Mountain Biking - Old bike, small problem (chain)

Hey guys,

Recently I've decided to start trying to learn a few urban tricks or whatever, general skills on a bike. Problem is, I'm using my 98 GT Outpost (rigid). It's been a great bike everywhere I've used it- mountain trails for years. All the components are original, original tires, original rear tube, only repair it's ever had was a front flat due to a piece of glass. I think it's actually getting to the age where the rear cassette is wearing down, plus it's got the original chain, which everyone knows causes the whole cassette needing to be replaced when the chain goes.

The actual problem is that the chain falls off when I'm doing jumps. Mainly when I'm trying to manual a set of stairs, it'll come off, and when I try to pedal again, it gets jammed really bad. What can I do to get some more tension in the chain? Do I need one of those little rollers that DH guys use? There must be another solution. Don't tell me new chain and cassette lol. I'm not sure if the bike is worth the repair. Instead I'd throw on a pair of flat pedals onto my Mt. Fuji.

Last question. Seems like the fast I go down stairs, the more likely the manual is to work out. Like if I'm going too slowly my front comes down early. Plus, if I'm going slowly I have to pedal kick the front up a ways. If I'm going fast, I can't pedal kick up as well, instead I just pull up with my arms and a little spring in my feet, but it doesn't seem to matter. Weird, any thoughts? Last thing, for pedal kicks you need well adjusted brakes right? The travel in my brake lever is probably a little long, and a little stiff.

Anyway, thanks for thoughts,
Nate

If your chain + chainrings + cassette are worn out, it = chain falling off. Make sure your limits are set right on the front derailleur too. When you are in the innermost rear gear, and the smallest ring up front, your chain should almost rub the cage of the front derailleur. If its set like this is can help keep your chain on when you are in the granny gear.

Damn, I was afraid you'd tell me this. I can tell you it's already adjusted this way because when I shift to granny ring, it sometmes clicks for a bit before finally dropping in. Maybe I'll try using the bigger rings instead and lower rear gears.

Any thoughts on the tricks I've been trying? Personal experience stuff?

Manualing stairs is pretty much the only stunt I can do, and I usually pedal kick the front up at the top and basically just do a wheelie drop down the staircase. Probably not great technique but it works.

Make sure your chain is really well lubed...I'd use a wet Teflon lube like Tri-Flow. That'll reduce chainsuck a lot over a dry chain. The links are able to rotate more easily, so everything is smoother and less likely to jam. Also try not to pedal during impacts if you can avoid it.

If you have a derailer you might have to do what the first guy said, or change the chain and take off a few links or take a look at your derailer. If you dont then try putting a chainring. But since they are expensive...is ti worth putting it on that old bike??

you could also try getting a tiney bit larger chain and make it a git tighter. But your chain is a problem... (change it!!...lol they are 10-15$)

check your derailer and fix it a bit too. And put the chain in agear that isnt too close to where if can fall off.