Figure 10-1: An SRAM PowerLink chain in .NET framework

Encode QR-Code in .NET framework Figure 10-1: An SRAM PowerLink chain

If you re replacing a chain, make sure you choose one that matches the number of cogs on your cassette If you choose the wrong size chain, you may have shifting troubles It s also important to identify whether you have a drivetrain that requires a specially designed chain For example, Shimano makes a Hyperglide line of products that include specially shaped cogs that facilitate shifting When in doubt, take your bike into your local bike shop so that they can quickly tell you which kind of chain you need To read more about cogs and cassettes and the drivetrain, refer to s 11 and 13, respectively

The chain is completely exposed at the bottom of your bike, so it easily picks up dirt and grime, twigs and leaves can get caught in it, and it can be impacted with foreign objects (especially if you re riding off-road) all of which can undermine the chain s integrity and lead to a break at the most inopportune time There are a number of telltale signs that you have an issue with your chain: You have to exaggerate the movement of your shifter to force the chain to jump to another cog on the rear wheel The pedal jerks forward when you re applying pressure, because the chain skipped a tooth on a cog Pedaling is not as smooth as it once was The chain makes a lot of noise while you pedal but not while you coast Issues with your chain can be caused by a number of factors The most common of them are dirt, stiff links, and normal wear and tear

The chain is one of the parts of your bike that s completely exposed to the elements This, combined with the fact that it has to be covered in lubrication to work properly, makes the chain a magnet for dirt and grime The abrasive qualities of dirt begin to wear down the chain and the other parts that the chain comes in contact with, such as the cogs, chainrings, and rear derailleur pulley wheels When dirt works its way into the chain links, they become stiff, which hampers your bike s shifting ability (see the following section)

If you find that your chain is skipping or making a consistent, repetitive noise when you re pedaling, you may have a stiff link To find a stiff link, follow these steps: 1 Shift the chain onto the smallest cog

This puts the most bend in the chain and causes the stiff link to be more apparent 2 Slowly rotate the pedals backward, keeping your eye on the chain and the rear derailleur If the chain has difficulty moving through the pulley wheels at one point, you ve likely got a stiff link Stiff links are sometimes caused by a lack of lubrication The other possibility is that, when the chain was connected, the chain plates in the link were compressed tightly together, making it difficult for the link to pivot To take care of a stiff link, first try lubricating the rollers that sit inside the offending link Give the lubrication a little time to work its way down into the joint and then, while holding each side of the link (use a rag if you don t want to be covered in grease), pivot the link up and down to try to loosen it If lubrication doesn t solve the problem, try flexing the chain back and forth by pushing inward with your thumbs and twisting outward with your hands to work it free, as shown in Figure 10-4 Reverse the position by pushing inward with your thumbs on the other side of the chain a few times This should be enough to restore flexibility to the chain