Well, I have a Kent cruiser biker that was donated to me and Ive been making use of for two years since Im not able to drive and have no stable support system. The city I live in is hilly with bad roads. I learned how to replace my tire recently because i got a flat in the front then the back.
My chain is now the issue. I got it replaced and serviced at a local bike shop i go to when i have money, because my chain had a broken link. They replaced it with a new one but it came off again after two days.
In the picture, i removed the cover but i need help in adjusting the chain. I am a newbie to the bike mechanic world, and much of the internet videos move too fast for me. How do i put the chain on where it wont come off? I know it has to be in a certain position to hold double its weight. But idk any tips to do that.
And clearly the bike shop i went to didnt want to fully help me, at least that particular mechanic, cause i usually go earlier and another mechanic fixes it to work really well for much longer. I've gone to them for a replacement chain before and have never had this issue. But they're also across town and my work schedule doesnt align with going there… In addition to not having a way to get there other than my broken down bike…
If i need to take more pictures of my bike for better assessment, please let me know. I need to get my bike fixed. It's my only method of transportation
by _afflatus
2 Comments
Chain might be too long, flip the bike over on its handle bar and seat. Put the chain on then pull the tire back to tighten the chain and tighten the nuts, you might have to tighten one side first then the other and keep going back and forth until the chain is tight and the wheel is centered. If your tire falls off the drop outs when before it tightens the chain then the chain is too long. Also make sure your sprocket and chain ring look like they are aligned otherwise that could be the reason your chain comes off.
all you will need is a 15mm wrench. since your bike is a single speed with no derailleur, you need to add tension to the chain as it wears out. When the chain is too loose, it slips off like yours. Here is what you need to do. First, loosen the axle nuts on your rear wheel with a 15mm wrench and slide the wheel forwards. Slip the chain over the rear cog, and then over your front chainring. Then, slide the rear wheel back in the dropouts (that’s the slot the wheel goes in) until the chain is tight. Hold the wheel steady and straight, then tighten those nuts back. Make sure the nuts are very tight. Periodically, your chain will start stretching and feeling looser, so you have to repeat this process. I would buy a chain checker tool, which will help you assess the wear of your chain. You can keep riding with a worn out chain, but it will start digging into your rear cog and your chainring, which will make it so those need to be replaced.