This is probably a really basic repair question, but I don't know much about bikes.
My ten year old has a single speed bike. The chain has gotten a little loose so that you can see it sagging a little and it comes off sometimes, at which point I have to get it back on.
What causes this and how do I fix it?
She's had the bike for several years and it's always been fine before. The sprockets don't appear to be loose and the chain itself, based on it's construction doesn't seem like the kind of thing that can stretch or expand.
Thanks.
2007-04-11 15:28:16 · 6 answers · asked by Whoops, is this your spleeen? 6 in Sports ➔ Cycling
It is simple to fix.
The way the rear axel is attached it is possible for it to slide forward and backward to adjust the tension on the chain. Over time, it can slip a little bit or the chain can actually stretch a little and it becomes too slack.
Just get a couple of wrenches that fit the bolts on the rear axel and loosen it a bit. Then push back on the wheel until the chain just has a little bit of slack on it. Then tighten the bolts on the axel.
Should be just fine.
2007-04-11 15:44:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Kids Bike Chain
2016-12-15 13:20:36 · answer #2 · answered by trebil 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your chain will stretch with use. Unfortunately, in stretching, it also will cause deeper grooves into your casset (Rear cogs) and your crank teeth.
A standard bike chain, when new, will have links that are 1" in length (A link comprises of an inner and outer piece.). As the chain stretches it will sag. If it is bad enough to jump off of your gears I think it is time for a new chain (Usually about £8, but www.chainreactioncycles.com are doing a good deal at the moment of about £3 a set + £1.50 postage.).
Unfortunately, you will probably also have to replace the rear cogs as well. If it is a childs bike and does not have gears, this could be quite cheap. But even if it has gears, this should not prove too expensive, perhaps £10 - £20. There is also a chance that, after several years, your front cog needs replacing as well.
The reason that I am saying replace cogs at the same time as the chain is that, if the stretch is too much then the worn out cogs will damage the chain, drastically shortening the life.
My advice would be to take it to a bike shop, or source the parts yourself. I would say the former.
Luck
2007-04-12 00:51:34 · answer #3 · answered by Alice S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had this same problem with my first bike. I would take it in a shop. I was riding with a loose chain andii broke my hub cap(could of cost 100$ but i got it warrynteed). I would take it into a bike shop and ask whats wrong. It may be an old and you may need a new one(bikes can only last ofr 3 or 4 years)
2007-04-11 15:35:35 · answer #4 · answered by . 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try loosening the nuts on the tire and pull on the tire until the chain is tight. And tighten the nuts. I have a couple of bikes that are 10 years or older, this happens occasionally...
Or you can take the chain off and have a link or two taken removed...
2007-04-11 15:41:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
to keep it from slipping in the future replace the flat washers on the rear axle with serrated washers then pull the wheel back till the chain is almost tight and tighten the axle nuts making sure the wheel stays centered between the chain stays.
2007-04-11 16:28:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