Why Does My Mountain Bike Chain Skip

The chain is the key component of a bicycle drivetrain that transmits power from the pedals to the wheels. A bicycle chain can be either a “single-speed” or “multi-speed” type.

A single-speed bike has just one gear ratio, which is achieved by having a single sprocket on the rear wheel and one chainring on the front wheel. Multi-speed bikes have multiple sprockets on the rear wheel and multiple chainrings on the front wheel.

A multi-speed bike allows for easier pedaling at different speeds, whereas a single speed bike requires more skill to pedal at different speeds because it only has one gear ratio.

Why does my chain skip when I pedal hard?

The chain could be slipping due to natural weakening of the chain. Over time, the chain will stretch out and a loose chain means more slipping when pedaling hard. The chain could also be slipping if your cogs are word down. The cogs/crank also wear over time and can leave the chain with not much to “grab” on to.^[1]

Is it normal for a new bike chain to skip?

Bike chains slipping is a common issue that all bikers have to face from time to time. It happens when your chain skips between gears while you are riding, shifts twice instead of once, or refuses to shift when you change gears. Chain slipping after putting on new bike chains isn’t something unusual.^[2]

Why do chains skip under pressure?

Other problems associated with a worn drive train are bushings coming out of the chain, bent cog or chain ring teeth, and individual teeth breaking off of cogs or chain rings. All of these problems can cause a chain to skip while under pressure.^[3]

Why is my chain skipping?

Most of the time, a skipping chain is caused by cable stretch. In the first half dozen rides on a new bike, your shift cables stretch the most. They can also stretch over time as you ride. Hippley explains, “It takes cable tension to open a derailleur, which shifts your chain between gears.^[4]

Can wd40 be used on bike chains?

WD-40 is a great bike chain lube water based lubricant and will not only lubricate the chain well, but will also keep it rust and corrosion free.^[5]

How long should a bike chain last?

So, how long do bike chains last? In general, a good chain will last 2,000 to 3,000 miles or 3 to 4 years. Chains on mountain bikes and electric bikes will get worn out faster. Many factors can influence chain life, such as conditions, speed, weight, and stress.^[6]

How tight should bike chain?

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.^[7]

Why is my bike chain popping?

Check your chain tension and chain line. Even with perfect alignment the amount of extra torque you’re putting into the drivetrain can cause the ring/chain/cog to not line up perfectly and “pop”.^[8]

How do I know if my bike cassette is worn?

“The easiest way to determine if your cassette is worn out is to install a new chain. If the chain skips under pedalling load then it’s time for a new cassette.^[9]

Why do bikes jump gears?

If the gears on your bike are properly indexed, each single click of the shifter will cause a single shift up or down the gears, front or rear. If you find you’re skipping a gear or that your shifting is getting stuck, then there’s a good chance you need to adjust your indexing.^[10]

What is the best lubricant for bike chains?

Squirt chain lube. Purple Harry’s Purple Extreme. Fenwicks Wet Weather. Muc-Off Hydrodynamic. Finish Line Wet. Morgan Blue Syn Lube Course. Rock ‘N’ Roll Gold. Impressively fast running and super clean membrane lube. Smoove chain lube. Very durable high-performance wax lube for extended clean efficiency.^[11]

How often should you dry chain lube?

So, how often should you lube your bike chain? If you are a regular bike commuter you should lube your bike chain at least every month or every 150-200 miles (240-320 kms).^[12]