How To Fix A Dropped Chain | What To Do If Your Chain Comes Off While Cycling

[@gcn]

Have you ever dropped your chain at a crucial moment? Let us know in the comments 👇

[@rehablab7694]

I’ve been a cyclocross racer in my younger years. Once dropped my chain seconds before the crucial descent in to the sand pit in famous Zonhoven! 😰Managed to shift it back on while decending though 🤷🏽‍♂️😂💪🏾

[@gcn]

@@rehablab7694 That's a great story! Thanks for sharing!

[@eufscrew]

@@gcn once I was running in a small dirt track when I took a stick and i fell , I made some scratches but nothing to worry about ... but the chain😥🤕

[@charlificity]

GCN are putting Aretha Franklin to shame! (chain chain chain...)

[@markhawkins8304]

I have been doing a big race in a break away and the it droped and i came second

[@khazza930]

Tip: Instead of a latex glove (which is hard to come by nowadays and can't be re-used), use a plastic bag instead and wear it like a glove. It can easily be inverted (and un-inverted back) so only one side gets dirty, and when done you just keep that side on the inside so you can fold and put the bag in your pocket (with no worries getting your pocket dirty). This means the bag can be re-used over and over again (i've had one in my saddle for years now... never needed to replace it).

[@dontknowwhattocallthis3316]

Yo 7 year old me thinking about how I thought I was a mechanic putting my chain back on

[@gcn]

Haha!

[@ajasmr365]

I thought that when I fixed mine 15 mins ago

[@trollinape2697]

Im 14 and cant do it

[@padhinakarafathima9484]

FR Thats true

[@matthiaswuest7271]

Wow the ending had me in tears 😂 brilliant editing

[@gcn]

Us too!

[@Better_Call_Bulba-Saur]

@@gcn Hank could easily make a cover of missy elliot's "Ching-A-Ling" with that many repeatitions of chain-chain.

[@travismackiddie9317]

GCN, you guys have been great encouragers for myself to hop back on to a saddle after having gained about 115lbs while away at university recently... i purchased my first down bar this week (triban RC-520) and i am in love with the bike! Would you guys consider doing a few tips/videos for some of us bigger riders? tips on how to make sure our bikes (which are made for lighter riders) are maintained properly, tire pressure guide for bigger riders, etc. you guys have been a great source of entertainment and knowledge. thank you for your time and effort!

[@cyclingsfatsuma9808]

Check leonardmlee who does heavy rider videos like 'Why are you still fat?" And "Too fat to cycle?" Aimed at an older overweight community but you might find some useful information

[@stevem.3646]

As a teen in the 70's, I was riding to baseball practice on my father's 50's era fixed wheel with no brakes. Lost the chain on a long descent. Pulled my mitt from behind the Brooks saddle and grabbed the front wheel with it. Better option than sitting on the rear wheel.

[@Januaryblue_Zzz]

Thank you so much I bought a new bike and I rode it for 3 mins and the chain slipped, I didn't know what to do and this helped me a lot 👍🏿

[@dead_againonblitz6462]

0:20 oily hands? *laughs in waxed chain

[@gcn]

It's alright for some!

[@austinshoupe3003]

Global Cycling Network Squirt’s wax lube is great. 100+ miles between lubings. It just can’t be too wet out.

[@GregLanz]

Started waxing my chains this year. Regret not doing it decades ago, so much nicer to deal with. Works better in the dry than the wet, and thus better on road bikes than gravel or MTB or fatbike

[@raybarber9526]

I kept latex gloves in a back pocket. I was getting an energy bar and a glove fell out and got jammed in the rear mech. There were bits of glove everywhere. I had to remove the cassette to clean it all out.

[@Zach_______]

This video saved me! Was on my way to work on my giant escape 3. First, like an idiot - I shifted while stationary. The bike wouldn’t pedal forward at all. The chain was lodged and stuck in between the frame and gear. This video helped me fix it in about 1-2 minutes. I couldn’t believe it. Thought I was screwed. Thank you so much!

[@Zeben84]

Step 1 : setup your derailleurs correctly Step 2 : get a chain catcher Step 3 : Enjoy !

[@nekousmith]

Thank you! No one taught me how to ride a bike. My chain jumped off. This was very easy to follow and I got my chain on in seconds.

