Bike Chain Skipping? 4 Common Causes and How to Fix Gear Slipping Fast
FEB 04, 2026
A bike chain that keeps skipping is more than just annoying—it can reduce efficiency, damage drivetrain components, and even cause accidents. If your bike chain slips when pedaling, especially under load or while climbing hills, it’s usually a sign of a mechanical issue that needs attention.
In this guide, we explain the most common reasons a bike chain skips, how to diagnose each problem, and the correct fix—so you can restore smooth, reliable shifting.
Why Does a Bike Chain Skip?
Chain skipping happens when the chain fails to properly engage with the cassette or chainring teeth. This is often caused by wear, misalignment, or improper adjustment in the drivetrain.
Below are the four most common causes of bike chain skipping.
1. Worn Cassette or Chainring Teeth
Primary keyword focus: bike chain skipping, worn cassette
Over time, cassette cogs and chainrings wear down due to constant load and friction. Worn teeth develop a hooked or “shark-tooth” shape, preventing the chain from seating securely.
Symptoms:
- Chain skips under hard pedaling
- Skipping occurs in the same gear repeatedly
- New chain skips on an older cassette
How to fix:
- Replace the worn cassette or chainrings
- Inspect drivetrain wear whenever replacing a chain
2. Incorrect Derailleur Cable Tension
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If the derailleur cable tension is too loose or too tight, the chain may sit between gears instead of locking onto a cog—causing intermittent skipping.
Symptoms:
- Chain skips in specific gears
- Shifting feels delayed or noisy
- Gears don’t align cleanly
How to fix:
- Adjust the barrel adjuster on the shifter or derailleur
- Turn counterclockwise to increase tension
- Make small adjustments (¼ turn at a time)
This fix requires no special tools and often resolves skipping immediately.

3. Stiff or Damaged Chain Links
Primary keyword focus: stiff bike chain, chain skipping under load
A stiff chain link disrupts smooth drivetrain movement and can cause the chain to ride up on cassette teeth.
Symptoms:
- Chain moves unevenly when backpedaling
- Visible kink in the chain
- Skipping feels random
How to fix:
- Apply lubricant and manually flex the stiff link
- Replace the chain if the link cannot be freed
Routine chain cleaning significantly reduces this issue.
4. Bent Derailleur Hanger
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A bent derailleur hanger throws the derailleur out of alignment, preventing accurate gear engagement—especially across multiple gears.
Symptoms:
- Chain skips in many gears
- Poor shifting across the cassette
- Bike recently fell or was transported
How to fix:
- Realign the hanger using a derailleur alignment tool
- Replace the hanger if alignment is not possible
Even small hanger bends can cause major shifting problems.
Bike Chain Skipping When Climbing Hills
If your bike chain skips when climbing, the issue is usually exaggerated by high torque. Worn drivetrain components that feel “fine” on flat roads often fail under load.
For high-power eBikes, this issue appears more frequently due to increased torque and acceleration forces. Regular drivetrain inspection is essential.
How to Prevent Bike Chain Skipping
- Replace chains before excessive wear develops
- Keep the chain clean and properly lubricated
- Check derailleur alignment after any impact
- Avoid mixing new chains with worn cassettes
Preventive maintenance is far cheaper than replacing a full drivetrain.
Final Thoughts
Bike chain skipping is a clear signal that something in your drivetrain needs attention. By identifying the root cause early—whether it’s a worn cassette, cable tension issue, stiff chain link, or bent derailleur hanger—you can fix the problem quickly and ride with confidence again.
A smooth drivetrain isn’t just about comfort—it’s about control, safety, and performance. 🚴🔧