Bicycle Mechanics - how to determine chain position on work stand

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worldtraveller
07-28-11, 06:14 PM
Ok why is it when you test you bike on the work stand at home and go through all the gears and spin the cranks like crazy. Everything works fine.

But when u go outside and ride the bike, chain doesn't shift proper or is when chain skips or u notice problems.

How do you determine if chain is working properly when bike is on the work stand?

what are all your secrets?

frankenmike
07-28-11, 06:27 PM
Learn to adjust while riding using the barrel adjuster. It is hard to mimic real world riding conditions while the bike is in a stand.
Mondoman
07-28-11, 06:28 PM
There are some big differences between stand and real life:
1) In the stand, the bike is typically hanging from a support rather than being supported by its wheels. If the wheels are not fully secured in place, this might change their position somewhat.
2) Chain skips and similar events usually happen when the drivetrain is under load; when testing on the stand, the drivetrain is usually NOT under load.
3) A related difference is that things flex when force is applied to them. When you sit on the bike, the frame will flex. When you pedal under hard load (e.g. steep uphill), the cranks will flex. If the flexing is significant, it may alter the relative positions of parts of the bike enough that you see issues.