A temporary repair to get you out of a jam and on your way home.
- By Alan Coté
A stick got caught in your chain and trashed your derailleur. Or you unwittingly misadjusted your derailleur’s limit screws, and the pulley cage and spokes got tangled.
The Fix
Using the chain tool on your multi-tool, push out a rivet and remove the chain. if your derailleur is toast, bend it away from the wheel. If you think it’s salvageable, use a hex wrench to remove it from the frame. Either way, with the derailleur out of the picture, loop the chain around the small chainring (middle on a triple) and a mid-range cog. With the chain nearly taut, mark the length using your finger and remove the unwanted section of links. Slide the rear wheel out of the frame to create slack, then press the remaining links together with the chain tool. Reinstall the wheel and gingerly pedal home. Fix it properly before your next ride.
Bypass A Mangled Derailleur – this fix only works on a hard tail. No chance on a dual suspension mtb. From what I’ve been told, your only option on a dual sus is middle ring front and small ring back – or small back and front (10 spd).
How many riders ride with a chain tool? How many riders has one at home? How many riders has ever seen one or know what a chain tool is?