Hi there, we have just bought a 14" child's bicycle second hand and its all working well except the chain quite often falls off and don't know why. Could you give us any tips on why this should be and how to mend it please. Thanks Melanie

Melanie Castagna, June 2009

if the chain comes off as the child is peddeling it , . i would look at the big chain wheel. thats one were the pedels are , that has all the teeth on it , and see if one of them are bent, , put the bike up side down , and pedel it around , slow and see were it comes off , you might be able to tap it back into shape ,,,,,,

mark, June 2009

Probably chain too slack - usual adjustment is to move the rear wheel backwards - also helps to use a plank of wood to make sure both front and back wheels are in line with one another when you tighten up.

Peccavi, June 2009