Chain Locking up
08-27-08, 12:14 PM
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Chain Locking up
This happened to me about 2 weeks ago and my GF today. I am wondering if there is a way of dealing with this.
While riding at low speed getting ready to stop my chain locked up and with my weight all over the place I toppled over. The chain on the FD jumped from the smallest to middle cog (Tiagra triple) and jammed up my chain. The deraileur was in alignment. My GF's chain locked today ( could have been other things on hers I am not sure yet and am not sure I will ever be sure what caused it)
In my case I have 2 guesses. Option 1 the deraileur was not enough in alignment and frame flex ( I was standing and pedaling uphill) cause the deraileur to hit the chain. Option 2 this is just the nature of ramped cogs and it may happen from time to time.
Anyone have any ideas for dealing with this?
While riding at low speed getting ready to stop my chain locked up and with my weight all over the place I toppled over. The chain on the FD jumped from the smallest to middle cog (Tiagra triple) and jammed up my chain. The deraileur was in alignment. My GF's chain locked today ( could have been other things on hers I am not sure yet and am not sure I will ever be sure what caused it)
In my case I have 2 guesses. Option 1 the deraileur was not enough in alignment and frame flex ( I was standing and pedaling uphill) cause the deraileur to hit the chain. Option 2 this is just the nature of ramped cogs and it may happen from time to time.
Anyone have any ideas for dealing with this?
08-27-08, 01:38 PM
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I hope that you're frame isn't flexing enough that it knocks the chain off the rings. That would make for a helluva ride if it is.
I would try to eliminate some things real quickly. Drop the chain off the chainrings and pedel the crankset and see if you feel any really rough spots or hitches in the bottom bracket. If that feels good look at the rings and make sure that they not bent or have excessive wear or missing teeth. If that's good, pull the rear wheel and check that the freewheel moves freely with no rough spots or hitches in it. Check the derailleur pulleys as well. Take a look at the screws holding the derailleur hanger and make sure that they're not backed out and catching on the freewheel lockring (saw this on a Cannondale once). Finally, check the chain and ensure that there are no links that bind and could cause the chain to jump around on the chainrings.
Assuming all is well mechanically then I suggest that you do a check of the front and rear derailleur alignment, paying particular attention to the front. Use the Park Tool guide to check and align the derailleurs as necessary. Once you've done that, and if everything is aligned proper or can be brought into alignment, take the bike to a shop if the problem remains.
Mike
I would try to eliminate some things real quickly. Drop the chain off the chainrings and pedel the crankset and see if you feel any really rough spots or hitches in the bottom bracket. If that feels good look at the rings and make sure that they not bent or have excessive wear or missing teeth. If that's good, pull the rear wheel and check that the freewheel moves freely with no rough spots or hitches in it. Check the derailleur pulleys as well. Take a look at the screws holding the derailleur hanger and make sure that they're not backed out and catching on the freewheel lockring (saw this on a Cannondale once). Finally, check the chain and ensure that there are no links that bind and could cause the chain to jump around on the chainrings.
Assuming all is well mechanically then I suggest that you do a check of the front and rear derailleur alignment, paying particular attention to the front. Use the Park Tool guide to check and align the derailleurs as necessary. Once you've done that, and if everything is aligned proper or can be brought into alignment, take the bike to a shop if the problem remains.
Mike
08-27-08, 03:29 PM
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Probably a "tight link" in the chain. If so you need to correct it immediately. A tight link can cause serious damage to your bikes components and even the frame. With your fingers work your way around the chain to see that all link plates rotate properly around the link pins. Tight links are often caused when joining a new chain. A tight link can also be a sign of insufficient lubrication. Using a power washer on the chain can remove the needed lubrication.
Check the GF's bike too.
Check the GF's bike too.
