Broken Chain

[Dezzie30]

I'm a beginner when it comes to bikes so bear with me! I recently took my bike in to repair due to a pedal falling off it seems i had cross threaded the arm when i installed it. I had to have a new chain set and pedals (60 pound!) when I rode the bike to work from the repair shop the chain snapped after a mile's ride! Now the bike is new (done about 10 miles) does the fault lie with the repair shop when they put the new chain set on? I'm taking it back tomorrow and don't want to pay if it's their fault. My bike is a Rockrider 5.0.

Thanks

 

[Smokin Joe]

I wouldn't split the chain to fit a new chainset and I doubt any mechanic would either. Things do break, how old was the chain?

 

[Dezzie30]

The chain is new 10 miles done (if that!) there was no problem with the chain before it got the new chain set. It could be a coincedence but only a mile after the repair doesnt seem right for a new chain!

 

[Pauluk]

I would suggest that its up to the bike shop to repair this under warranty. Who is the bike shop and why did you have to fit your pedals out of interest

 

[Dezzie30]

I didnt buy the bike from the repair shop i bought it from decathalon online i doubt they will touch it now it has a different chain set and pedals. I must have put the pedal in wrong, I struggled to put them in and didnt feel right when i was peddaling. When the pedal fell off it wouldnt go back in tight enough so took it to a repair shop they told me the arm had been cross threaded and had to get a new chain set as it was un-repairable

 

[Pauluk]

Oh I see, what bad luck. The bike shop/repairer may take responsibility especially if he did split the chain, but I doubt it. A new chain doesn't cost a lot (£12 for an acceptable one from Halfords) and really easy to fit.

Hope you get it fixed ok and get some stability and reliability.

 

[Pauluk]

You may know this but just in case for future reference one pedal has a left hand thread. Sorry if this seems patronising but some people are often unaware.

 

[martint235]

You may know this but just in case for future reference one pedal has a left hand thread. Sorry if this seems patronising but some people are often unaware.

I've made this mistake. To be fair, it's one you only tend to make once particularly if it's the drive side of a Shimano crank.

 

[Pauluk]

Martin, isn't the left hand thread always on the non drive side?

 

[compo]

I don't touch my pedals with a spanner until they are half way in by finger pressure only. It is just too easy to cross thread them.

 

[Dezzie30]

i didnt know that but found out when i took it in! wont be doing that mistake again haha

 

[Pauluk]

I agree compo but if people are unaware of the thread direction it can be easy to force it incorrectly

 

[Pauluk]

We all live and learn Dezzie. Just out of interest where abouts are you in the UK if you don't mind me asking.

Also, if you have most of the chain they may be able to repair it by just adding a link or two

 

[Davidc]

If you're new to maintaining bikes you could look round for hands-on beginners course. Some cycle shops do them, and so do some colleges and other adult learning organisations.

There's also a load of material online including Sheldon Brown.

 

[martint235]

Martin, isn't the left hand thread always on the non drive side?

I can never remember off-hand. I know it's the drive side I've busted twice (although in my defence the crash and subsequent bent crank wasn't my fault!!). The threading thing is a one time only mistake.