How To Replace A Bicycle Chain
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- The chain on your bike wears out over time and eventually you'll have to replace it. Fortunately, the process is pretty simple - Simon shows you how.
Click here to subscribe to GCN: gcn.eu/SubscribeToGCN
First thing to do is find out whether your chain is joined together with a pin or with a quick link. If you have a quick link then technically you can remove the chain with your bare hands. Bear in mind though that when it comes to re-sizing your chain, you can only cut it down to the right size with the use of a chain tool.
If you don't have your old chain to hand, or if you've changed your gear ratios and need a new size of chain, we've also got a failsafe way of finding the correct chain length for your bike!
It's best to check for chain wear on a regular basis - leave it to long and it will damage your whole drivetrain.
Music - licensed by Cue Songs
IO - Chocolate
Buy GCN Cycling Kit! Click here: gcn.eu/BuyGCNKitYT
Get GCN T-Shirts and hoodies: gcn.eu/buy_GCN_stuff
Photos: © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / www.tdwsport.com
About GCN:
The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on TH-cam’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling
Thanks to our sponsors:
Santini cycling kit: gcn.eu/BuyGCNKitYT
Kask helmets: gcn.eu/1FrbcHK
fi’zi:k shoes: gcn.eu/1tsXI7S
Garmin: gcn.eu/1GtylOY
SCOTT bikes: gcn.eu/1Btx0Bj
Ridley: gcn.eu/1EDbfPy
TH-cam Channel - gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook - gcn.eu/gcnFb
Google+ - gcn.eu/gcnGPlus
Twitter - gcn.eu/gcnTW
Leave us a comment below!
Music - licensed by Cue Songs - กีฬา
![รวมเพลงลูกทุ่ง 6 หนุ่มไทบ้าน ฮิตติดกระแส ชุดที่ 1 l มนต์แคน ไมค์ ไผ่ เสถียร ไหมไทย พี [Longplay]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/GD2v1OjMw5I/mqdefault.jpg)
I did it! I replaced my own chain! You just saved me $130 now I’m not dependent on my local overpriced bike shop
I'm a native French speaker. I went through 3 youtube tutorials in French without being able to understand how I should put the chain on the derailler. Before trying to look a tutorial in English, stumbled upon yours and finally got it!
Thanks! You're a real life-saver!
lovely. have a great ride !
One useful tip if you’re using a joining pin is to drive it into the chain from the inside. Although it’s not as easy to do, it shouldn’t be too difficult to position the chain and bike in a way that you can access it from the other side. The reason for this is, once you snap off the guide, it will leave a burr in the remaining rivet. If the burr is on the inside of the chain, it can scratch against a cassette gear when the chain is turning through the next lower gear. Driving the rivet from the inside will put the burr on the outside, and will prevent this from happening.
.v..v.
it would be really nice if GCN would do a video about building up a complete bike step by step... I mean they have videos for each part but it would be really cool to see it in one video. could be 2 hours long - i'd never mind, i'd love to watch this! thinking about building up my next bike myself
I’m so grateful for these videos, I was about to use a chain tool on a chain that had a quick link in it before I saw this.
I was able to replace my rear mech and adjust and index it using other other vids from this channel to guide me without any problems at all.
Top work guys thanks.
Another top video guys. I built a bike with zero experience using only your how to videos.. It's still going strong.
Mate you're experienced as fuck now
Neil McRobie wow
Neil McRobie i built a bike when i was 12 no joke
+Khan Khan so what ?.
I was 9'10 but this guy just showed me something new " and why you watching this on TH-cam for ???.
knob head !!!!
@@KhanKhan-dr5ic Big deal. I assembled a bike while in the womb and rode out of my mum's fanny. Even managed a rolling stoppie.
This was the first time changing my bike chain so this tutorial was incredibly useful!
Third way to remove chain: pick it up off the pavement.
Same 😂😂
that sucks! happened to me last nigt... f^%$!!!!!
Just happened to me today
Happened to me yesterday haha
Yesterday was my first experience of this and today will be my first experience of installing a new one.
Couple of tips;
Some chains have a specific outside and inside, so keep an eye out for that, and make sure you have them the right way around.
If you don't have a quicklink or starter/guide pin,
-when you shorten the chain, don't pop the pin all the way out; just push it far enough to let the inner link come away, but so that it stays in the outer link. This will make it about a million percent easier to re-link the chain.
