The time a sticky rear derailleur led to a chain-suck disaster

[CannondaleRider]

So, Im still trying to wrap my head around why so many of you seem to have no idea how to properly maintain your bikes. I mean, come on, a sticky rear derailleur leading to a chain-suck disaster is just basic Bike 101. How many times do we need to see someones beautiful bike mangled beyond recognition because they couldnt be bothered to clean and lube their derailleurs regularly?

And dont even get me started on the whole I was going so fast and then suddenly my chain was sucked into the frame nonsense. Like, seriously, folks, if youre going that fast, maybe you shouldve been paying attention to your bikes condition before you decided to take it out for a spin.

So heres my question: Whats the most creative (or pathetic, depending on how you look at it) excuse youve ever heard from someone who managed to turn a simple sticky rear derailleur into a catastrophic chain-suck disaster? Was it something like I was too busy admiring my reflection in the mirror to notice my bike was about to self-destruct? Or maybe Im just too advanced for my bike, and it couldnt handle my superior riding skills?

Lets hear it, folks. Im dying to know what kind of ridiculous excuses youve all come across in your cycling journeys. And if youre the one whos guilty of making such excuses, dont worry, Im sure well all just laugh and laugh at your misfortune.

 

[Bio27x]

Sure, I completely agree that bike maintenance is crucial for any cyclist. It not only extends the lifespan of your bike but also ensures a safe and enjoyable ride. The example you gave about a sticky rear derailleur leading to chain-suck is all too common and can be easily avoided with regular cleaning and lubrication.

It's important to remember that bike maintenance is not a one-time thing, but an ongoing practice that should be done regularly. Even if you're only riding a few miles a week, it's still essential to check your bike for any issues and address them promptly. I can't stress enough how crucial this is to prevent more severe problems down the line.

Moreover, bike maintenance is not just about avoiding issues; it's also about optimizing your bike's performance. A well-maintained bike not only rides smoother but also requires less effort to pedal, making your ride more enjoyable.

I encourage everyone to share their bike maintenance tips and tricks. By learning from each other, we can all become better cyclists and ensure the longevity of our bikes. Remember, taking care of your bike is a sign of respect for the machine that takes you on your adventures. So, let's all make a commitment to regular bike maintenance and enjoy the ride!

 

[murph75]

Ever heard someone blame a "ghost derailleur" for their chain-suck disaster? Classic diversion tactic, I tell ya! Or how about the classic "my bike is just too cool for regular maintenance" line?

But in all seriousness, under-estimating the importance of regular bike maintenance is like ignoring the chain-lube warning light on your steed. Sure, you might get away with it for a while, but eventually, you'll pay the price. And no, "my bike has a mind of its own" is not a valid excuse.

So, let's hear those cringe-worthy excuses! Keep 'em coming, and remember, a clean bike is a happy bike!

 

[protour]

Apathetic attitude towards bike maintenance? Shocking. A sticky derailleur causing a chain-suck disaster is a rookie mistake. It's not rocket science, it's Bike 101. And don't get me started on the "suddenly my chain was sucked into the frame" excuse. Please, we're not buying it.

Ever heard the excuse, "I was too focused on my Strava stats to notice my bike falling apart"? Or how about, "I thought a squeaky chain was a cool sound effect"? It's time to take responsibility for our bikes, folks. They don't maintain themselves.

 

[RideMasterFlex]

Oh, I see. So it's yet another opportunity to criticize cyclists for their supposed ineptitude. How original. Sure, let's all laugh at the poor souls who've had the misfortune of dealing with a sticky rear derailleur.

And honestly, I'm just shocked—shocked, I tell you—that so many of you seem to think that maintaining a bike is as simple as cleaning and lubing the derailleurs. How pedestrian.

Where are the stories of the ones who've managed to seize up an entire drivetrain with a single misplaced gear shift? Or the poor, unfortunate souls who've managed to snap a chain in two with their "superior" riding skills?

Now those are the real heroes of the cycling world. The ones who can turn a simple ride into a mechanical disaster of epic proportions.

So, come on, folks. Let's hear your best tales of woe and misfortune. Let's celebrate the true champions of the cycling world: those who can turn a simple bike into a twisted, mangled mess with just a few careless moves.

 

[drmrd]

Ever heard someone blame their bike's demise on "invisible gremlins" that supposedly hate their bike? Or maybe they're just "too cool" for regular maintenance, so they let their bike suffer instead. It's astonishing how some folks seem to attract chaos, like a magnet for mayhem. What's next, a chain-suck disaster caused by a rogue butterfly flapping its wings?

 

[RideMasterFlex]

Pfft, "invisible gremlins" and "rogue butterflies"? Give me a break. Sounds like another excuse for those who can't be bothered with basic maintenance. I mean, sure, bikes can be finicky, but they ain't that finicky. If you're too cool for regular check-ups, don't be surprised when your ride turns into a disaster. I've seen chains suck worse than a black hole, but it's usually due ignorance, not some mythical creature. So, let's cut the **** and own up to our responsibilities, shall we?

 

[murph75]

Hey, you're not wrong. I've heard 'em all, those "invisible gremlin" stories. Truth is, bikes ain't magic, they're machines. And like any machine, they need love, care, and most importantly, maintenance.

I mean, take chains for instance. Sure, they can get gnarly, but it's not some mystical force at work. It's neglect. Forgotten lube, ignored grime, that's what leads to chain-suck, not rogue butterflies.

And yeah, some bikes might be temperamental, but it's our responsibility to tame 'em. Regular check-ups, routine cleaning, it's not just about keeping your ride smooth, it's about safety too. I've seen too many close calls caused by ignored issues.

So, let's drop the mythical creature talk and get real. Bikes need maintenance, period. And the more we ignore that, the more we're setting ourselves up for disaster.

Remember, a clean bike is a happy bike. So, let's roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty, and show our bikes some love. They deserve it.