sweetride01

Hi everyone, new here. Nice forum btw.
I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to fixing/maintaining my bike. However, I thought I'd go clean&lube my chain today. I have an '07 Specialized HR Sport (which I've been very happy with so far).
Anyways, I noticed this:


(sorry for cameraphone quality).
Anyways, I was like, wtf? How does this happen, and how can it be fixed?
I guess it can't have been like this very long, but I don't think that the chain would last very long in its current state...

curbtender

Not sure how it happened , but you can loosen that bottom pulley and shift that cage enough to drop it back in. take the chain off the front sprocket to get some slack

sweetride01

So you're saying the sides of the bottom pulley cage should be able to be pulled apart enough by hand?
Thanks

Ex Pres 

I've done this by accident when reinstalling a chain - but I've always caught it while still on the stand because it compromises the drive train performance.

You'll be amazed how much better everything works after you fix it.

Either remove the pulley or if you have a chain quick link just remove and reinstall the chain.

Ex Pres 

with the pulley removed you could do it. probably need ~2.5mm allen wrench

sweetride01

Cheers for that info.
Makes me wonder how long it's been like that... I've probably ridden the bike only about 10 hours since I got it... maybe they put it on badly @ the factory!

gmcttr

" I've done this by accident when reinstalling a chain"

Been there, done that. It is going to ride Soooo much quieter after you fix that.

Barabus

Looks good to me. I really don't think it is a problem. I prefer to run all my bikes that way.

roadfix

Don't let anyone talk you into removing the dork disc.

sweetride01

Lol. Well, I could care less about it. It's only you cycling guys that notice it anyway.

Obviously if I had allen keys I would have no problem making this chain fix but I'm a student who's just moved back from overseas so my tool collection is lacking, to say the least. Time to spend some more money...

operator

Good advice, seeing as how it's a reflector and not a dork disk in his pic.

sweetride01

The dork disc is there also. I think he was implying that I obviously still had the dork disc and should not attempt to remove it myself, based on my apparent level of technical expertise from my first post. At least I think that's what he's saying.

roadfix

Correcto!

operator

Really? Where?

Wordbiker

Since you are new to riding MTBs, have you had an incidence of severe gear lockup? Badly missed shift and tangled drivetrain? I have seen this cause the chain to pop out like yours is in the picture, especially with flexy entry level derailleurs like the Acera.

Inspect the derailleur cage carefully for scratches or bent cages, and if it is bent, close the gap by bending it back (after re-routing the chain, of course).

If there is no evidence that it was forced around that tab, most likely it was that way all along.

sweetride01

It's not in the picture, lol, but it is there. He just made the assumption it was there.

sweetride01

I never said I was new to mountainbikes. I got my first Hardrock when I was 10. Steel frame one... much better than the A1 frame HR Comp I got a few years later.
I am just not hardcore, and have never really needed any major repairs done to my bikes, so I've never played around with them too much.
I had a bad shift the other day actually, everything locked, and the chain came off the front derailleur. No apparent damage to the rear derailleur though, so I will assume it came like this from the factory.

Thanks for all the help guys. I will get this fixed soon, and make sure everything is running well for my Le Havre-Rouen ride in April!

aesmith

Can you wiggle it back into place if you took the chain off the front rings to give enough slack?

Tony S

curbtender

Sorry, no tools? It would be a cheap fix at the LBS and they would probably tell you if there were other problems. Goodluck

rmfnla

No, the chain must be broken or the lower pulley must be removed (easier, and requires the allen wrench the OP said he did not have).

Wordbiker

No offense intended. It was an assumption on my part given it is an entry level bike and you stated you were new to working on bikes. My apologies.

Since it appears you do wish to learn how to fix your bike (another assumption, I know), instead of taking it in to the shop, try purchasing some metric hex wrenches and fixing the issue yourself. You'll have plenty of use for the wrenches (unless I'm wrong and you already have them, in which case...sorry again) and if a missed shift did indeed cause the issue, you'll be able to fix it if it happens again.

sweetride01

No offense taken. Just pointing out an incorrect assumption.
You are indeed correct that I would like to fix my bike myself whenever possible.
I will buy some Hex wrenches this week, I know they'll be very useful (for many things). Could you recommend a really decent multi-function tool (such as one of the Topeak tools)? I know some of these things are made in China and are pretty flimsy, so it's always good to have decent tools...

operator

A multi-tool is for the road. Buy a nice set of park hex wrenches, and they will last a long time.

Wordbiker

+1 for the loose set of hex wrenches, but you may be able to find them at a better price at the hardware store.

If you go that route, don't get a folding set. Loose wrenches will fit more places and give better leverage.

sweetride01

Good point.

I know this is a bit off topic for this forum, but while I'm on the subject of tools, perhaps you could advise me of the best essentials... I am going on a small-ish (~120 mile) road trip of northern France in April, and want to pack quite light, but take along the most essential tools, as I don't want to end up stranded. I'm running on Crossroads Armadillo Elite tires, so I'm hoping that I should not encounter problems with flats.
So, what tools should I put in the saddle bag?
1. Hex wrenches (sizes)?
2. Wrench(es) (sizes)?
3. etc

Thanks for all being so helpful!