-and then when reinstalling the chain, set it up so that you can work the pin in from the outside of your bike, rather than the inside. For this last reason, combined with the one about side-specific chains, it might be worth your while when breaking the chain in the first place, to work the pin from the inside, out.
This is very, very important especially if you're fixing your chain on the side of the road 20 miles from home.
Great comment - this sounds like 'experience is expensive' knowledge - much appreciated.
Read this just too late, popped out the pin completely, hell to get it back in
Some excellent advice many thanks.
@@samhendriks2732 Same. I just did this and keep cussing. 🤣
Yep. Never push the pin all the way through. Never. Just don't.
I just wasted an hour on countless attemps to get the pin right, and it just kept popping out.
Thankfully i was on my balcony where it has no place to get lost in. But had i been in middle of nowhere on the side of the road, i would've no doubt lost it, and that would've been the end of my journey.
So, moral of the story; never fuck around with chain pinns. They're really never your friends, and will always your worst nightmare if you let them.
So please, keep your links in check. Saves time and nerves, that one.
Awesome straight forward professional instructions. Rebuilding my bike and loving these videos!
This video, plus your other chain fixing vids has educated me and saved my riding life! Many thank yous!
Our pleasure.
Global Cycling Network here's my question, and it's probably a stupid one. When you're putting the chain back on, and your putting it on the smallest gears, should your bike already be on a certain speed? I'm not sure if it should be 1,or 12. Or does it matter at all?
it would be easiest to fit the chain in the smallest chainring and smallest (lowest teeth number) rear sprocket.
also- as a mechanic i'll add this... I dont use the old chain to compare, in case it was originally installed at the incorrect length. (i have seen many manufacturers and mechanics put a chain on too long/short) When installing a new chain, i go into the small/small gear combo, run the chain around and cut the chain at the point where the chain doesnt rub on the underside of the rear derailleur cage. This way it wont bind when you are in the big/big or small/small combo. Also, I check that length and determine where to cut by putting both ends on the chainring- this way, I have found, I dont fudge the length I need by moving the chain up/down/around, and dont accidentally cut the link in the wrong place. Also, in regard to many chains, they are directional. A good thing to remember with shimano chains is that if the shimano logo faces the outside of the bike, thats where it should be.
The most common reason for replacing a chain is because it has stretched. To allow for this I always double check by counting the number of links in the old and new chains and matching them rather than just relying on length. Really doesn't take very long (especially if you have the number of links in the old chain recorded somewhere)
Do chains stretch? I have been told that they don't. What happens is the links wear and the chain is not then tight on the sprockets. I am not sure about this but a worn chain will be the same length as a new one
@@SkillBuilder The proof that chains stretch is the existence of the chain checking tool (or how it's called in English). This tool's purpose is to look if a chain has been (over-) streched and needs to be replaced.
My bike mechanic also told me to count the chain links when I change the chain.
Great job Simon. Clear directions and well presented. Thank you!
0:06 Perfect demo
misterfunnybones that happens to me yesterday in the middle of the street
otonas balikas happened to me today
Oi
Happened to me earlier today - word perfect
When it happened to me it went more along the lines of “what the fuck?” (Pulls over and looks at bike, realises chain is 20 or so meters behind me on the ground) “oh for fucks sake are you fucking serious?”
So yes fairly accurate indeed.
Sometimes a naturally gifted educator comes along and this guy is it. One of the best.
So refreshing to see a mechanical video done by someone professional - thanks!
Thanks Si. Here are some more tips that might be helpful to your viewers:
1 - Always wear gloves when working with the chain. Most of the bicycle chain lubricants are designed for weather-resistance. This means they stick really well and are difficult to clean off your hands. Using gloves keeps your hands clean but you have to keep the gloves pulled snug on your fingers so they aren't pinched and ripped by the chain.
2 - In my experience, you do not need to shift to the small chainring---you can shift the chain to the large chainring before removing it. This positions the chain where it is much easier to reach and the small amount of additional spring tension from the rear derailleur is minor compared to the easier access. Also, if you're like me and seldom use your small chainring and hate cleaning it (because it's difficult to reach), keeping the chain on the big chainring keeps oil away from the small one.
3 - Be very careful to avoid dropping or sliding the chain on the chain stay of your frame. It is very easy to scratch and chip the paint on your frame this way. This is my only criticism in an otherwise great video---when Si installed the new chain, he allowed the chain to slide along the chain stay as he threaded the chain on the rear cassette and derailleur---this is never a good idea.