[@dwhhhhhhhhhh]

Just soft pedal, while shifting up and down the front mech and it'll normally jump back on?

[@jimbolimbo]

That's what I do. Don't stop the bike, pedal slowly and change gear to big crank. No greasy hands!

[@gcn]

That can often work yes, just be wary of the chain jamming between your small chainring and the frame if you chose to do this

[@dwhhhhhhhhhh]

@@gcn Yes, definitely. Don't be too hasty - by 'soft' pedal I mean really soft, otherwise you'll hear a very crunchy sound and you'll have more to worry about than a dropped chain. This technique has saved me having to shout 'mechanical' on many a group ride though and probably works 90% of the time.

[@discbrakefan]

Works with some groupsets, but not all

[@chuckmccracken4136]

If it works, but it doesn't always work.

[@rasmuswi]

1: 9 dropped chains out of 10 seem to be the chain dropping to the inside when shifting the front derailleur. Very often (except on bikes where this leads to the chain getting wedged between frame and chainset, like my 3T Exploro) that can be solved by quickly shifting to the big ring. 2: Wax the chain! I don't need gloves, I just out the chain back on with my bare fingers. No oil on the handlebars, no oil on the frame, no oil anywhere.

[@gcn]

That is good advice :)

[@rasmuswi]

@@gcn regarding waxing, I just got another Idea. Why not send Jeremy out to visit Moltenspeedwax.com?

[@rbjr7469]

One minute into the video I started a "chain" drinking game, by 6:55 I passed out. 😂

[@888johnmac]

don't do that during the last min of the video ... haha

[@rbjr7469]

@@888johnmac that's the part that sank me 😂

[@emilenoterman9482]

The ending sounds like CHAINese, honestly. 😂😂

[@Timeo_Danaos_Et_Dona_Ferentes]

Да, весело😅игра звуков😉

[@jen3800]

in my cycling club, someone taught me how to put a dropped chain back on mid race. you should teach that skill. it teaches awareness, reaction time and how to handle a crisis. cycling is a metaphor for life to me.

[@jonwilliams8366]

Used that rear derailer tip today. Great vid 👍thanks

[@shainmugen]

Thanks, super helpful! just fixed mine after watching yr video.

[@kylescicluna1541]

"How to fix a dropped chain" instead you should do "How to fix a dropped rider" so it can finally apply to me XD

[@gcn]

Haha, don't worry Kyle - we've all been there!

[@niallyshere]

@@gcn not me, i've never been dropped by anyone because i refuse to cycle.

[@BaskinTapkan]

Learned a few tricks - Thanks Hank!

[@DeStraatz]

"Chain chain chaiiinnnnnnnnnn, Chain a foo-ool"

[@9034833838]

If you don't want to carry latex gloves with you but want clean hands, just pick some foliage off the ground. Grass, leaves or perhaps some freshly peeled stems. If you do get your hands dirty, just pick some sand and rub it properly on your hands and scrape the hands on a freshly peeled part of a tree with removed bark(or with bark if you got strong skin. Mine scrapes off easy) and then wash off with your bidon.

[@gcn]

Good tips for sure!

[@kearankuszpit1030]

That’s really good until the first time you pick up nettles 🤣

[@BikePappy]

Kearan Kuszpit - Or squat on them. My daughter can tell you about her horror story. Was pretty funny, actually.

[@michaelrich5501]

I alway have foliage, a bucket of sand and a tree trunk in my bag

[@9034833838]

@@michaelrich5501 if you're riding in places without trees, sand or foliage, you don't need to fix chain on the move.

[@hisdadjames4876]

Solid practical advice. Thanks!

[@b11480]

Top video as always. Recently stumbled across your channel and I’ve been going back and watching all of the videos, love them 👍

[@Colt45dco]

Thanks, started to “sing” chain reaction because of the ending of this video, hope my comment makes y’all do the same, keep up the good work guys 👍

[@scottweeks6379]

Great Video

[@bobbybox3968]

Great advice. Kind regards from Bonnie Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Rainaman-]

I just grab a leaf to take chain, push derailleur with my foot and bam it's done

[@mikea7174]

“Chain chain chain change chain in my mouth”. Haha. Brilliant. Thanks for the tips.

