Electric fat bike (Shimano), pedal assist 500w motor.
I ride it leisurely, never too much tension/load when shifting etc.
I’ve noticed a clicking sound on drivetrain side when I was pedaling the last few weeks but I thought it was a pedal or BB issue.
But then this happened, chain snapped mid ride. Perhaps it was the chain making the noise beforehand, but I clean it regularly and lube it so not sure what would cause it.
Thoughts?
by LadyGonzo28
12 Comments
Have you removed a link before? that might have been the cause for it to snap
Also based on my research the other possible causes are improper shifting, wear and tear and lastly lack of maintenance (as you have said you maintain it very well so it isn’t the problem)
[removed]
That looks like shifting to an easier gear under load. The loud noises from your drivetrain when shifting under load is the rear gears trying to do exactly what we see here. Usually the chain is tough enough to not break.
That 500W motor likely has a little to do with it. Especially if it has a throttle.
If you didn’t specify e bike I’d say you got some goddamned watt bazookas and no mortal made chain can contain you. But yea that link probably failed mid shift with a little load. Chains break sometimes, carrying a link is worth it and a shitty chain tool can do the clean up to get you riding again.
Need to correct myself, it’s a 250W motor not 500. Can’t edit the original post.
If you replace the chain, be sure to get a GENUINE Shimano that matches right up. There are dozens of reports of “knock-off” Shimano chains that some folks have gotten for cheap through unscrupulous online sellers (yes, even Amazon), only to rue the “savings” when the chain fails early. I get my chains from the LBS, and sleep good.
Cross chaining can cause this. That’s when you ride in the biggest cog on the rear and the biggest chain ring in the front. It may seem efficient but it’s not, it puts a lot of strain on your chain. you should try to shift down to a smaller chain ring when seeking an easier climbing gear in the rear
Crappy chain probably or shifting under load maybe?
I’ve put 4000 watts through a cheap chain and it never let me down
Those chains aren’t designed for ebike torque
Tension
I think a combination of torque and a bad chain are the causes. Get a new chain and it probably won’t happen for a while.