Why Does My Chain Slip When Pedalling Hard?
No matter if you’re an avid cyclist or just someone who enjoys a casual ride from time to time, you have almost certainly encountered the issue of your bicycle chain slipping when pedalling hard. This problem can turn an enjoyable adventure into a struggle, leaving you wondering why it happens and what you can do to fix it.
When on a challenging uphill climb, pushing hard on the pedals, a sudden slip of the chain can kill all your momentum. Not only that but it puts you at risk of injury and could cause an accident. In this blog we break down why this happens and some things you can do to address the issue.
How does a bike chain work?
Before we go into what causes your chain to slip, it’s important you understand how a bicycle chain works. The bike chain is the component that transfers your pedalling to the bike’s wheels. It wraps around gear cogs at the pedals and at the rear wheel. This results in a seamless ride, at least when everything is working as it should.
Lubrication
The most common cause will likely be the friction on the chain due to insufficient lubrication. This causes the chain to become jerky and hold onto the gears for longer than intended. Additionally, dirt and dust can build up, only making the issue more apparent.
Regularly lubricating your chain will greatly reduce the chances of slippage, which may seem contradictory. Remember, you want a seamless flow between your gears and chain.
Worn out chains
Naturally, chains and gear cogs will undergo wear and tear with use. A stretched or worn chain won’t fit as snugly onto the cogs, increasing the chance of slippage, especially when pressure is applied. Teeth on your gears will likely be skipped as worn gears cannot grip the chain effectively.
If you find your chain slips when you pedal hard it might be time to look at replacing either or both of these components.
DIY troubleshooting
To give your bike the once over yourself, first check that the chain has the appropriate tension. As mentioned, this can cause you to skip teeth on your gears. Then take a look at your cogs for signs of wear. If you notice the teeth are damaged or worn down it’s time to get those replaced.
If you don’t notice any apparent issues then it may be your riding style having an effect on your ride. When you are in the correct gear for the appropriate terrain and gradient but it is still happening, then seek the opinion of a professional.
Why does my chain slip when pedalling hard?
If you’ve tried various solutions and are still experiencing chain slippage, it’s advisable to seek help from a professional bike mechanic. Here at Cycle Revival, we have the expertise to diagnose underlying issues and provide effective solutions to get you back on the road.
Whatever the job, repairs, servicing, brake bleeding, wheel building, (yes we can hand build wheels) or just a tweak of the gears, we’re here to give top-shelf service. We also have many accessories that will help to keep your bike in tiptop condition. Give us a call at our cycle workshop in Heathfield, East Sussex on 01435 866118. We can have a chat about the work that your bike needs or better, just please pop in!
And don’t forget between January and March, we have a great service and repair offer!