[@Carlostry]

They should show you how to fix a dropped chain when they tell you how to put it on…lol. This channel is go to when needing help with your bike !

[@christopherjpresti]

When my chain comes of the small chain wheel I just shift it back on while peddaling. Works like a charm. Been doing it for years.

[@Dev-w8o3n]

Thank you Gcn London for the great tips

[@tyson.cheese.double7354]

thx i dont know anything about bikes but ill give this a try

[@GregLanz]

Wax your chain and there's no oil or mess to deal with. Cassette is clean, chain is clean, chainrings are clean, and hands stay clean. The biggest advantage to wax, it's so nice to look down on a clean cassette

[@gcn]

We love a clean bike!

[@makskulawski4047]

Super helpful thanks

[@florida5135]

1:00 - "Now you can put these in your saddle bag" - Me, looking at a typical GCN rider's bike without a saddlebag, without a rear light, and perhaps without a front light... ??? GCN hocus pocus, again, lol. There's real cycling for we non-sponsored civilians, and there's the cleansed version of cycling that GCN wants to portray, but never shall the two cross. Good video, though - if I spent that much on a drive-train and bike, and still had dropped chains, I'd be miffed :-) I figured there was just something about my Force 22 that led to dropped chains ever since it was new. Changed out the rear derailleur for a new one, new wheels (hence new freewheel mechanism), new chain, new cassette, but for whatever reason it still will drop off of the front at some stops. I can't imagine spending the money on electronic shifting and still having that happen. Latex gloves - light weight, great to carry if even only to hand to someone else who is broken down to keep their hands clean.

[@DaveCM]

I'm guessing they either don't have the bag on to make the bike more photogenic or they carry everything in their pockets (which I hate doing). Of you dropped a chain, it most likely is that your system is slightly out of adjustment. Changing under power can amplify that problem. Most dropped chains I've seen on rides was people changing the front on a climb after they rode out the big ring a little too far. As for electronic, I personally think they are the most over rated thing in cycling for a few reasons. Yes, they can still drop a chain if everything isn't set up properly. In the year I've had my electronic shifting, it happened on a ride a few times. The front wasn't properly adjusted. If setup right, it shouldn't happen since you don't have cable stretch. If it does happen on the front, you'd need your multi-tool (which I didn't have that day) as you can't make adjustments to the front without tools.

[@austinshoupe3003]

Dropped chains really aren’t a group set issue. I never drop my chain short of crashing and I have one of the cheaper groupsets. Meanwhile, a few friends have nicer groupsets and drop plenty. It’s all mechanic and rider error. And yes, GCN used to talk plenty about putting their flat kit in their pockets. Bags aren’t super photogenic and aren’t terribly aero, but most of us don’t care (and GCN has noticed). And I’m sure there’s some kind of agreement between GCN and Pinerello about how the bikes are shot. No need to be whiny about it.

[@chuckmccracken4136]

If you've tried everything else you might look at the alignment of the rear derailleur relative to the wheel. I had that happen once. Also, you might check the alignment side to side of the crank and the cassette in the back. Not all combinations are going to work well on a given frame. Shimano I know specs the distance that the crank sticks out versus the back wheel center line. I upgraded mine, and I notice that it's a little out of alignment. I have to be careful not to cross chain or I have problems.

[@florida5135]

@@chuckmccracken4136 Thank you. When i gave the new derailleur to a mobile, and very trusted, bicycle repair mechanic, I told him to align it as he saw fit. So, unless the hanger is off a little bit, but doesn't look it, I trust his work. Me, I was hoping that my original derailleur's cage spring was weak, and that the new one would put more tension on the chain. Cross-chaining isn't a problem (in as far as the chain coming off), and since we are flat, here, we all do it on occasions at stop lights (big, big) just to not have to keep switching from the big ring to the small front ring, then immediately back again for each stoplight. I have wondered if something about the cranks make them stick out farther. To my knowledge, the bb width is correct.

[@gdaymates431]

I just swear at it. That seems to work a treat for me.

