Twisted link in chain

[jordz1986]

Hello all,
Today when riding my bike to work the chain fell off. Unfortunately since then whenever pedaling with pressure the gear will change on its own for one rotation and then change back. After a closer inspection, it appears that one of the links in the chain is completely bent.

Can you tell me what my options are to fix it, I've tried with a pair of pliers, and didn't get very far, is there another way to bend it back?.. can I remove the link? or should I give up all hope and buy a new chain?

Much obliged.

Jordan

[DaveM]

The emergency fix is to take two pair of pliers and twist it back straight (grabbing across the two pins of the bent link). But you have to assume that that link is now weak and it should be removed. This will shorten your chain by one link which could cause a problem if you go in to the large - large gear combo. But depending on the bike, may be ok.

Replacement's not a bad option if it's a pretty old chain anyway.

Check your derailleurs to see if the limit settings are too open and this let the chain fall off.

[cyclerUK]

Options:-
Remove the link (but may leave the chain too short).
Remove and fit a spare link.
Remove and fit a "quicklink" -
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/Chains-Spares-Devices-KMC-8-Spd-Chainlinks-Card-of-2/KMCACHAJ200000000000
( There are other makes and 9/10 speed versions. etc)

Replace chain completely.

[jordz1986]

Thanks very much, will get on it.

[trevgbb]

If your chain is old and worn, and you replace it, you may find you have problems with the new chain not fitting in the worn teeth of the chainset and freewheel and you end up replacing all the transmission parts!!!

[Danster547]

(05-03-2011, 01:49 PM)jordz1986 Wrote:  Hello all,
Today when riding my bike to work the chain fell off. Unfortunately since then whenever pedaling with pressure the gear will change on its own for one rotation and then change back. After a closer inspection, it appears that one of the links in the chain is completely bent.

Can you tell me what my options are to fix it, I've tried with a pair of pliers, and didn't get very far, is there another way to bend it back?.. can I remove the link? or should I give up all hope and buy a new chain?

Much obliged.

Jordan

I would try by taking off the chain.
There is a helpful tool you can use to get the chain off... it would look something like this

http://www.amazon.com/Sunlite-Series-II-Chain-Tool/dp/B0012GTLVU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1304545371&sr=8-1

If you don't want to remove it yourself you can always take it into your local bike shop and have them take a look. Most likely you will have to replace your bike chain. If you ride every day or every other day you will have to replace it every 6 months, chances are its about time for a new chain any way. All in all if cost is an issue, it shouldn't be to much to have a professional remove your chain and put on a new one. Best of luck :p

[mrdunk]

personally id try removing the damaged link with a chain tool and replacing it with a new 1,i know halfords do a fair few different size links and the chain tool is simple to use and cheap as chips

[AndrewB]

And if you do your own chain replacements, keep the extra links for potential future issues like your bent link. Or ask the store to save the new extra chain parts.