Bicycle Mechanics - Bike seems to be skipping a link as I peddle...

Every 3 or four pedal rotations it seems like the gears skip a link in my chain (or one of the gear teeth is bent, though I think it is the chain due to this happening in every gear).

I am at a loss as to how to fix this. I looked at my chain, but being completely new to bikes, don't really know how to take it off. Further, I am not totally sure it is actually the chain at all!

Any help would be appreciated, I am going to youtube to see if I can find helpful videos.

Every 3 or four pedal rotations it seems like the gears skip a link in my chain (or one of the gear teeth is bent, though I think it is the chain due to this happening in every gear).

I am at a loss as to how to fix this. I looked at my chain, but being completely new to bikes, don't really know how to take it off. Further, I am not totally sure it is actually the chain at all!

Any help would be appreciated, I am going to youtube to see if I can find helpful videos.

You may have a stiff link. Off the bike, back pedal slowly and watch for the derailer to 'hop'. The link should go through the pulleys and be noticeable because it won't conform like the other links. If it does hop, find the link that causes it, and flex it gently back and forth. This will often free up a sticky link.

+1 for the stiff link call. pedaling backwards you'd see the rear derailleur hop when the stiff link passes over the pulley wheels and through the cage. or you can idividually check EVERY link by grabbing one in each hand and manually check each links travelability by hand. if you find it, either lube the hell out of it and work it out by hand, or check the pin of the link to make sure it is in symetrically and fully.

see these all the time and if the chain is old and cost is no option, buy a new one. maybe a chain breaker too.

+2 on the stiff link. I've had this exact symptom a couple of times and that was the cause both times.

At the same time you may also want to check for a twisted link. If you can't find a stiff one.

also - give your chain a very close visual inspection link-for-link to make sure it's not damaged at all. look for inconsistencies in the rollers, look for any damage.

+1 on the stiff link. that one's gotten me before too..

You all were right. I found the stiff link. It just doesn't want to loosen up either no matter how much I bend it back and forth...

Any other suggestions? Or do I have to buy a new chain? Any recommended places to get a chain?

If your chain-tool has a "loosening-shelf" on it - that should loosen up the stiff link. Far better than trying to coax it loose with your fingers. At least that's been my experience. If you don't have such an animal on your chain-tool, or it still refuses - take it to your LBS and let them try. If still no-go (unlikely), then get a new chain. If it does loosen, you saved some money for the chain.

If you don't already have a good chain-tool, I recommend the Park CT-3 for home use. Very strong and smooth with a nice, big shelf for torturing stiff links into submission on.

Sounds good, thanks

You have to bend the chain in to a Z shape. Then pull it back straight, hard. You have to keep doing this about 50 times, and you'll get black fingers, But it'll free it up.

BTW, is this a new bike? If so, it's been sloppily assembled.