Chain Often Came of Your Bicycle?

Sometimes customers come to the shop asking us to help install their chain which had fallen off their bicycle. That can be fixed by adding a master link or rivet.



If the components on your drivetrain are worn out, it would be best to change them if you are installing a new chain, especially, if it is an expensive one. This is because each time you ride and change gears, any worn out parts on the drivetrain, such as, the freewheel/cassette or chainrings or derailleur wheels will pull and rub against the new chain. Your new chain will be damaged and you will have to change it sooner than it should.

If the mechanic informed you that the cassette needs to be changed too, it is possible that the teeth on the cogs of your cassette are damaged. If you do not change it, the chain will keep skipping over the top of the cog and fall off. Ask the mechanic to show you where the damage is. If you cannot see any wear, or burrs or bents on the teeth, you can always send your bicycle to another shop for a second opinion.

The following are some questions a good mechanic should ask you before re-installing your chain:

1) Is it a new chain? New chains for bicycles are always longer than needed. A chain that is too long will slack and fall off the bicycle. We can use the old chain, if it is still on the bicycle, to determine its required length. However, if there is a slack in the old chain, it is possible that it has worn out, in which case, we will have to determine the correct length required for the new chain.

1b) If it is a new chain, did you get the right chain for your bicycle? There are differences in chains for single speed and geared bicycles. Bicycles running on higher speed need the narrower chain which is more expensive. The cheaper single speed chain installed on a geared bicycle can cause it to fall off the chainring due to its width and thickness.

2) Did you fell off your bicycle while cycling? If you did, we will have to check if any components on your drivetrain have been damaged or need adjustment. Your new chain will be damaged if there are bents in the chainring teeth or on teeth of cogs on your cassette.

3) Did the chain come off only when you change your gear? That will mean either the chain is worn out and need to be changed or that the gears need to be set. Chain wear or dirt on it will affect the efficiency of your gears. If that is the case, just putting the worn out chain back on will not help as the chain will fall off again when you shift your gears.

Before the mechanic put your chain back on, he will have to check it for bents or stiff links. The chain will have to be cleaned first if it is clogged with dirt. Once installed, the chain should be lubricated together with the components on your drivetrain.

Plan to buy an ebike? Here are some factors you should take note.

eBike actually encourages people who are overweight to consider cycling.

I read a report that most people who are overweight are not keen to cycle as the assertion can make them perspire heavily. Also, they fear the embarrassment of being watched if they have to get off a regular bicycle to push it uphill. You can ride uphill on an eBike more easily, provided the slope is not too steep and within the acceptable gradient limit specified for it.

Factors you have to note before getting an ebike from any shop:

1) Is the wattage and speed legally acceptable to be ridden in your own country? In Malaysia, we follow the UK rules so ebike must be pedal assisted, which means that it must have pedals installed that can be used to propel it.

2) Do you want it installed with lithium or lead acid battery which is heavier but cheaper?

3) Ebike comes in tyre size of 14” to 26”. What tyre size is best for your size?

4) Will you have difficulty getting batteries or replacement parts or services to maintain it?

5) What is the highest gradient of incline the ebike can ride up on?

6) Do you need it foldable for ease of transport when you are not riding it?

7) Do you need one with extra seat for pillion rider?

8) Do you need one with gears too?

9) Does it have proper locking system in place to prevent theft?

10) Is the lighting adequate enough for rides at night?

11) Does it have a horn to warn pedestrians and other road users of your approach?

12) Does it charge while you pedal? Some ebikes are supplied with self-charging system so that while cycling, you can recharge your battery. eBike with “recharge” mode will be more expensive.

Shop around and look at the specifications of the ebikes you are interested in. Here are some examples of what is available in Malaysia.

This unit is foldable with 16″ wheel size. If you plan to use public transport part of the way while cycling on your ebike, a foldable model will be a good option to consider. Note the weight of the ebike. Is it too heavy to consider trotting around?


This model with 24″ tyre size comes with a seat for passenger. As it also comes with a basket, it will be suitable for rides out to pick up some stuff or to carry stuff of a child that you plan to ferry around.


If you know what are available in your market, it will be easier for you to make a decision after considering all these factors.

What combinations on a 7x3 would be cross chaining?

You will receive a “Bike Owner's Manual” if you buy bicycles of reputable brands. If you do not have one, just google “Bike Owner's Manual” to find one.

If you take a look at page 6 of “Bike Owner's Manual” supplied by Apollo, you will see a diagram on “Recommended Chainwheel/Rear Sprocket Gear Combinations”


Chain crossing will wear out your chain and damage your drivetrain sooner than it should. So, avoid setting your gears so that your chain sits on the chainring and sprocket as marked “X” on the diagram.

Customers who buy bicycles with gears from Jom Johan will be given a chart to advise how gears should be used for efficient cycling and to prevent drivetrain from being damaged any sooner than it should.

Your rear wheel wobbles when you cycle? Here's why.

One of the questions often asked by cyclists when they noticed this wobbling is, if it will affect the gearing system. No, it does not.



The ball bearings retainer will have to be changed if it is damaged.  If it is still in good condition, the worn out or missing ball bearings can be replaced.

The wobble has to do with the machining on the hub shell. If a hub that is machined off centre is installed on rear wheel the wobble is more obvious when there is a cassette or freewheel on it. This videos explains the reason for wobbling very clearly.

Planning to tour on a bike?

What should you cycle on if you plan to ride for a longer distance?

If you plan to stay somewhere overnight enroute, you will need a bicycle that can carry the load of your pannier bags.  Do you have to travel by plane, train or car to get you to your cycling site?

Now that I got you thinking about it, following are some tips you should consider before you start on your journey.


Trekking Bicycle for Long Distance Ride from Nancy Poh

Enjoy the ride and the views.