4 - If you're removing a badly worn chain, it is probably a good idea to replace the rear cassette also (Si mentioned this in an earlier GCN video). The teeth on the sprockets will probably be worn from the old chain stretching and may not fit a new chain properly. Many experts say we should treat the cassette as a "consumable" the same as the chain.
5 - Always clean your cassette, rear derailleur guide wheels and chainrings before installing a new chain.
6 - It's usually best to lubricate the new chain after installation. Some new chains come pre-lubed and may not require this (as long as the factory lube is acceptable for your riding environment). If your new chain comes from the factory with a sticky anti-rust coating, you may need to clean off this coating before installing and lubing the new chain. There are a variety of ways to lube the chain. Which method you choose is a matter of personal preference, your riding environment and how often you clean your bike. The environmental conditions can be very important. One lube may work well in wet conditions and another may be much better for dry and sandy conditions. If you clean your bike frequently like Si does (after every ride), even a water displacement product with an integral short-lasting lube (like WD-40) may work well as long as it is applied frequently. My personal favorite is Park Tool CL-1 (a dedicated synthetic chain lube with reasonably-good weather resistance).
7 - What kind of chain to use? You could stay with the factory-recommended chain for your drivetrain. But there may be a good reason to switch to a different type. For example: If you ride in wet conditions, a nickel-plated chain will rust less. If you're trying to keep your weight down, a chain with hollow pins and links can save you 60 g or more. For example, a SRAM PC-850 with solid pins and links weighs 318 g while a SRAM PC-1091R with hollow pins and links weighs just 255 g (and the PC-1091R includes nickel plating).
8 - Si mentioned "quick links", the chain links that are designed to be installed and removed without a conventional chain pin tool. Depending on the make, these links have a variety of names such as "master links", KMC "missing links" and SRAM "powerlinks". Some are designed to be reusable and some are not. But I've found that most of them can be reused many times (regardless what the manufacturer says) and it helps to have a pair of master link pliers as Si showed (Park Tool MLP-1.2). I have single-use SRAM powerlinks that I've reused dozens of times with zero problems. I strongly recommend using master links because they allow your chain to be quickly removed, making its cleaning so much better. I ride about 150 miles per week along the eastern side of Lake Michigan in the U.S. and there is lots and lots of sand. Even though I ride my road bike on clean paved highways with wide shoulders, I get lots of sand in my drivetrain and this requires frequent cleaning to keep the drivetrain in top condition. An easy-to-remove master link makes this a quick task. Chain cleaning tools that clean your chain while it's on the bike, in my opinion, never do an adequate job.
D.Eldon Yes. And to remove "quick links" without specialized pliers you can fold the link and the adjacent one into a v on the big front ring and hit one side of the link (softly) with a hammer.
One last thing. Some chains need to have a particular side facing outward. Do be aware of that.
Very good job with the suggestions👍
Simon should run Chain Replacement As Stress Therapy Classes. This is so... tranquil.
Totally agree and he is good!
There is nothing tranquil about the actual process however... but I will look through this video at least twice before I menace the next new chain. :(
A double single malt whisky helped me do this, change a freewheel and true the rear wheel (as much as is needed before I put my bikes in for service) in 15 minutes
انت صح 🙀👩🙈👩
I straight up snapped my chain on my up bike and it's 3 days b4 my b day and I only had my bike for a month after I got my wheels trued w a shop it a piss take
I never thought that I would need to see this video again, but low and behold, I was teaching myself to break down my bike and after I replaced the chain, I didn't route it correctly around one of the jockey wheels and I had contact. After seeing this video, I have everything back together as it goes. Thanks Simon!
How about a a video to fix a snapped chain by the roadside. Usually have a quick-link and a multi tool with a chain tool on it in my bag, but I've never had to use it on a ride.
Thanks GCN for putting this one up. Followed Simon's instructions and am a very happy rider once again.
Great video, clear, succinct and no nonsense straight to the point!
Absolutely brilliant advice. Fixed straight away. Thank you GCN
Thank you so much for this! Changed my bike chain all by myself with the help of your tutorial 😊
LOB X
Excellent video. Concise and to the point and explained in a fashion to be understandable to a neophyte such as myself. Watched some other videos and they all assumed a knowledge of bikes far beyond mine. Thank you.
