My newly waxed chain is skipping, and I think it is due to the one stiff link… I have tried putting hot water on it. Also I have been riding it for 13 minutes, but there is no change. What is wrong?
Problems with newly waxed chain
byu/First_Internet1456 inbikewrench
by First_Internet1456
10 Comments
How many miles on the chain? You’ve never had a problem with that link before?
You might have too much wax which means it’ll take longer for it to loosen up. Mine have taken anywhere from 5 minutes to over 30 minutes.
If you’ve poured plenty of hot water on it and it’s still sticking then it’s an issue with that link and not due to wax.
This can happen if you’re using a pin to reconnect the chain rather than a Quik/master link. If it’s a new chain and you’re using a Quik link then it’s a bit strange to have this scenario. Have you tried “bending” (more of a tweak than a bend) the chain sideways at that link? That will often allow the link to open up a bit and move freely.
Just keep riding
Looks like the chain pins too tight, flex the chain a little or if you have a chain tool the pin will need pressing in/out a tiny tiny amount to loosen it up. See which side of the joining pin is sticking out further and push it in a touch.
The issue I had when a freshly waxed chain was skipping was that I put it back on the bike incorrectly – the logos on shimano chains should be facing outward.
You have a tight link, just grab with both hands in either side of the offending link and gently flex sideways a few times, just check it after a few twists, should sort itself pretty quick
bent link
That is definitely a sign that there is mustache hair stuck in your chain.
I would suggest removing the chain soaking it in some solvent to remove all the wax, then dry it with a clean cloth, air dry it for a few hours then re install it in the bike. Lastly apply a fine coat of Dumonde tech dry lubricant.
Oh and do all of this of course after gently flexing the bound link at the pins to loosen the affected links.
Hope this helps.
Get a lighter, melt the wax a bit more. Also your derailleur hanger looks bent
I just bought a trek 7500 touring bike and the guy had waxed the chain , no doubt thinking it was a good idea. And my chain behaved the same. Personally I don’t wax chains , just clean and oil .