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

New: Take part in the November Giveaway for a fully customizable Villy Custom cruiser bike


Chain tight and loose
#1
Hello,

My son's BMX recently ran into an issue where the chain is too tight and loose at the same time - as I pedal it will go tight/loose/tight/loose. What things should I check for to troubleshoot the issue?

Thanks,
Bob.
  Reply
#2
Sounds like you may have a stiff link.

Take a look here: http://bikeride.com/stiff-chain-link/
  Reply
#3
I'll take a look tonight after work and post back - thanks alot!
  Reply
#4
Something is out of round, either the front chainring or less likely the freewheel. Check that the front chainring is not bent or wobbling. Even if it's not, it may not be perfectly centered on the axle which will cause this. A little tight/loose is ok, but too much and you'll start having the chain fall off.
  Reply
#5
make sure the wheel is square in the dropouts also.
Get on your bad pedalscooter and ride!
  Reply
#6
Also I came into a BMX that had a chain that was "bent" and stretched from playing around on the ramps! Now as said above the front chain ring was bent too.
Good maintenance to your Bike, can make it like the wheels are, true and smooth!
  Reply
#7
Check out the front ring to see if its bent. Bottom bracket bent?
GO RIDE...
  Reply
#8
undefined
Get on your bad pedalscooter and ride!
  Reply
#9
Bent wheel axle is another possible culprit.

When your son uses his BMX does he just ride around or does he huck off stuff, jump tables and ramps, etc.

If he came up short and cased something it's entirely possible his wheel was damaged, or simply from doing a big drop to flat concrete puts a lot of stress onto the wheels and axles. He might have possibly bent his cranks/bb axle from doing something like this as well (more likely)
  Reply


Possibly Related Threads...

Forum Jump:

[-]
10 Latest Posts
How to refurbish a bicycle 101
Yesterday 12:37 PM
Is The Cycling Industry Ripping Us Off?
12-08-2023 11:30 PM
Is there a way to get a bike on lease wi...
12-08-2023 07:29 PM
My rides !!
12-08-2023 06:53 AM
New User
12-07-2023 09:20 AM
Presentation
12-07-2023 08:03 AM
Post-Ride Nutrition
12-07-2023 07:12 AM
Experiences with TPU tubes (especially C...
12-06-2023 08:41 PM
1989 Miyata Skyrunner
12-06-2023 06:51 AM
Man on e-bicycle, Fire, pregnant woman!
12-06-2023 05:57 AM

[-]
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. ichitan
38 posts
no avatar 2. GirishH
26 posts
no avatar 3. ReapThaWhirlwind
10 posts
no avatar 4. enkei
10 posts
no avatar 5. Lss555
9 posts