This one link on my chain is stiff. The chain is only two months old (along with the rest of the drivetrain) and has always been well cared for. Any idea what could be causing this? Should I just replace the chain and forget about it?
Thanks in advance!
by theworldtonight
6 Comments
you can typically fix a stiff link by somewhat gently bending the chain laterally by grabing either side of the stiff link, and bending the chain towards/away from you. don’t put enough force to bend the metal, just enough to move the outer plates slightly wider and allow free movement.
Put the chain in a chain breaker tool to hold the link. Then use gentle lateral movement to flex the chain at the stiff link. This should loosen up the stiff link. You can use your hands but you can easily overdo it.
Just grab it to the left and right and flex it laterally. I had that happen recently, it just needed to be exercised. I then lubed those links, no problems since.
Not sure if that is the “correct” answer, but it worked for me.
Remove the chain from the bike, put it on a flat surface, and see that the link is still straight. They do bend sometimes when shifting under load, or when the chain falls. Links with significant bend you will be able to see on the bike (like on a big cog). Smaller bends you will need a flat surface.
Maybe your bibs are too revealing
Try out this [video](https://youtu.be/25gP6PmxhKI?si=InUhf5q2OugbKcqB).