jamesi
Olympic Member
Posts: 122
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Post by jamesi on Jul 31, 2010 10:47:52 GMT -5
So as someone barely out of the newbie woods, I have a few questions, and maybe even a little advice.
My chain broke today 30+ miles from home. I thought I was pretty prepared to limp home under most circumstances, but I didn't anticipate this one. Does this happen often? I wouldn't consider my chain new, but it wasn't old either. It had about 1500 miles on it. Is that old for a chain? When I took a look at the chain to see if I could possibly rig it up to get home I noticed fissures on 2 more chain links. Are there even any quick fixes that can be done on the road to get home? I'm just grateful it didn't happen on the Rev3 course. Honestly, I've never taken a close look at the chain. I usually check, wheels, tires, brakes, stem, and saddle, but I just took the chain for granted.
And for my fellow newbies:
Things I was glad I had today:
Cell Phone (and an understanding wife who packed up the kids and picked my sorry ass up)
Cash
Extra Gu and Gatorade
Patience
There are some big races coming up. Check those chains!
James
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Post by chuckm on Jul 31, 2010 20:31:17 GMT -5
My 24 year old road bike still has the original chain. I've just been real lucky with that one. Broke 2 chains on mountain bikes. First time during a time trial, in the woods, it was only a mile walk to the car. Second time I was about 5 miles from home, on the park all purpose trail, mostly downhill or flat all the way home, so that wasn't to bad either. I did buy a chain tool and master link that I always carry with me on the mountain bike now, luckily I haven't needed it. I do replace chains on the mountain bikes from time to time now.
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Post by MattCollister on Aug 1, 2010 12:01:26 GMT -5
For a 9- or 10-speed chain, depending on how you ride, its possible it was just worn out after 1,500 miles. I have a chain tool that measures wear on a chain. The chain gets slightly longer as the metal wears out.
My chain broke a couple of years ago during Sunday in June. I didn't have a chain tool on me and was ready to wait for the SAG wagon, but fortunately another rider stopped and lent me his, and I was able to fix it and be on my way. Only time I've had a chain break on the road, knock on wood.
Your list of things is pretty good. Some things you can't really prepare for (hence, the cell phone and understanding spouse). But a little wrench knowledge has gotten me out of some jams. You really need to know how to change a flat, period. They happen frequently enough and can be repaired easily and quickly. Knowing what to do if you break a chain or spoke is good too.
Get your bike tuned before Rev3. When you get the chain replaced they might suggest a new cassette. This isn't a bad idea, as they tend to wear together, and you might have some sticky shifting if you combine a new chain with an old cassette.
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jamesi
Olympic Member
Posts: 122
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Post by jamesi on Aug 1, 2010 19:50:11 GMT -5
Both the chain and the cassette were pretty new. I was willing to replace the cassette but the tech at Eddy's said there was no need since the chain really wasn't showing any signs of wear or stretch. Thanks for the tips.
J
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Post by Aussie Rob on Aug 1, 2010 20:01:34 GMT -5
Aside from just being plain unlucky (it happens)....chain breaking on road bikes typically results from two reasons. 1) dry chains, and 2) incorrect shifting technique. Chains don't usually break solely from just being ridden, and 1,500 miles is not even close to excessive if cared for properly. I keep my chain clean and lubed at all times, and i got 7,000 miles out of my last one without it really wearing to even .75 on the park checker we use at the shop. I was overhauling my bike and just decided it was time. Matt's right though, depending on how you ride its not unheard of to chew through a chain that soon....so it depends. If your chain is excessively worn though, you'll need a new cassette. Measure it with a chain checker at your shop if you dont have one. Not a bad idea to carry a master link and chain tool; although i don't. Be careful not to shift under heavy load (unless you're looking for higher gears to whoop someones arse in a sprint ) ; especially up front. Would be happy to help you out with some pointers if wanted and take a look at your cassette. Just swing by Spin. edit - saw you got it sorted already. Sweet.
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Post by kenb321 on Aug 1, 2010 20:56:39 GMT -5
"Be careful not to shift under heavy load (unless you're looking for higher gears to whoop someones arse in a sprint ) ; especially up front."
Just ask Andy Schleck
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jamesi
Olympic Member
Posts: 122
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Post by jamesi on Aug 2, 2010 8:40:52 GMT -5
I'm pretty good about keeping the chain lubed and clean, but I'm definitely guilty of shifting under load. I try to be cognizant of my shifting, but it inevitably happens. I attribute it to the fact that I'm still learning how to select gears for climbing. I think I drop my chain more than most seasoned riders because of improper gear selection/shifting technique. I've done my fair share of reading, but the fact remains that I just need a few thousand more miles in the saddle. I'll take a little solace in the fact that it stills happens to greats like Schleck and just keep building my base.
Thanks for the offers to help and the insights.
J
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