How To Untangle A Bike Chain, by Global Cycling Network on YouTube. 4 min 46 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 46 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Put the bike in a stand or turn it upside down so you can see the full run of the chain.
Look along the chain and find where the top half crosses over the bottom half. That crossing is the knot.
Spread the two loops of the knot apart with your hands so the chain forms a wide open loop.
Lift the crossed section and pull it back over the derailleur cage so the chain runs straight again.
Check the chain also passes correctly around the chainset at the front, not hooked over a tooth or the crank.
Turn the pedals slowly by hand and watch the chain feed through the derailleur. Stop if it snags.
Spin the cranks a few full turns to confirm the chain runs smooth and sits on the teeth.
Tips and common mistakes
A chain rarely knots on its own, so check for a bent derailleur hanger or a dropped chain before you ride.
Wear gloves or use a rag, since a dirty chain will mark your hands.
If the chain will not straighten, look for a stiff link or a twisted plate instead of forcing it.
Questions
Why does my bike chain keep knotting?
The chain usually jumps off the chainring and the top run crosses the bottom run. A worn chain, a bent hanger or rough shifting makes it more likely.
Can I ride with a knotted chain?
No. A crossed chain can damage the derailleur and frame. Fix it before you pedal.
Do I need to break the chain to untangle it?
No. Spreading the loops and pulling the chain back over the derailleur and chainset is enough in most cases.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
