Learn how to install a bicycle chain quickly

Installing a new bike chain might sound like an imitating task, but don’t fear. We will show you how to change a bicycle chain quickly. Did you know that a worn or rusty chain can wreak havoc on the functionality of your bike?

Replacing a chain is a fairly inexpensive job that can immediately improve your riding experience. You will gain confidence quickly as you learn one of the most common repairs when it comes to fixing a bike. 

Here are the parts of bike chain that you need to know.

How to change bicycle chain – sizing

It’s typically recommended that a chain be replaced every few thousand miles. If you consistently ride through a lot of sand and rough terrain, your chain might not last as long. Mid drive ebikes have the tendency to go through chains quickly. A new chain can help prevent wear on the cassette and chainring. 

Check out the video on how to change/replace your bicycle chain. Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel

 

 

It can be intimidating to work with a chain if this is your first time. But with a few simple tools and tips, you can easily learn how to change bicycle chain quickly.  

For bike and ebike adventures and repairs, follow us on Instagram. 

First you’ll need to determine the size of chain you’ll need for a replacement. Simply count the number of chain rings on the back wheel. I ordered the 7 chain since there are 7 chainrings on the bike in the photo below.

Make sure the get the right size chain for your bike

To prevent bike chain grease from getting everywhere, I recommend wearing rubber gloves while removing the old chain.  These are the gloves I use. 

Removing your chain

Before getting started, put your chain on the smallest chain ring of your bike. This will make the chain less tight and easier to work with.

Make sure your bike is stable and balanced before attempting to remove the chain. I use a bike stand for this job, but you can also use a kickstand. Some people turn their bike upside down, but if you do this make sure you take a good look at how the old chain is installed on your bike.

Better yet,  snap a quick photo of your bike’s rear derailleur. This can serve as a quick reference for how to Change bicycle chain 

 

The process of removing a bike chain is often called breaking the chain. Depending on your chain there are a few different ways to complete this task. 

 

How to break bike chain with master link 

Determine if your chain has a master chain link. Search your chain for a chain link that looks similar to the photo below. 

 

If your bike has this type of chain connection you will need a pair of chain master link pliers. 

To use these pliers, simply insert the ends into the chain and squeeze the two rollers on the chain as shown in the photo below. The master link should separate and the chain will come apart. 

 

How to break chain without master link. 

For this job If you do not have a master link in your chain you will need a chain removal tool. To use this tool, simply line the chain up inside of the tool and turn the handle of the tool.

The pin in the tool should evenly match the chain pin. Turn the handle until the pin is removed. While you’re using this tool you might need to realign the chain every few turns of the handle. 

 

 

How to change bicycle chain- Shorten

Now that you’ve removed your old chain you will want to compare the length with the new chain. If your chain needs to be shortened you will need to use the chain link removal tool. 

 

If you’re interested in tackling more bike maintenance projects, check out this blog that will show you how to replace a bike tire tube. 

Check the length of both chains to figure out which pin to remove from the new chain. Make sure once this pin is removed, the chain links will still be able to connect.  The chain is made up of outer plates and inner plates.  These plates must alternate in order for the chain to connect.  

 

Once you’ve figured out which pin to remove, lay the chain across the tool, as shown in the photo. 

 

If you’re working with bike chains, you will want these tools.

Be careful with the bike chain pin

Slowly turn the handle of the tool to move the pin. Be careful and DON’T FULLY REMOVE PIN. It is very difficult to reinsert the pin if it gets pushed completely through the chain.

The pin will be pushed through only enough to remove the link. You might need to reverse the handle a few times to make sure you get this correct. Keep a close eye on the pin to make sure it doesn’t travel all the way through the link. 

Once you’ve removed the pin just enough to free the link, your chain should be the correct length.  

As soon as you’ve got the chain the correct length, you are ready for install. 

 

How to replace bike chain install

The simplest way to install the chain is to take a look at your reference photo that you snapped earlier.  If you didn’t take a photo, remember that the chain goes to the left of your chain rings, to the right of the first derailleur pulley and to the left of the bottom derailleur pulley

Left

Right

Left

It’s extremely important to get this correct or you will end up replacing your bike chain again.

Nobody likes double the work! 

Inspect the chain and make sure there are no twists near the pedals. 

Many chains require that the wording of the chain face away from the bike. Check to see if your chain has writing on it. 

If you are installing a chain with a master link you will only need a chain link connector tool. This tool will help hold the chain together as you work.This tool comes with the chain tool

 

Simply line up the links in the chain to connect. The master link might have an arrow on the chain indicating which direction the chain moves. Line up the arrow towards this direction. 

Once the master links have been placed on the chain, you will need to secure them. To do this, simply squeeze the brakes of your bike while driving one of the pedals forward. This force on the chain should snap the chain links together and secure the chain. 

 

If your chain does not have a master link you will need to use a chain tool to push the pin back into the chain. As you do this, make sure the pin is inserted straight and that the other side of the chain doesn’t pop out.

Slow and steady to complete this job.  

Once the pin is in place your chain install is complete. Always perform a final inspection to make sure every bike part is working correctly. Test your gear changes and brakes. 

 

How to change bicycle chain troubleshooting

How to remove knots from chain. The chain seemed to have looped around itself. Don’t worry, its not actually tied in a knot. Simply lift one side of the chain over the drive components (chain ring, derailleur, ) of the bike. If doing this makes it worse, undo and instead lift the other side of the chain over the drive components. 

The pin pushes completely out of the chain. Instead of replacing the chain, see if you can remove a link further down the chain and still work with this amount of chain. 

The chain is making a grinding or clicking noise. Check to make sure that the chain properly sits in the correct placement of the derailleur and that none of the chain is touching the bike frame. 

 

Getting back on your bike 

You’ve now learned how to change bicycle chain quickly. Soon your friends and neighbors will be asking you to fix their bike.  The more chains you repair and replace, the faster you will get at this skill. 

 If you are frequently riding bikes or ebikes It can be helpful to pack chain tools, gloves, and spare chain in a bike bag. Being prepared for any situation can give you the confidence to focus your energy on your ride. 

If you have any questions about how to change a bicycle chain, please let me know in the comments below.