Why does my chain keep braking?
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 72
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Why does my chain keep braking?
I bought a Cannondale and rode it for about 150 miles without any problem, and then switched over the SRAM group to my Blue. After the swap, the bike rides for about a mile or two and then suddenly my chain breaks. This has happened about three times and I have tried all sorts of remedies and none of them seem to work. It seems to happen when I put stress on the chain, such as going uphill or pedaling harder. I was just wondering if any one knew what may cause this or have had this problem?
Thanks
Thanks
#3
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
A defective chain may break once, but the odds of a defective chain causing multiple breaks are extremely low.
need to know more.
Is it a Sram or other brand chain?
Is it breaking at the same or different places?
Are you closing it with a new connector link, or the same one, or simply using a chain tool?
Are plates cracking, twisting, or falling off the end of the pin on one side, then bending open under load?
Did you correctly measure the chain so it clears the large/large combination plus at least one inch?
Even without seeing your answers, I suspect your problem is related to how you're closing the chain, and that shifting is forcing the plates over the ends of the pin.
need to know more.
Is it a Sram or other brand chain?
Is it breaking at the same or different places?
Are you closing it with a new connector link, or the same one, or simply using a chain tool?
Are plates cracking, twisting, or falling off the end of the pin on one side, then bending open under load?
Did you correctly measure the chain so it clears the large/large combination plus at least one inch?
Even without seeing your answers, I suspect your problem is related to how you're closing the chain, and that shifting is forcing the plates over the ends of the pin.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#4
Mechanic/Tourist
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 12
From: Syracuse, NY
Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.
Agreed. The first suspect would be incorrect installation. The odds of a chain failing that drastically that many times is nil. Unless you have proper tools and detailed instructions that you are clear about I would have a shop install it.
#7
#8
Bikaholic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,461
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From: Western, Michigan
Bikes: Trek Fuel 90, Giant OCR, Rans Screamer Tandem
I had exactly the same experience last summer with my son's race bike. Must have been a bad batch.
#9
cab horn

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 28,353
Likes: 31
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1987 Bianchi Campione
The Op swapped his chain to his new bike. He either
1) Failed to use a new 10s powerlock (assuming it's 10s)
2) Repinned the chain (you can't do this)
3) Chain failure is a coincidental to swapping it and it is masking a sever wear issue
4) OP does not know how to shift properly coupled with any combination of the above
1) Failed to use a new 10s powerlock (assuming it's 10s)
2) Repinned the chain (you can't do this)
3) Chain failure is a coincidental to swapping it and it is masking a sever wear issue
4) OP does not know how to shift properly coupled with any combination of the above
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