Why you should replace your chain
You’d be shocked how outraged many cyclists are when they hear that their chain is a consumable part unless you’ve worked in a bike shop. Despite being made of hardened steel, this set of ties, sticks, and rollers will inevitably need to be recycled, no matter how much you care for it. To avoid wearing out your cassette it’s advised to atleast replace your chain every 6000 km.
It’s a good idea to invest in a chain checker to figure out when this time has come, and to avoid a worn chain from damaging the rest of your drivetrain’s components. If you’re looking to clean your bike chain, check out this article.
How to replace a bike chain
Tools
- Chain tool
- Easy link tool (optional)
Take off the old chain.
The first step is taking the old chain off your bike. Depending on your chain brand, there are several ways to do this. You can break the chain by compressing the easy link (a two-piece link that can be pressed together to unfasten it). You can also use a chain tool to force one pin out. Don’t throw away your old chain just yet, as you can use it to determine the length of your new chain later on.
Clean the cassette
Cleaning and inspecting your chainrings and cassette are a good idea right now. Make sure that all of the teeth have symmetrical profiles. When the chain eats into them, they take on the profile of a shark’s tooth.
If everything appears to be in good working order, clean both with a cleaning solution – there’s no point fitting a clean chain onto dirty cogs!
Find out the right chain length
You’ll need to cut your new chain down to size. There are several ways to do this. The easiest way is to put your old chain and new chain together and simply make your new chain the same length. A second method is to put the new chain over the big front chainring and the big rear chain ring, without going through the derailleur. Then, pull the chain ends to each other. The right chain length is where the chain ends meet, plus 2 chain connections. Read this article for more information on determining your chain length.
Cutting
Place the connection you want to work on between the tool’s jaws. Turn the knob until the pin begins to push the link’s middle. To avoid damaging the instrument, make sure everything is aligned.
Threading of new chain
Reduce the chainring and sprocket scale to the minimum. Replace the chain in the front derailleur cage. Pull it over and around the upper jockey wheel on the derailleur, looping it over the rear cassette. Thread it through the cage and around the lower wheel, being careful to remain inside the divider between the plates.
Quick link
Some chains come with a quick link, which makes connecting the chain ends a lot easier. Simply put the quick link with the pin through the chain ends and press the connecting link firmly on to the chain. Some horizontal pressure here will help the connecting link snap in place. Additionaly, a quick link plier may come in handy here.
Rivets/Pins
If your chain doesn’t have a quick link, you can use the pin to attach the chain ends. The pointy end of the joining pin that came with your new chain can be used now. Link the chain’s ends by squeezing them together. Push the pin into the chain from the drive side of the bike to keep it together.
Insert the chain tool into the connection that is held together by the screw. To secure the pin, tighten the handle. It will become easier to turn the handle as the pin becomes almost flush with the outer plate of the connection.
Check to see if the connection you joined is still working. If it doesn’t, reattach the chain tool and give it a little push if the pin is protruding more than the others in the chain. Try flexing the chain horizontally to loosen it up if it appears to be in the right position.