In a nutshell - try and keep your chain in as straight a line as possible.... Obviously - the fitter you get/more time you spend on the bike, the easier this becomes! Pedaling (especially standing and pedaling) obviously places stress on the chain. Do this at the same time as making major gear changes - or doing it whilst your chain line is very skew (e.g. your chain is on the biggest cog at the back, and the biggest blade in front), can result in chain failure... You will quickly learn to adapt your riding style to what is required.... Not placing undue stress on the chain will result in less failures, but it does occasionally happen - regardless of what you were doing at the time. Consider using a quicklink, and keep a chain-tool (or minitool with one included) in your camelbak/saddlebag for those longer rides. Happy riding!
