Why does my chain come off when I pedal hard?

If the crankset is loose, it can move sideways during pedaling, which can allow the chain to come off. So make sure the crankarms are securely attached and that there’s no side-to-side play in the crankarm or bottom bracket. Some bottom brackets can be tightened.

What happen when the chain of cycle become loose?

A loose motorcycle chain can cause many problems, but the most common are typically as follows: Chain lash (chain starts slapping and getting noisy) Chain jumping (skipping sprocket teeth) The chain and sprockets wear out faster.

How do you stop a chain from dropping?

Quote from video: Once more and then we can experience changeup. Like this. So if you need transmission. If you need to or you know you're going to be pedaling. Through some rough terrain don't stop pedaling. If it's

How do you fix a stretched chain?

Quote from video: Stuff you can use washing up liquid despite all those people out there saying oh it's got salt content in it most bike cleaners have salt.

How long should a bike chain last?