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Why Your Bike Chain Keeps Coming Off
A chain that keeps dropping usually points to slack, derailleur adjustment, or worn parts. Here is how to work out which one and what to try first.
Chains, Gears & Brakes
Chain Fixes
7 guides, starting with Why Your Bike Chain Keeps Coming Off.
Bike Chain Slipping Under Hard Pedaling
If your chain skips or slips when you stand on the pedals, the cause is often wear, gear adjustment or a stiff link. Learn how to tell them apart.
How to Shorten a Bike Chain
Learn how to size a bike chain, remove extra links with a chain tool and rejoin it with a quick link or the correct pin, plus common mistakes to avoid.
How to Tighten a Bike Chain
How you tighten a bike chain depends on the bike. Learn how to check tension and what to do on single-speed, geared and coaster brake bicycles.
Removing a Bike Chain Without a Chain Tool
Learn how to open a quick link by hand, when a punch is a last resort, and what risks to expect when removing a bike chain without a chain tool.
Tightening a Single Speed Bike Chain
Step-by-step guidance for tightening a single speed bike chain by sliding the rear wheel back in the dropouts, with tension checks and common mistakes.
Why Did My Bike Chain Break? Common Causes and Prevention
Bike chains usually break from wear, shifting under heavy load, poor joins or bent parts. See the common causes, how to get home, and how to prevent a repeat.
Related topics
More in chains, gears & brakes
Chain Care 6 guides, starting with How Often Should You Lube a Bike Chain?. Bike Gears 6 guides, starting with Bike Gears Explained with a Diagram. Brake Types & Upgrades 4 guides, starting with Bike Brake Types Compared. Brake Troubleshooting 5 guides, starting with How to Adjust Rear Bike Brakes: Rim and Disc Setups.