Why does my chain go loose when I stop pedaling?
If your chain is getting slack on top when you stop pedalling or backpedal, then the problem is in your freehub (or freewheel, whichever you have), a dirty freehub will cause all the problems you’ve listed, even on a brand new bike.
What happens if my bike chain is too loose?
When it’s loose, the rate of power transfer drops, and you aren’t able to propel the bike forward. A bike chain can fall off completely, but oftentimes it only becomes loose. If it isn’t too loose, you can keep cycling until your destination and then tighten it.
What happens if my bike chain is too long?
A chain that’s too long (loose) may cause dropped chains and/or inconsistent shifting — front and back shifting. A chain that’s too short (tight) can cause even bigger problems. BUT, things can go really bad … if it does shift and rips the derailleur off, damages the chain or bends gear teeth.
Can I take a link out of my bike chain?
If your chain does not have a master link, you’ll have to use a chain tool to break the chain. Open the master link, slide it off, and put it someplace where it won’t get lost. Some master links are also disposable, and can only be removed by bending them apart with needle-nose pliers or a specialized tool.
How to fix a loose chain on a bike?
The chain keeps falling off 1 To tighten a loose chain on a hub- or fixed-gear bike, first use a wrench to loosen the axle nuts on the rear wheel. 2 If your wheel has a tensioning adjustment, turn the screw to increase or decrease chain tension. More …
Why does my bike chain sag when freewheeling?
The chain and gears work fine when cycling on the flat or uphill but when freewheeling downhill or when I lift the right pedal in preparation to start off the chain sags down towards the floor like it is not being picked up properly by the rear gears. Does anyone know what’s going on and if I can fix it and how?
Do You Drop Your Chain when back pedaling?
Derailleur-equipped bicycles are not designed to be pedaled backwards. Pedaling backwards is a great way to drop your chain, especially if you do it suddenly and hard. As already stated in Andrew Henles Answer this is expected behaviour as the chain is not guided towards the correct cog except by the fact that it is already on it.
Why is my Cassette chain shifting when back pedaling?
If there is a grinding feel to it or it feels very stiff a bit of maintenance may be due. Another indicator would be to let your rear-wheel coast (spin without pedalling) and have a look at the upper chain line. If it becomes slack then the friction in the hub is likely to be increased.