"...but if you've got the bike in a work centre..."
Actually I tend to lean the bike against a table or the side of the house to repair it. Also I don't have such a shiny bike or a spacious workshop with a full set of Park tools. I think someone should start a bike repair channel where the presenter is a middle-aged Dad trying to repair his kids' barely road-worthy bikes in the kitchen with totally inadequate tools while cursing...
The problem with those channels is they are low quality, and end up just using a big hammer and crowbar to remove all the parts! I'd happily start a channel of me trying to repair my kids bikes, but I'd quickly but a few special tools to make my life easier (and protect the bike). Sure, I can remove a crankset without a puller, but it may turn into waste metal that way. Thumbs up if you think I should start a "Dad repairing kids bikes with minimal tools" channel
One of the most useful lessons you can teach your kids is, use the right tool for the job. It will save them time, struggle, disappointment, possible injuries, and show them the importance of taking care of the work and themselves. And if you can't justify the cost of a tool that you may only use once or twice, let your LBS do it.
@@timwhite8 I think I would love to see some videos of that, I live in a very rural area, and I know we don't have all the fancy shmancy tools professionals use. So yeah, thumbs up from me!
I’d watch that!!!
Well come and film me
Such great videos especially for us newbies into road biking . Thanks a million
Thanks, this video helped me not throwing my bike through the garage out of frustration.
Tip for the folks unable to attach the quicklinks to each other: apply pressure on the breaks and spin with one foot your pedals. Make sure that the quicklinks are perfectly in line with each other before you do this. Cheers.
Thanks Si. The Big Ring and Big Sprocket plus 2 links for chain sizing without existing chain was perfect. I was a bit doubtful, thinking it would be too short 😊 but it was spot on 👌
Thanks so much for your thorough video, I have the confidence now to tackle this basic maintenance task myself!
Thanks very much for this video. Changed my cassette to a 12-25 and popped in a new chain with your videos. Keep it up
Thank you soo much GCN. All your videos are helpful - i’m learning to do all the work on my road bike. Legends.
Si is the man, love maintenance mondays.
Great presentation! I was dreading fixing my bike, but this has helped me a great deal!
Great video length!
Cheers! 5 years later this just helped me change my first chain after snapping one for the first time also.
Great to hear!
I have just picked up a bike from my local recycling centre that I am attempting to refurbish and this is exactly what I needed! Especially the part about not having your previous chain to measure against, the original was rusted solid and had to be removed using a cold rolled chisel and a hammer...
Si is definitely the "Bob Ross" of bike mech - makes it look so simple, calm and easy! Had he whacked the chain it would have been perfect! "Oh, let's give this missing link a happy little friend...remember: there are no mistakes, just happy accidents". Joke aside: excellent video! Thanks a bunch!
Much appreciated for video! Found GCN a great help and is good to learn new things!
No matter how may times I change chains, I always come back to this video. My only suggestion is to buy an inexpensive chain pliers....makes locking in quick links that much easier. I agree...Si is so tranquil it's like the Bob Ross of chain replacement.
Great videos, thank. I just installed a new dura ace 11 speed chain, I have the writing on the chain facing out. But I think I put the chain upside down??? The writing is upside down. Or does it matter. Please help
Thank you Simon for a very straightforward & concise presentation. I did find one part (threading the chain back on to the bike. At 4:00 on the video) hard to see, but I figure I'll be able to manage. Thank you!
LOVE the mechanics videos guys. Good stuff!!
Great How To...I have watched Dan snapping his chain about 30 times and had a hysterical laugh session after a long day at work. Chapeau Boss, chapeau
for re-sizing the chain, thats that two link method work, when having a long cage rear-mech? i run a compact and 11-32. thanks very much.
thanks to your video i have managed to save time and money fixing my chain myself thanks to you guys and keep up the good work!!
Very good guide. Simple and thorough.
