Common reasons why your bicycle chain is skipping

Is your bike chain skipping? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Skipping chains are a common problem for cyclists, and there are a number of reasons why it might be happening. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common causes of chain skipping and provide you with some tips on how to prevent it from happening in the future.

Chain wear and tear

Your bicycle chain is an essential component that needs to be kept in excellent condition. It is responsible for transmitting power from the pedals to the rear wheel, and any wear and tear can cause your bicycle chain to skip. Chain skipping can be caused by different factors such as chain wear, stretched chain, a worn cassette, or even a loose chain. The chain wears out over time due to friction and frequent use, and it is important to keep an eye on the wear and tear. A worn-out chain can skip a lot, and if left unchecked, it can cause damage to other components of your bike. You might notice your chain skipping when shifting gears or under heavy load. It can be an annoying and dangerous problem that can cause you to lose control of your bike. So, make sure to inspect your chain frequently and replace it if you notice any significant wear and tear. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the safety of your bike and your well-being.

Bent or worn cassette cogs

Have you ever experienced a skipping bicycle chain? One of the potential culprits could be bent or worn cassette cogs. These small teeth on the rear cassette of your bike are responsible for keeping your chain in place and transferring power from the pedals to the wheels. But when these cogs become bent or worn, it can cause your chain to slip or skip, making it difficult to ride and potentially causing damage to your bike. It can be difficult to determine if the cassette cogs are the root of the problem, but if you notice your chain skipping frequently, it’s worth taking a closer look at the cassette cogs. If you do find that the cogs are bent or worn, it’s important to replace them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your bike and ensure a smoother, safer ride.

Misalignment of the rear derailleur

If you’re experiencing a skipping chain, one possible cause could be a misalignment of the rear derailleur. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from a bent derailleur hanger to a worn-out derailleur cable. The symptoms can be frustrating, with the chain jumping around and making strange noises. To fix the issue, you’ll need to first diagnose the problem. This might involve inspecting the derailleur hanger for damage or checking the cable tension and lubrication. Once you’ve identified the issue, you can take steps to correct it. This might involve adjusting the derailleur limit screws or replacing the cable and housing. It can be a tricky process, but with some patience and perseverance, you can get your bike running smoothly again.

SYMPTOM	POSSIBLE CAUSE 1	POSSIBLE CAUSE 2	POSSIBLE CAUSE 3
Chain Skipping	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Chain	Worn Cassette
Chain Rubbing Against Gears	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn B-tension Spring	Worn Chain
Chain Not Shifting Gears Smoothly	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Dirty Chain	Worn Derailleur Cable
Chain Falling Off Rear Gears	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Chain	Worn Cassette
Chain Stuck Between Gears	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Chain	Worn Cassette
Chain Skipping Only in Certain Gears	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Chain	Worn Cassette
Chain Jumping Forward in Gears	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Chain	Worn Cassette
Chain Not Moving to Smaller Gears	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Derailleur Hanger	Worn Derailleur Cable
Chain Not Moving to Larger Gears	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Derailleur Hanger	Worn Derailleur Cable
Chain Noisy in Certain Gears	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Chain	Worn Cassette
Chain Coming Off Jockey Wheels	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Jockey Wheels	Worn Chain
Chain Slipping in Wet Conditions	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Chain	Worn Cassette
Chain Not Moving at All	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Derailleur Cable	Seized Derailleur
Chain Not Moving to Smaller or Larger Gears	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Derailleur Hanger	Worn Derailleur Cable
Chain Skipping When Pedaling Hard	Misaligned Rear Derailleur	Worn Chain	Worn Cassette

Chain tension issues

You’re cycling down the road, and all of a sudden, your bike starts making this weird skipping noise. What in the world could it be? Chances are, it’s your chain tension. When your chain is skipping, it’s typically because the tension isn’t quite right. But what does that even mean? Chain tension is the amount of tension your chain has when it’s pulled tight. Sounds simple enough, right? But it’s not always so straightforward. There are a variety of things that can cause chain tension issues. It could be that your chain is too loose, your derailleur is out of whack, or your chainrings need to be replaced. So what do you do? Well, the first step is to figure out what’s causing the issue. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to take your bike into a shop and have a professional take a look. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try adjusting the tension yourself. Just be careful – it’s easy to make things worse if you don’t know what you’re doing!

