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[shootpplnotdope]

This might sound like a stupid question but what to do when a chain starts skipping all the time? Just replace the chain?

Comments

[en_ki]

You need to actually look at it. You may or may not need to replace your sprocket(s).

[vestalvixen]

And check the teeth on your chain ring to make sure they haven't worn away.

[randomdreams]

Or been bent from encounters with curbs, rocks, logs...

[belay_dog]

Let us hope it is a stretched out chain!

[shadesogrey]

Depends - on a multispeed bike a skipping chain is more likely to be caused by a bent derailleur or hanger, debris in the gears, or simple mis-adjusted gears.

Another common cause of a skipping chain is a stiff link.

Skipping because it is worn out is sort of uncommon in my experience (but does happen).

[blue_banshee]

my experience is not the same. based on the bikes that came into the shop while I was working there, people just ride the hell out of their bikes without ever changing the chain, and they often ride the hell out of their bikes without hardly ever changing gears. if you tend to cruise along using your smallest sprocket (regardless of whether you're using your largest chainring) you are likely to wear those teeth fast. this is also the default position for a bike that has lost its rear derailleur cable, so that sometimes does it, too

[shootpplnotdope]

It has only recently started so I'll probably replace the chain soon and see how it goes before attempting any other work. Thanks everyone for the responses.