Rant: Chain snapped mid-ride and took my derailleur with it

I was about 8 miles into a Saturday morning ride on the river trail near my shop when I shifted onto the big ring and BANG. Chain broke right at the quick link and whipped into the spokes, bent my rear derailleur hanger and snapped the cage off. I had to walk the bike a mile to a gas station and call my buddy to pick me up in his truck. How do you guys carry a spare chain on rides without it rattling around in your jersey pocket?

3 comments

3 Comments

palmer.jana1d ago

Man, that's a rough way to start a weekend. Had something similar happen on a group ride a few years back and it totally kills the whole vibe for the rest of the day. For keeping a spare chain quiet, I just wrap it in a little piece of cloth and stuff it in the bottom of my saddle bag with the rest of my tools.

olivia_hernandez1d ago

You know, I used to be the type who just threw a spare chain loose in my bag and dealt with the rattle, but honestly @palmer.jana your cloth trick makes so much sense I'm kind of kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner. The noise was always annoying me on descents especially, and I had this one ride where it somehow got tangled with my tire levers and I had to dig everything out at the side of the road. Wrapping it in a rag is such a simple fix, plus it keeps the chain from getting greasy on everything else in the bag. Definitely stealing that idea for my next ride.

zara4471d ago

And if you really want to keep it tidy, try an old sock. Cut the toe off and slide the chain in there. Keeps everything contained and you can just toss it in the wash after a ride.