CAUSE	SYMPTOMS	SOLUTION
Worn chain	Skipping under load; chain hangs up under load; chain may break	Replace chain
Worn cassette	Skipping under load; chain hangs up under load; chain may break	Replace cassette
Worn chainrings	Skipping under load; chain hangs up under load; chain may break	Replace chainrings
Chain lubrication	Chain noise; skipping under load	Clean and lubricate chain
Chain tension	Skipping under load	Adjust chain tension
Derailleur adjustment	Skipping in specific gears	Adjust derailleur
Chain wear	Chain noise; skipping under load	Replace chain
Cassette wear	Chain noise; skipping under load	Replace cassette
Chainring wear	Chain noise; skipping under load	Replace chainrings
Chain cleaning	Chain noise; skipping under load	Clean chain
Chain lubrication	Chain noise; skipping under load	Lubricate chain
Chain tension	Chain noise	Adjust chain tension
Derailleur adjustment	Chain noise in specific gears	Adjust derailleur
Chain wear	Chain noise	Replace chain
Cassette wear	Chain noise	Replace cassette
Chainring wear	Chain noise	Replace chainrings

Dirty or rusty chain

Your bike chain might be skipping because it is dirty or rusty. Over time, chains can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris from the road, which can cause it to skip or jump. Rust can also form on the chain if it gets wet or is exposed to moisture, which can cause it to become stiff and inflexible. It’s important to regularly clean and maintain your bike chain to prevent these issues from occurring. You can clean your chain with a degreaser and a brush, and then apply lubricant to keep it running smoothly. However, if your chain is already severely rusted or damaged, it may need to be replaced.

Worn or damaged chainrings

Picture this: you’re out on a ride, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face when suddenly, your bicycle chain starts skipping. Your heart sinks as you realize that something is wrong. You try to diagnose the problem, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. You check the derailleur and the cassette, but everything seems to be in order. That’s when it hits you- the problem could be with your chainrings! Worn or damaged chainrings can cause all sorts of problems, from skipping chains to gear slipping. While it may be tempting to ignore the issue and hope it goes away, that’s not a good idea. Continuing to ride on worn or damaged chainrings can cause even more damage to your bicycle and put you at risk of injury. So if you’re experiencing any issues with your chain skipping, take a close look at your chainrings and consider replacing them if they appear to be worn or damaged. Your safety and the longevity of your bike depend on it!

CHAINRING TYPE	CHAINRING SHAPE	TOOTH WEAR	SHIFTING PERFORMANCE
Round Worn	Round	Uneven	Poor
Round New	Round	Even	Good
Oval Worn	Oval	Concentrated on climbing sections	Poor on some sections
Oval New	Oval	Even	Good
Narrow Wide Worn	Round	Even	Good
Narrow Wide New	Round	Even	Good
Worn Out	Round	Sharp hook-like teeth	Poor
Brand New	Round	Even	Good
Mega Ring Worn	Oval	Uneven	Poor
Mega Ring New	Oval	Even	Good
Elliptical Worn	Oval	Concentrated on climbing sections	Poor on some sections
Elliptical New	Oval	Even	Good
Chain Guide	Round	Even	Good
Chain Keeper	Round	Even	Good
Bent Chainring	Round	Even	Poor

Loose chainring bolts

You know what really grinds my gears? Loose chainring bolts! There’s nothing quite like the feeling of your chain skipping and hopping around when you’re trying to pedal your heart out. And the worst part is, you might not even realize that the cause of all your frustration is just a few loose bolts. It’s enough to make you want to throw your bike in a river!

But fear not, my fellow cyclist! There are a few things you can do to prevent loose chainring bolts from ruining your ride. First, make sure you’re using the right tools when you tighten them. A torque wrench is your best friend in this situation. And don’t be afraid to use a bit of threadlocker to keep those bolts in place.

But even if you’ve done everything right, those pesky bolts can still work themselves loose over time. So be sure to check them regularly and re-tighten as needed. And if you’re really struggling, take your bike into a shop and let the professionals handle it. Trust me, it’s worth the peace of mind knowing that your chainring bolts are snug and secure. Happy riding!

