chain stuck

[Lt. Dan]

Do you have a quick/master link on the chain? If so, you can pop that loose and thread the chain out of there if need be...

[DismalScientist]

Master link probably won't do it. Try turning the bike upside down and turning the crank to "unwind" as much of the problem as possible so it is clear where the chain is stuck between (likely) the frame and chain ring. Grab the chain where you can get the most leverage and pull like hell. As with most bicycle repairs, violence is the only solution.

[streetsmarts]

RE whether I have a master link: how would one know this? would one ... ask, when the bike shop puts on a new chain? (learning...learning)

[streetsmarts]

Master link probably won't do it. Try turning the bike upside down and turning the crank to "unwind" as much of the problem as possible so it is clear where the chain is stuck between (likely) the frame and chain ring. Grab the chain where you can get the most leverage and pull like hell. As with most bicycle repairs, violence is the only solution.

Ahh, Dismal!! Violence!!

[bentbike33]

RE whether I have a master link: how would one know this? would one ... ask, when the bike shop puts on a new chain? (learning...learning)

A master link is usually a different color than the rest of the chain's outer plates. It will also have 2 elongated holes in the outer plates where the chain pins go through. If the two elongated holes are on the same outer plate, you break the chain by bending the chain so the pins of that link go toward the center to the bigger part of the holes. If the elongated holes are on opposite sides (one on each), then you need a needlenose pliers to squeeze the master link open by sliding the pins to the bigger parts of the holes.

See http://sheldonbrown.com/gloss_m.html#masterlink

[Judd]

Weren't you talking about offering some "learn how to" classes. Like maybe "let's talk about shifting". ......

Yes, Bike University is a real thing in my head, but not a real thing outside of my head.

[anomad]

RE whether I have a master link: how would one know this? would one ... ask, when the bike shop puts on a new chain? (learning...learning)

Look at what is stamped on your chain, Shimano? Kmc? Sram? If it's not Shimano there's a solid chance you have a link that can be removed without tools. It'll look different than all the other links. Removing and installing a chain is a good skill that you can learn at home with a chain tool and/or knowing how a quick link works. Figure out what you have and spend an hour with it. I'm not in Alexandria for the time being or I'd offer to swing by and help un#uck your chain and give you a few pointers.

Removing the crank (as suggested) or removing the chain are the best options for serious chain suck. Learning to shift comes with experience and will almost eliminate those issues. But even us old guys screw up once in a while. I did it this summer dropping into my triple and shifting in anger. When mountain bike triple groups were fairly new to the scene it happened all the time.

I dig the park tool videos if you have some time to spend on YouTube.

[Harry Meatmotor]

BITD:

[Steve O]

Just switch to 1x and you'll never have this happen again.

+1.
However, one downside to 1x is that on the rare occasion I still drop my chain (this happens to me if I hit a bump at exactly the moment I'm switching gears and have slightly eased up on pedaling - a few times a year), I'm dead in the water. In the old days when I had a FD, most of the time I could get the chain back on while still riding.

[Tania]

Also, note to self - if you get a large bike, and put fenders and a rack on it - no matter what car you own/rent or taxi /rideshare you take - it's not easy to put the bike in it and not easy to transport without messing up the fenders. Little did I know.

Truth! I love the fenders on my commuter but they can be occasionally inconvenient.