[@richaw6689]

Top tips Hank.. always packing latex gloves is spot on. I use them for punctures too.. good to see Conor motor across those Belgian cobbles again! Ch Ch Ch Ch Cheers 🥂

[@troybrowning839]

If you drop your chain on the front rings, just shift to the opposite gear and light pedal... drop it low side, shift to big ring and light pedal and the front d will pull it back up onto the rings... drop it to the outside, shift to the small ring and the front d will pull it back onto the rings.

[@QueenShanine]

I remember this happened to me when going down hill during a group ride. I’m glad I was able to stop myself without taking a dive 😁

[@gonpoogen8801]

when you put back the chain is it possible to put it in the wrong link? Or I would know if I do as the chain will either not fit back or it is too tight?

[@henryflorence9996]

Great video, some very helpful tips. But are you sure that chain is upto to the Si standard of cleanliness?

[@vincentgregoir4914]

@Global Cycling Network - what brand is the Chainstay (Chainsuck) protector? Looking for a good one for my Bianchi race bike.

[@EmmaLouUK]

Ahh this saved me, was 3 miles from the end of stage 4 of the tour de Zwift when my chain dropped under load 🤦🏼‍♀️. Only been cycling 6 weeks so it’s the first time it’s happened so didn’t have a clue what to do! Thanks to the vid was back up and running pretty fast.

[@sckschan]

I use Allen keys or the multi-tools as a hook to get the chain back into place.

[@xanther9144]

I went riding an hour after this, and dropped my chain 5k in. Had to call my dad, should have prioritised watching GCN over revision 😩

[@jayamplayo1630]

Hi GCN..., how about chain drops and always caught in between the chainring, currently using 2x setup, 50/42T..., need advice thanks.

[@derputy_9913]

My wife's frame is currently out for repair from a dropped chain getting wedged hard into the chainstay. Half the chain was also somehow twisted almost 90 degrees. She was mashing uphill in full wattage-bazooka mode as she simultaneously shifted and struck a pothole. I got a cup on Strava riding back to fetch the rescue car, so...there's that.

[@jorenvandaele1301]

How do you even drop a chain these days if your shifting is correctly set up? I haven't dropped a chain in years, even riding pretty bad terrain on bikes that aren't made for it

[@discbrakefan]

Compact cranksets can often throw chains when shifting to the small ring, even if everything is set up correctly. The first tip should have been a chain catcher!

[@austinshoupe3003]

My wife drops hers sometimes when she makes a shifting error. She’s still learning. GCN is making a point to educate all the new comers to the sport. Also, mine dropped when I slipped and fell on some gravel the other day.

[@jorenvandaele1301]

@@austinshoupe3003 I agree with educating the newcomers, but don't you think it's a bit too much making a whole video about this? they should make some videos with general tips for newcomers, not 7 mins about a dropped chain

[@chuckmccracken4136]

@@jorenvandaele1301 we do get to choose if we watch it or not. Not every video is going to be of interest everyone.

[@pembrokeshiredan]

If you get your chain wedged between the cassette and the wheel, you won't cause any damage to either by just pulling it out. You're far more likely to have damaged your spokes with getting the chain in there in the first place. There's no need to remove the cassette from the wheel unless the chain's really stuck. And that's not really a job you can do at the roadside. I've seen hack/bodge tools to pull out a wedged-in chain, made from an old steel spoke bent into a hook. Obviously once you've got your derailleur limit screw set correctly, you won't need it.

[@illmakethisgamelong9028]

Thanks dude!!

[@ayayoutuber]

set up your derailleur limit screw correctly and add a chain guard and you will never have this problem ever.

[@chuckmccracken4136]

I would just add both front and back derailleur limit screws both screws. however, you can still have the problem once the components get worn.

[@werneriucksch8007]

When that happens, obviously use it to rationalise the need for a new bike.

[@sovvsuh]

xD

[@chuckmccracken4136]

Don't we all. 😉

[@ocubex]

Lol. Was surprised a trip to the bike shop was not an option

[@Lunarpollo5622]

The end of the video 😂😂😂😂 Chay chain chang chay shay chay chayne chane

[@CheeseAlarm]

The thing I miss about the old down tube friction levers is that you could manipulate a dropped chain back on without stopping Mind you with a properly set up indexed mech it doesn't fall off in the first place.

[@gwngamingworldnation3085]

Love your videos

[@gcn]

Thanks Chase!

