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The need to remove / install a bike chain arises for various reasons. Someone regularly boils it in paraffin or wax, someone decided to carry out a comprehensive cleaning in a can of gasoline, and someone got to such a state that and it needs to be changed. How to do this is intuitively clear, but for those who are new to the operation, it is difficult to do without explanations and answers to exciting questions.

At the crossroads of two technologies: methods for replacing a worn chain on a bicycle with speeds

The main goal of the procedure is to unhook the old chain and connect the new one together. Before doing anything, make sure how the chain is engaged now. It either represents a single whole, or has a detachable link (lock) in its design. This is important because the binding type determines the list necessary tool and, in fact, the method of service.

Lock/not lock

So, task number 1 in how to change a worn chain on a bicycle is to find out if there is a lock. It's hard to tell on a dirty chain, so clean it up. It is not necessary to clean in full accordance with the regulations.

It is enough to brush off the main layer of dirt from the side plates and pedal in the opposite direction. The shape of the detachable link is noticeably different from the others, and immediately catches the eye. In more detail its design can be studied in the photo.

Release techniques

If there is a lock in the chain, it is enough to open it.
If the chain is a single unit, it is necessary to press out one of the axles (pins).

How to change a chain without a lock on a bike with shifting gears

In the absence of a lock, the chain replacement technology is reduced to three operations:

Pressing a pin out of any link.
Shortening the new chain.
Setting and pressing the axle on a new bike chain.

How to remove a bicycle chain without a lock

First, place the chain closer to you so that it is convenient to remove it after opening and start a new analogue on the stars. To do this, it is enough to turn the rear derailleur to the extreme position (the smallest sprocket), and align the front derailleur with the third gear (the largest star).

Squeezing the pin out of the link is much easier than pushing it back in. Select one of the constituent elements of the chain and extrude the axle in any of the following ways:

Tapping with a hammer through a knitting needle or a thin carnation.
Squeezing with a hard tip fixed on the chain squeeze bolt.

Important! When tapping or pressing out, the back plate of the link must rest against something. For example, in the squeezing device, a special rib is provided for this. Using a knitting needle and a hammer, the bike chain can be placed on a metal substrate (for example, a rail, a weight) or a hard stone, but in such a way that the pin has somewhere to go.

It is more convenient to squeeze at the lower level. After disconnection, it is easier to remove the chain at idle, when the pedals are spinning in the opposite direction.

For your information. Do not press out the pin completely. It is very difficult to insert it into the outer plate. If you do not feel the position, proceed in steps: make a turn with the squeeze bolt handle, remove it, evaluate whether it is already possible to open the link. If yes, then the squeezing is considered completed, and in the case of “no”, put the squeezing device again and repeat the cycle of actions.

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How to shorten a chain

Usually a fresh chain is slightly longer than even a tired product. If you put it without shortening, the position of the rear derailleur will not correspond to the required one. The quality of gear shifting suffers from this.

The easiest way to calculate the right size is to compare the lengths of the old and new chain. It is not necessary to use a tape measure, it is enough to put them nearby. Combining both ends on one side, on the other we will see a discrepancy in dimensions. Extra links are pressed out according to the method already described, taking into account the recommendation for incomplete removal of the axis from the hole.

Attention! When removing extra links, follow the logic of their connection: the outer plates are mounted on the inner ones. External plates will not sit on similar external ones. Consider the design of the suspension: on double suspensions, the length of the chain should be enough in the position of full compression of the shock absorber.

How to fit a new bike chain

We will assume that all the requirements of technology, how to choose a chain speed bike , completed successfully. Those. in front of you is a part that fits the width of the rear and front stars and all that remains is to put it on:

Position the product so that the extruded pin is closer to you.
Route the chain over the large sprocket of the system in the idle direction (reverse riding pedaling) by passing it through the front derailleur.

Put the chain on the cassette and bypass the switch rollers according to the diagram shown in the figure.

For your information. It is possible to press the link axis only by squeezing. When pressing, ask an assistant or fix the rear derailleur with a piece of wire so that the chain on the lower tier sags. In this way, the risk of damage to the opposite plate can be virtually eliminated.

How to replace a worn lock chain on a speed bike

The technology is similar to the technique of changing a bicycle chain without a lock: remove the old one, shorten the new one and put it on. And we can say that here we can’t do without squeeze - extra links need to be removed with something.

Although here you can omit the recommendation about incomplete pressing out of the pin - in the case of using a lock, it just needs to be completely removed. And then the alternative works 100%: the hammer and the knitting needle do their job, and nothing needs to be pressed in.

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Attention! When removing extra links, see how the lock is installed: both ends must end with internal plates

According to the technology of replacing a chain on a bicycle with speeds, the detachable link is disconnected with special pliers. In fact, you can take hold of the castle area with both hands (preferably with gloves) and pull the ends of the chain together.

Lock installation

Pass the plates with the axles into the rollers, align all the grooves and spread the chain in the lock area in opposite directions, holding it with both hands. Again, suitable profile pliers can be used, if available.
To make the lock finally snap into place when there are no pliers at hand, follow the list of actions:

Scroll the pedals so that the lock is on the upper tier.
Hold rear wheel.
Press your foot on the pedal. The section will stretch, and the link will sit as expected.

Get a squeeze, even if the lock is present. The chain can break and this tool will come in handy on the way. In addition, shortening the bike chain with a squeeze is much easier. When choosing a release tool, focus on high-quality expensive models made of solid metal. The ideal option is to take a multi-set.
Avoid using a padlock. The thing is practical and reliable. A chain with a split link is faster and more convenient to remove for the same routine cleaning before lubricating it.
Do not use an old lock with a new chain. New - only new.

