Dropped chain

jwgrey

I know I have seen this somewhere in the forums, but cannot find. I got a compact crank last year and ever since I have a lot of trouble with dropping my chain when switching from the small to large chainring or vice versa. The chain comes off and lodges between the chainrings or to the left of the small chainring.I have had tuneups and a new chain but still a problem. Any ideas on how to fix.

Joe Matchette

@Joe - Can't really speak to the dropping when going from Small --> Big.

But for dropping when downshifting, offer up the K-Edge chain catcher. http://www.amazon.com/K-Edge-Chain-Deflectors-Catchers-Catcher/dp/B002SR7FTM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1364497363&sr=8-3&keywords=k-edge. Also, if you can make sure to 'relax' when shifting, I think it will help. Don't stop pedaling, but make sure you aren't grinding when you go to shift. For that 1/4- to 1/2-second, just spin the pedals until the chain moves. I find I get issues when I try to shift while still under a load.

morpheus

Are you familiar with the Hi/Lo screws on the front der?

They limit how far the outside edge of the der cage will go. Thus, containing the left/right movement of the chain.

Also, some dropped chains are due to user error. If you're crosschaining in 50/27 or something, then the hill picks up and you want to throw it into the small on the front, it will often slingshot that thing right off the chain ring due to the tension from crosschaining. It's best to be able to work both front and rear at the same time so that the rear is in the mid range cogs about the time (or before) the front is being moved around.

(I wouldn't be a bit surprised that you know all of this very well, but, you never know until you cover everything, please don't take offense if this is super basic to you)

Daniela

x2 on the K-Edge. I haven't dropped a chain to the inside since.

drmariner

X3 on K-Edge-works like a charm

drmariner

X3 on K-Edge-works like a charm

Cary Blanco

K-Edge will work when going from the Large to Small, but not in the other direction. You need to have the FD adjusted. You can YouTube "Adjust Front Derailleur" if you want to do it yourself or bring it to your LBS.

jwgrey

Thank you all for the reply. The K-Edge is what I could not remember from the previous forum post. I am ordering one up today. As for the other direction, it does not happen too often as I have learned how to gently change from small to large, most of the time LOL.

robin sarner

Round tubed frame? There are cheaper and as effective chain catchers.

jwpicciotto

+1 on Chir's comment.  If you are regularly throwing the chain the limits are off and need to be adjusted.  You can buy a chain catcher, but you should still adjust the front derailuer.  

Tom Glynn

I drop the chain a lot, but it is typically because I'm cross chained, the terrain changes quickly and I try to fix the issue by dropping into the small ring on the front instead of easing up on the back gears first.