[@solefreak2]

My chain come off twice on a big ride recently despite having a chain catcher on my frame. It caught my chain, I continued peddling and managed to get the chain back on to the front ring. However when I got home and inspected my frame, noticed it had chipped my paint close to the chainrings! Gutted!!

[@jen3800]

nice one, Hank ! i hope you guys got my apology re: the non English video. I regret my ignorance and have changed my view point

[@bantu4886]

Hey another question GCN. What. Bike do you recommend best for a beginner?

[@gcn]

That's a great question, it doesn't matter so much which bike you ride as a beginner - but make sure to get a bike that fits you and that you're excited to ride, that way you'll want to get out riding and your bike will feel comfortable to ride, hopefully resulting in many happy days out on the road!

[@bantu4886]

Global Cycling Network Thanks. And who is answering these questions?

[@9034833838]

@@bantu4886 Tom the brick Lasty

[@chuckmccracken4136]

Ozy, I would start with the cheapest bike you can find that fits you. If you want a ride on the road mostly, grab a road bike. If you want to ride off road, then get a mountain bike. Depending on where you're at, you should be able to get one pretty cheap. You can pick up a bike at Walmart in the US for about $70. I unfortunately started with a $450 bike, only to find out Iwas really into it. Then I've had to wait years in order to upgrade it to a better bike which I am doing now. Start small, upgrade components as needed, and save your money for the bike that you really want. Happy riding.

[@bantu4886]

Chuck McCracken Thanks!

[@Reese-ed7fz]

Hi, I'm a beginner biker. I crashed my bike, and I checked the chain dropped on the front end. I managed to put it all back, but the thing is it's stuck, and I cant pedal to move forward. What should I do?

[@Wildschwein_Jaeger]

Here is another "lost art" used to be that you kept riding, turned the index shifting to friction, and slowly try to get the chain back on the chain rings. If not just grab a leaf or a stick if the chain is dirty that it should not be. Nowadays the electronic shifting...I'll update you but I bet this is unlikely to happen. Keep pedaling...

[@jameswitte5676]

2:15: Take off the rear cassette? I’ll need a freakin carry-on suitcase to fit all my tools. Or maybe I’ll get a tow behind child carrier and bring my bicycle tool box complete with my bike stand.

[@HollywoodGreenFresh]

im new to road cycling, is it common to have your chain drop?, i've never experienced dropped chain with mtb even in some spoke bending terrain.

[@chuckmccracken4136]

It happened sometimes usually due to one components or derailers that aren't adjusted properly. If you follow the manufacturers directions, my experiences you can't go wrong. But you do have to figure out when it's time to change the components. They've got some good videos. Look at the maintenance videos they have or any number of others on KZbin.

[@ivanmius]

If you manage to fling your chain off your big chainring from an over-excited double shift you can get it back on while still moving with a little backpedal and shifter jiggling.

[@antoinerouyer-brown7180]

Used the cassette cleaning guide from a previous video. On the upside my cassette works looks and feels better. On the downside I now have to explain to my mum why her rag went from white to black!😂😂

[@StoicTheGeek]

Latex.gloves are also helpful if someone comes off and requires first aid. You (or someone more qualified) can help them out without risk of infection from any blood that might be spilled.

[@biftekification]

Funniest dropped chain was on a Zwift race. Yup indoors ! On a serious note I have a K-Edge chain catcher on my "outdoor bike" and on the rare occasion the chain comes off it seems to just push through the chain catcher. The catcher is installed tight and with the same gap to the chain as the front deraileur on the small ring. @GCN Is that meant to happen with chain catchers ? I guess it protects the frame but chain still drops..

[@HaveAGoodHeart]

Very useful to newbie like me. But between this video and your bike, i prefer the latter. Hahaha

[@seabracing8880]

great video !

[@freshavocado8572]

You haven’t even watched it

[@seabracing8880]

NoamBoy you can always know that a GCN video will be great :D

[@gcn]

Thanks!

[@freshavocado8572]

Quash Bosh haha that’s true

[@hytcy7507]

@@seabracing8880 So true!!!!!!

[@ER-kx8ye]

thank u so much saved me today

[@joyndlovu2793]

you guys saved meeee

[@whomstd]

Dropped my chain just yesterday and was looking for some how-to videos during the pit stop. Is GCN spying on me 👀?

