Relearned how to fix my bike chain after a 3 mile walk home in the rain

I was heading home from work last Thursday and my chain snapped right at the intersection of 5th and Oak. Normally I would just call a friend or grab a ride, but my phone was dead so I ended up walking 3 miles in a downpour. That walk gave me way too much time to think about how I used to fix my own stuff back in high school but now I just throw money at problems. When I got home I dried off, pulled out my old Park Tool chain breaker that I had sitting in a box for 4 years, and spent an hour practicing on a spare chain. The next day I fixed my actual chain in 10 minutes and it honestly felt better than any IT ticket I closed all month. Has anyone else had a frustrating moment that pushed you back into a hobby you used to love?

3 comments

3 Comments

quinna894d ago

I gotta point out that it was probably the chain that broke, not the chain ring or derailleur. Chains snap, but they also wear out and stretch over time. If you didn't check the chain length or pin alignment after fixing it, you might end up walking that 3 miles again. A lot of people pop a quick link in without making sure the chain isn't twisted or that the pins are seated right. Good on you for digging out the Park Tool though. Just make sure you check the chain for wear with a gauge every few hundred miles, or you'll be back in the rain again.

miles_hall4d ago

Wait, are you telling me I gotta measure my chain every few hundred miles like it's some kind of needy pet? I get what you're saying though, chains are the weak link literally. I just shoved a quick link in there and hoped for the best, figured if it held for the ride home I'd worry about it later. But you're right, that pin alignment thing got me last year. I snapped a chain on a gravel ride and rushed the fix, then watched the quick link pop off half a mile later while I was standing there soaked and swearing at the bike. Park Tool is probably gonna be my co-pilot for the rest of the season now. I'll grab a gauge this weekend, but man, I really thought I could just eyeball it and call it good. I guess the rain is gonna teach me the hard way every time.

the_jennifer3d ago

Eyeballing it works till you're knee deep in mud, right?