Thanks for all ur vids great help, do have a question if u don't mind, I replaced my jockey wheels few months ago and I had a mega problem getting it all back together and that was due to my derailleur, as soon as I took my chain off my derailleur sprung clock wise which loosened that spring that keeps tension on the derailleur, I've never had that happen to me before on any bike and most vids I watch it don't happen so wondering if there's anything wrong wiv mine, I managed to turn the derailleur anticlockwise untill there was enough tension on my chain, but ever since then it's never felt right , not sure if I've overstretched the spring on the derailleur or what, like in this vid when you take your chain off your derailleur didn't spring it self loose clock wise. Any advice wud be grateful. Thanks Matt
Very simple. He was quick and thorough. Painless! Thanks
Nice, really helpful, thanks. Not sure if you mentioned but - if you are using a quick link, you need to take one extra link out of the new chain (when sizing it next to the old one) as when you install the quick link it adds 1 link to the length of the chain : )
Spot on advice, managed to change my chain using the video, works perfectly. Thanks guys
Thanks for a fantastic, clear and instructive video. Inspiring, reckon I'm in for a long ride today ;)
Excellent video GCN. Before this video I had no idea how to change a chain and I just got back from replacing my chain which took less then 10 minutes.
Great tutorial. Thanks guys. Just fitted my new chain on my new 11-spd using this.
Really simple, well-explained video -- thank you.
Thanks, I needed this. My chain crapped out during lock down.
So glade that I saw this video. It was helpful when I had to change out my chain on my bike.
Very clear and well presented, thank you!
I wish I had watched this before I changed my chain, yesterday. I knew the basics, but this would have made it easier.
Just did this to clean my chain. Looks brand new. Great video
Such a useful well made video, thanks GCN
Just replaced my chain with your help. Thanks GCN!
I didnt even watch this video before I started to fix my bike, but seems like I was only having trouble with the master link, I saw you use a wrench so I decided to get a wrench.... fixed!! Now I can go ride my bike!! Thanks!
Oooh an anodised cable end cap. Your time in Italy at the giro has made you sophisticated!
Just what i needed :D thank you for this video !
mywife bought a secondhand bike yesterday that needed work. your videos made it a lot easier for a non cyclist to fix a bike
Hi chaps, when measuring a new SRAM chain do I knock off a link to account for the power link or just add it to the same length as before?
This comment, contains 1 million thank you's, for all the helpful tips you guys have given!!!!
Thank you!
Thanks, tried it for the first time worked a treat!
thanks, excelent shot and very properly explanation how set up new chain.
Simon, before watching this video, I was doing it all wrong. However now, after watching you in action Mate, I've learned how to correctly pull my chain just right, thanks :)
Best explanation on chain replacement, ever.
just watched you short film and hats off to you " all was got me a little confused the threading of the chain at the back jockey's .
thanks mate your a star in my book,
Elliot*
Thanks.Clear and had the information I needed.
do 70 pound e bikes use the same chains in general as a regular bike with same gear set up ?... thanks great video good info
Thanks man, great explanation and demo. Got it right first time.
I have a derailleur with a really short arm and compact body, should i still add the two standard rivits?
The first "replace chain" video that has made any sense to me....thanks.
Watch this once through. Then use it step by step and it is as easy as falling off a bike. Thanks again GCN
Hi is it possible to install a 11 speed chain on a track bike by just changing the sprocket or cog
LOVE the clip @ 0.06 - also a GREAT how-to-do demo video.
I found the "how to fit a chain" very helpful
i just got to get the gears sorted now, I got friction gears one is indexed any ideas on how to set them up?
excellent video - not many like that (not only on bike maintenance) but any tutorials!
Very helpful. You made it simple. I replace my chain the hard way. Turns out I had a quick link the entire time....Doh!!
"Oh, you F'cking kidding me" LOL!!!
Shouldn't you be inserting the pin from the inside of the chain and clipping it on the outside so that the extra bit that protrudes doesn't touch the adjacent gear on the rear wheel?
That's correct he did it wrong you always insert the pin from facing away from the bike, the way he did it in this video is a good chance the chain would come apart down the road
no
Thank you. Very well explained it seems, I will save some money and attempt this on my own now.
Great informative video explained clearly
Clear and waffle-free. Thanks!!
Great video. Didn’t realise width of chain is narrower the more gears you have. Every days a school day. Thanks
Worked like a charm. Many thanks
these videos are a great resource to come back to.
Cheers guys.Love GCN
Brilliant, couldn't have explained it better. Video close ups excellent also.
Very clear and helpful - thank you!
Brilliant film, thank you, much appreciated 👍👍👍
tks great info I will try to replace my own chain and will watch your other vids thank you
Liked the clarification needed ( by me) about re-joining Shimano chains.
You guys are life savers!!!
@GCN your tutorials are really good. Thansk for saving me a lot of blood, sweat and tears!
Super helpful video thank you so much!