[@legarsdesplantes2223]

Your bike is beautiful damnn those carbon wheels !!

[@NeilBD1979]

Any idea why my chain comes off only when pulling away, from a junction or roundabout? Had a couple of sketchy moments! Under normal use it's no problem although I can feel(not hear) a clicking through my peddles. Teeth look ok to me.

[@mcw327]

Shift when your feet are at 11 and 5 o’clock position - less power going through the drive. I can often get the chain back on with my toe without stopping. Direct the chain back to the chainring and peddle softly backwards. Don’t do this if it’s jammed, or you’re on a bumpy road, busy road, etc.

[@chuckmccracken4136]

Not bad, but having ridden a bike for 50 years, I usually don't have that problem. The reason for it is that I always let up on the power when shifting. Harkins back to the technology 50 years ago that did not allow you to shift under power without really boogering up everything.

[@lehtjug]

I will probably start to see a nightmares about that chain, chain, change, chain, change, chain, chain.... :D

[@gcn]

Oh no!

[@lehtjug]

Clint Oostwold nothing isn’t same these days anymore 😅

[@divineangel73]

Omg thank you!!

[@pricklypear1111]

Came for the bike tips...stayed for the handsome man!

[@pmtv2050]

It's possible putting the chain back on the rear cassette if you give it some slack just like in the video can you can do exactly what he did with the front cassette

[@lucasbrown4213]

Thank you

[@turtlebobprod]

(Chain, chain, chain) Chain of fools 🎶

[@GrahamConnor]

Wait how do you drop the rear wheel. I'm cycling to work and so worried this will happen!

[@nicanorbadal689]

Maybe the quick release lever is not design to be used like a wrench for tightening and loosening axles

[@Ahurtad1]

What size tires are those? 700x28c?

[@rehablab7694]

SO USEFULL! and never put your bike upside down when fixing this. I see so many riders do this 😅😅

[@danw4234]

Why?!

[@judechamberlain7580]

@@danw4234 it looks like you have no idea how to fix a bike if you turn your bike upside down.

[@gcn]

@@danw4234 Generally it's not the best idea because your saddle and shifter hoots are quite easily damaged - it's also not pleasant to have to sit on a dirty saddle and hold dirty hoods!

[@rikkiola]

Load of b****x, been doing this with bikes since 5 years old, never caused one problem yet made things much easier at times

[@danw4234]

@@judechamberlain7580 mature response, hi five✋

[@kevcroft2815]

5:04 - Hank is a Thunderbirds puppet, I can see his strings.

[@blahqwe]

brilliant

[@harrypettersen8690]

About the oily and messy drivetrain; convert to waxing. OZ Cycle has some good videos about the topic.

[@deeptiahuja5570]

Very useful 👌👍🏻

[@gcn]

Glad you think so, thanks for watching!

[@GeorgeGrote]

My chain will usually only drop in front if the pedals are turned backwards. What causes that?

[@curriegillespie8261]

Shifting it back on has always worked for me. Unless the chain gets wedged against the frame.

[@icyraikkonen2516]

The video editors are really taking the p1ss out of these presenters lately. Love it!

[@nishisalott1839]

My chain started to act up after I took off my tires to get repaired. My chain just easily gets unhinged now. What does that fall under?

[@Danrandon900]

I always carry a few baby wipes in an old 35mm fit canister to clean up any oil afterwards. Any parent will know that baby wipes will remove absolutely ANYTHING

[@gweilo965]

Carry on peddling and use your front mech

[@chuckmccracken4136]

I grab my tire lever out of my bike bag and use it to grab the slack off the rear derailleur on the bottom of the chain and then loop it around the front to release it and put it back on the sprockets. In doing that I've got a little bit of grease on the tire lever, but I don't have any grease on my hands.

[@youriverstraete4986]

Next GCN is going recommend to take a spoon with us just in case.

[@markborsos646]

how about waxing the chain instead of oiling it?

[@yakazoko3856]

@GCN @James I wonder what's the width of your seatpost and is it a Fizik arione ? :D

[@chanjayable]

So, on a morning ride early yesterday morning, chain falls off. I sit on a bench with nothing around for miles, watch this video, sorted in 5 minutes. Thanks a ton. #truestory