Chain slipping at front

privateBeavis

My chain has started slipping recently sometimes when I put some force into pedalling. I was assuming it was at the rear but then I realised was actually at the front chain ring.



As you can see from the image seems like there is quite a difference between the chain and teeth. I'm pushing the chain up into position at the bottom and is sitting in the teeth at the top so you can see the amount of difference there is at the bottom left.

Thing is I had the front chainring replaced just a year ago now when it got damaged. However its only started slipping in the past month or so. Imagine if it was that much of a difference would have been slipping from it was replaced. (I'm commuting on it every day).

Does the distance between chain teeth vary could just have been the wrong one put it or something. Or is it more likely that the chain has stretched since (the bike is about 5 yrs old).
i.e. should I just buy a new chain perhaps?

Thanks.

Nate--IRL--

Your chain has stretched - replace it and ideally the Chainring too.

Nate

jon1981

Chains typically need replacing anywhere from 2500km to 3500km. How many km have you done on that chain? Hard to see from the pic, but chain ring looks worn already, could be the chain not being replaced sooner causing that.

disco1

That chain is beyond worn.....a worn chain destroy your ching rings....both will need replaced.

Inquitus

It can also cause you to crash, nothing worse than trying to sprint as hard as you can and the front chainring slipping, fix as a priority before you hurt yourself.

crosstownk

Nate--IRL-- wrote: »

Your chain has stretched - replace it and ideally the Chainring too.

^^ This. The chain is for the bin. Replace it as soon as you can. The more you use it the more you'll wear the chainrings and cassette.

Wishbone Ash

Inquitus wrote: »

...... fix as a priority before you hurt yourself.

.....or someone else!

Dan2912

Replace it and keep the new one clean. Save the hassle in future.

privateBeavis

thanks all, going to get new chain..

I didn't know about replacing chains every ~3000km I've probably done closer to 10k km at this stage on it!

I know I should keep it in better nick but would cleaning it make a difference to a chain stretching or not?

68 lost souls

privateBeavis wrote: »

thanks all, going to get new chain..

I didn't know about replacing chains every ~3000km I've probably done closer to 10k km at this stage on it!

I know I should keep it in better nick but would cleaning it make a difference to a chain stretching or not?

Cleaning it will stop debris from wearing the teeth on the chain rings and cassette. It will also stop wear on the chain itself yes. You may also need to replace the cassette/chain rings depending on the ware.

One of these tools is handy for checking http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-essential-chain-wear-tool/

If it fits between the links its worn.

The GCN videos are great for learning a bit more about this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LqTmvuf6tw

jon1981

privateBeavis wrote: »

thanks all, going to get new chain..

I didn't know about replacing chains every ~3000km I've probably done closer to 10k km at this stage on it!

I know I should keep it in better nick but would cleaning it make a difference to a chain stretching or not?

There's various opinions around the economics of changing the chain ever 3k in order to prevent wear on the Crankset, if you have an expensive crank then it makes sense to replace the chain so not to wear out the crank, you should get 5-6 chains or more out of a crank.

However for cheaper cranks, maybe it makes sense to let everything wear out and then replace the lot.

Like everything bike related, it depends

Wishbone Ash

privateBeavis wrote: »

....I know I should keep it in better nick but would cleaning it make a difference to a chain stretching or not?

The chain does not stretch as such. The individual components wear causing more movement and the chain becomes longer.

A shiny clean chain will look better and shift better.