Worn jockey wheels in the derailleur

Have you ever experienced the annoyance of a skipping chain while cycling? The problem may be worn jockey wheels in the derailleur. These small, often overlooked components can have a big impact on the smoothness of your ride. Over time, the jockey wheels can become worn and develop flat spots, causing the chain to skip and jump. This is particularly common if you frequently ride in wet or muddy conditions, which can accelerate wear and tear. So, if you’re wondering why your bicycle chain is skipping, it might be time to take a closer look at the jockey wheels in your derailleur. Replacing them could be the key to getting your ride back on track.

JOCKEY WHEEL BRAND	MATERIAL	DURABILITY	COMPATIBILITY
Shimano	Steel	High	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
CeramicSpeed	Ceramic	Very High	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
KCNC	Aluminum	High	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
Token	Aluminum	Medium	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
SRAM	Steel	High	Compatible with most SRAM derailleurs
Campagnolo	Steel	High	Compatible with most Campagnolo derailleurs
Wheels Manufacturing	Steel	High	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
BBB	Steel	Medium	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
Ritchey	Aluminum	Medium	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
FSA	Aluminum	Medium	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
Token Ninja	Aluminum	Medium	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
Miche	Steel	Medium	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
Novatec	Aluminum	Medium	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
SunRace	Steel	Medium	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs
Jagwire	Steel	Low	Compatible with most Shimano and SRAM derailleurs

Poorly lubricated chain

You may be perplexed by the skipping on your bicycle chain, but one of the main culprits could be a poorly lubricated chain. Without proper lubrication, the metal-on-metal contact of the chain can cause friction and wear, leading to skipping and poor performance. The burstiness of riding can also exacerbate this issue, causing even more wear and tear. Unfortunately, the unpredictability of this problem means that it may be difficult to diagnose and fix on your own. It’s important to regularly maintain your bike, including keeping your chain lubricated, in order to avoid issues like this.

Chain too short or too long

If you’re experiencing issues with your bicycle chain skipping, one possible cause could be that the chain is either too short or too long. This can be a perplexing problem to diagnose, as it’s not always immediately clear what the root cause is. However, there are a few telltale signs that can help you determine whether your chain is the wrong length. If your chain is too short, for example, you may find that it’s difficult to shift gears or that your chain skips when you put pressure on the pedals. On the other hand, if your chain is too long, you may notice that it’s loose and sagging, which can cause it to slip off the gears or skip when you’re pedaling hard. To fix this problem, you may need to adjust the length of your chain by adding or removing links. However, this can be a tricky and time-consuming process, so it’s best to consult a professional bike mechanic if you’re unsure about how to proceed.

Why is my bicycle chain skipping?

Chain skipping can have several reasons. Among them are a worn-out chain, worn-out cassette/freewheel, misaligned derailleur, or an issue with the chainrings. It is important to diagnose the exact cause to fix the issue effectively.

How do I know if my chain is worn-out?

To know if your chain is worn-out, you can use a chain checker tool that measures the elongation of the chain. If the elongation exceeds 0.75%, it is time to replace the chain.

What can cause misalignment of the derailleur?

The derailleur can be misaligned due to various reasons such as cable stretch, loose derailleur hanger, bent derailleur hanger, or a bent derailleur cage.

Can I fix the skipping chain by just lubricating it?

Lubrication can help in some cases but not if the issue is caused by a worn-out chain or cassette/freewheel. It is recommended to diagnose the issue and fix it accordingly.

Do I need to replace the cassette/freewheel along with the chain?

It is recommended to replace the cassette/freewheel along with the chain if the old chain has stretched and worn-out. Otherwise, the skipping issue may persist even with a new chain.

In conclusion, a skipping bicycle chain can be caused by a variety of factors such as worn cassette, worn chainrings, dirty chain, or improper derailleur adjustment. To prevent this issue, it is important to keep your bike chain clean, lubricated, and properly adjusted. Additionally, replace the chain, cassette, and chainrings regularly as part of your bike maintenance routine to avoid skipping issues and ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride.