Bike problem- stiff link

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2009-07-01 9:21 PM


19

Subject: Bike problem- stiff link
Pretty bad day on the bike. Had my first crash after trying to avoid some debris and had to go to the grass only to discover a hidden hole that sent me over the bars (nothing more than scrapped up hands, some cussing, and an excuse to buy some gloves). Then I almost got clobbered by a mailman, who got a good cussing. Then I start slipping gears like crazy. After a lot more cussing and experimenting I discover that I kept slipping in the same spot on the chain and more cussing led to the discovery of a stiff link in the chain as the source of all my frustration. Cussing and oiling the link did not solve this problem so I turn to the people of BT. I promise not to cuss you.

Thanks in advance

2009-07-02 10:06 AM
in reply to: #2257298

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Elite
3498
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
buy a new chain
2009-07-02 10:18 AM
in reply to: #2257298


12

Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
or not waste money and get your chain break and move the stuck pin a little back and forth, it will usually fix the problem
2009-07-02 10:39 AM
in reply to: #2257298

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Expert
2180
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Boise, Idaho
Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
Put both hands on the chain with the stiff link between your thumbs, then bend it slightly back and forth. Have your LBS check the derailluer (sp?) hanger-it may have bent in the crash.
2009-07-02 10:46 AM
in reply to: #2257298

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Regular
100
100
State College, PA
Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
http://www.treefortbikes.com/282_333222335024__CT-5-Chain-Tool.html

just took care of a stiff link yesterday with this tool. worked great
2009-07-02 10:47 AM
in reply to: #2257298

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Nor*Cal
Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link

2009-07-02 11:50 AM
in reply to: #2257298


19

Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
Thanks for all the help. Tried the bending it back and forth and that didnt work. Had to go buy a chain break and that did the trick. Thanks everybody.
2009-07-02 12:02 PM
in reply to: #2258479

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
Glad you fixed it.

In the past, I have also just put a flat head screw driver between the links and pryed them apart  by turning the driver EVER SO SLIGHTLY (as to not compromise the link).

I think the link sort of got squashed together and that loosened it up a bit.

I also had a time where the link was actually twisted a bit.  I took two pliers and twisted the link back.

However, a chain is 20-30 bucks, so it's a small expense to have to replace, worst case.


Edited by Aikidoman 2009-07-02 12:04 PM
2009-07-02 12:28 PM
in reply to: #2257298

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Cycling Guru
15134
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Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
So what happens when you install a new chain and it has a stiff link.  Do you return it and/or buy another???

It is a 2 second fix if you have a chain tool.  I always carry one (training and racing).
2009-07-02 4:48 PM
in reply to: #2258618


12

Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
chain breaker tool is one of the most important in the bag, right next to the allen keys.  It will keep you from walking home if you break your chain and you can make your bike into a single speed if your rear derailler decides to blow up or you break off the hanger (common mtb problem). 
2009-07-02 5:28 PM
in reply to: #2259216

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Pro
3932
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Irvine, California
Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link

A guy at the LBS once told me that you can't use a chain-breaker on just any link in modern chains.  He claimed there was a single "preferred" link that you could break open to take off the chain, but that you shouldn't break open any others.

Is what he said hogwash?  Given what I'm reading here, it certainly sounds like it!

2009-07-02 10:11 PM
in reply to: #2259282

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Extreme Veteran
767
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Alexandria, VA
Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
Tripolar - 2009-07-02 6:28 PM

A guy at the LBS once told me that you can't use a chain-breaker on just any link in modern chains.  He claimed there was a single "preferred" link that you could break open to take off the chain, but that you shouldn't break open any others.

Is what he said hogwash?  Given what I'm reading here, it certainly sounds like it!



The Cheapo chain that came on my Cheapo bike had a "Speed Link" chain: one link was kind of like a sliding clasp, and could be disconnected without a Chain tool. That chain lasted about 500 miles. Maybe thats what he means by "Modern chains"
2009-07-02 10:44 PM
in reply to: #2259700


12

Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
No, you are talking about the difference between a SRAM chain vs. a Shimano chain.  SRAM comes with a speed link so you can easily remove the chain for cleaning (I prefer), the Shimano chain doesnt have that.  When you break a Shimano chain, you are supposed to replace the pin that was pushed out with a new one, something to do with strength of the broken link.  That goes to say, you dont have to get a new pin if you dont have one or whatever, but it may cause your chain to break again in the same spot.
2009-07-03 3:00 PM
in reply to: #2258618

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Elite
3498
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Chicago
Subject: RE: Bike problem- stiff link
Daremo - 2009-07-02 12:28 PM

So what happens when you install a new chain and it has a stiff link.  Do you return it and/or buy another???

It is a 2 second fix if you have a chain tool.  I always carry one (training and racing).


my preferences are: stiff link with new chain...chain tool. stiff link after bike wreck...new chain.
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