Chain problems

Gets worse

Chain skipping, slipping, dropping off, or making grinding noise, accelerated on e-bikes by motor torque.

Typical repair cost

$40 to $200

Includes parts and labor. You get an estimate before any work starts.

Likely causes

Stretched chain (e-bike torque wears chains 2-3x faster)
Worn cassette or chainring teeth
Insufficient lubrication
Bent derailleur hanger
Stiff or damaged link

How it gets fixed

Chain replacement (e-bike rated chain)
Cassette/chainring replacement
Drivetrain cleaning and lube
Hanger alignment

Try this first

E-bike chains stretch fast, mid-drives especially. Wipe and lube your chain every 100-150 miles (wet lube in rain country, dry lube in dust). If the chain skips under power, it is likely stretched past service limit; riding on it chews up the far more expensive cassette. A $30-50 chain replaced on time saves a $150 drivetrain job.

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