Have questions or want to discuss cycling? Join Now or Sign In to participate in the BikeRide community.

New: Take Part in the October Giveaway to Win the Qiolor TIGER Retro Electric Bike


Bent chain link and bike slips in and out of gear
#1
Hey guys,

I was googling around for on this matter, but it seems there could be a variety of reasons for this. I bought a second hand bike (2009 Scott Contessa 30) and after a few weeks of riding it realised that sometimes as I was cycling the bike would go quickly out of gear and then back into it. There is also a bent link in the chain.

What's your opinion guys? I think the chain isn't tight enough. If you want pictures I can get some of the bike for you.

Cheers!
  Reply
#2
A bent chain link could certainly cause that (although there could be other things going on.) I wouldn't change anything else until you correct that.

Proper fix is basically to buy a new chain and cassette.

Short term fix is that you can sometime straighten a benk link by grabbing the bent one on the pins on either side of the bend with two pair of pliers and twist it back to straight. But note that this is a "hack" at best and even if it works, definately leaves you more at risk for broken chain or other problems. But it might at least tell you if the bend is what is causing the gear skip. You can also just remove the bent link. That will probably leave the chain a link short, but not a big issue if you're careful to stay out of the big gear-big gear combination.

Note that you can't really "tighten the chain" on a multi-gear bike. The chain is either the right length or it's not. Jumping gears are usually caused by misadjusted shifters, bent derailleurs, bent chains, worn chains/cogs, etc.
  Reply
#3
You don't always need a new cassette. Depends on how much wear the chain has, and if the cassette is worn. A bike tech can offer their professional opinion. If you replace the chain before it's worn too far, you won't need a new cassette in most cases.

I'm guessing a 2009 hasn't been ridden thousands of miles that might wear the cassette.

5300+ miles on my bike, third chain, first cassette.
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...
Thread
Author
Replies
Views
Last Post
 
4,359
10-26-2020, 08:28 PM
Last Post: stanS
 
3,351
06-02-2020, 07:16 PM
Last Post: Painkiller
 
3,276
04-27-2020, 03:24 PM
Last Post: Joe_W
 
3,848
06-23-2019, 01:51 PM
Last Post: MamboNumber5
 
10,014
08-09-2017, 02:19 PM
Last Post: Desmond
 
13,139
07-29-2016, 03:42 PM
Last Post: GeorgeET

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
Moving in Style: Beyond Regular Transpor...
Yesterday 09:11 PM
Great UK Cycle Camping Map, For E-Bikes,...
11-10-2024 06:55 AM
Cycling is Anti-Aging, But There's a Cat...
11-10-2024 06:48 AM
BAGGI 1936(?)
11-09-2024 10:24 AM
Do you have a four foot rule?
11-09-2024 10:10 AM
Trek domane tyre
11-08-2024 05:07 PM
Greetings!
11-08-2024 04:39 PM
Peugeot Nouveau Folder
11-08-2024 04:34 PM
Community Discussion Cycling Myths
11-07-2024 09:05 PM
Tasmania! Anyone ridden here?
11-07-2024 05:15 PM

[-]
Join BikeRide on Strava
Feel free to join if you are on Strava: www.strava.com/clubs/bikeridecom

[-]
Top 5 Posters This Month
no avatar 1. enkei
22 posts
no avatar 2. GirishH
17 posts
no avatar 3. Jesper
16 posts
no avatar 4. Flowrider
14 posts
no avatar 5. Talha
10 posts