Almost snapped my chain on a steep climb last weekend - catch it before it breaks

Was heading up Pine Ridge trail outside Boulder, standing on the pedals, and felt this weird click every few rotations. Pulled over and saw a stiff link that was starting to bend sideways. I had a chain tool in my pack so I popped the pin, worked the link loose with some lube, and put it back together. Rode another 10 miles without issue. If I'd ignored that clicking I'd be walking home lol. Anyone else had a stuck link turn into a full break quick?

2 comments

2 Comments

lilychen25d ago

My buddy always told me I was paranoid for stopping every time I heard a weird noise on the bike. I used to think the same thing, like just push through it. But last year I had a chain snap in the middle of a group ride, took out my derailleur and everything. Now I actually pull over and check, even if it's just a little click every few rotations. That stiff link you caught was a ticking time bomb, I've seen them turn into a full on break in less than a mile if you're really cranking on the pedals.

spencer_sanchez6725d ago

It reminds me how most trouble in life gives you quiet warning signs before things really break.