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Sometimes you need to take off bicycle chain- for example, to clean it, replace it, or adjust the length (the latter is done if your new cassette has a different number of teeth, and you need to change the chain length accordingly by adding or removing a certain number of links).

How to remove a chain lock

Examine the chain: if you find a link that is different from all the others, then you are lucky - you have a chain with a lock. In order to separate it, move the pins (pins, axles) on each half-link (cheek). The chain will open. The whole operation will take just a minute. No special equipment is needed: if you suddenly cannot move the pins with your hands, use pliers. Assembly is also done without any tricks, in reverse order.

How to remove a chain without a lock

If you have a chain without a lock, then you will need a special tool - a squeeze for the chain. It is inexpensive, takes up little space, so we recommend that you always carry it with you, along with a set of hexagons and a repair kit for cameras. Anything can happen on the road - if the chain suddenly breaks, you can easily remove the damaged links with the squeeze and reconnect the chain.

How to remove the chain without squeezing? And is it worth it?

How to remove the chain without squeezing is a topical issue. But no matter how often it is asked, it is better to remember one life rule. For good repair and maintenance - it is better to use a specialized tool! In this case, it is a chain squeeze.

There are two types of pomace, most have two seats. One of them is for assembling and disassembling the chain, the second is for adjusting the position of the axis in the chain link bushing. If your squeeze is just that, with two seats, then insert the chain link so that it is on the side closest to the adjusting screw. If you lay the chain in the wrong place, you can accidentally break out the partitions between the squeeze seats during operation or crush the cheeks of the link.

Let's assume that the chain is laid correctly. Now carefully turn the handle. The force may have to be applied a lot, so try to work carefully so that the link in the squeeze does not warp, otherwise it can be damaged. Make sure that the tip of the squeezer presses exactly on the pin. You do not need to turn the screw quickly, you should stop at the moment when the pin is squeezed out of the entire link, but remains on the far cheek. If you squeeze it out completely, then, believe me, it will be very difficult for you to insert it back. Also, be careful not to accidentally knock the pin out of the cheek: this way it can roll off in an unknown direction and get lost.

When assembling, you will not need anything other than the same pomace. I remind you again: be careful, do not get carried away, so as not to squeeze the pin out of the link.

Two important notes:

If your chain is equipped with a lock, then you should not disassemble it with a squeeze
If you have to disassemble the same chain repeatedly, then each time choose a new link: if you squeeze out the same pin over and over again, this will degrade the strength of the chain

Or to replace when it's already .

How to remove a chain from a bicycle

With lock

To remove the chain, you need to open the lock. There are several types of locks, but their opening processes are similar, for this you need to close the axis of the lock and remove the cover.

If you have problems opening the locks, you can use tools, such as special pliers to open the locks.

without lock

If the bike has a chain without a lock, then you will have to press the axle out of the chain link. Also, this process will need to be carried out in order to reduce the number of chain links when necessary.

To press out the chain axle, you need a special tool - a chain squeezer. For this operation, you can choose any link in the chain, the only condition is that it is better to use a new one when re-pressing out, since after the operation the link loosens a little.

Insert the chain link into the tool and secure with the screw. Please note that in some chain squeezes there are two seats, one place for pressing the axle (it is closer to the fixing screw), and the second place is used only for adjusting the axle. Tighten the squeeze screw carefully, thereby squeezing out the axle.

Do not push the axle all the way out if you plan to assemble a link with the same axle, otherwise it will be problematic to install it back!

The chain has been removed.

How to install a chain on a bike

Before installing the chain, you need to make sure that it will fit your bike according to. Complete with a chain, a special axle is usually sold, with a pointed end. It serves to facilitate installation, after pressing the axis, this end must be broken off with pliers. Also, the axle may already be in place if the chain is supplied without a special axle.

To install the chain, move the speed switches to small sprockets. Then thread the chain through the tensioning frame of the derailleur, do not mix up the directions, the lower roller of the chain runs on the left, and the upper one on the right.

We connect the open links, set the axis. We insert the link into the squeeze of the chain and fix it with a fixing screw. By turning the chain squeeze handle, press the axle into place, it should line up with the edges of the chain. Remove the chain from the squeeze, if necessary, break off the end of the axle.

Check that this chain link is free to bend, if it runs tight, then it is necessary to adjust the axle with a squeeze. Insert the link in this case into the second squeeze seat, then you can see both ends of the axle.

The chain is set.

shared

In my life, I have come across 3 types of bicycle locks. Today I will tell you how easy it is to install and remove a chain lock in any of its forms.

View 1: Chain lock with two pins

I have not seen such locks for a long time, but they are still used for single-speed chains and on old Soviet bicycles. For example, the KMC MissingLink 1 sp Z410-SO lock.

Design

Their design is extremely simple - there is a cheek on which 2 pins are located. They are pushed into the holes in the chain links and pressed with a washer with two holes. Everything is fixed with a locking cheek.

How to install a chain lock with two pins

To close this lock, it is necessary to rest with pliers against the pin and against the cheek of the lock from the side where there is no cut. We crush with pliers, and the lock is installed. If there are no pliers, use a screwdriver. We rest with a screwdriver on the edge of the cheek, where there is no cut, and press until the lock closes.

How to open a chain lock with two pins on one side

These locks are the easiest to open. It is enough to grab the pin and the locking cheek from the side of the cut with pliers, press a little - and the lock is open. If there are no pliers, you can use a screwdriver. We rest with a screwdriver on the edge of the cheek from the side of the cut and press until the lock opens.

Video on installing and removing the lock:

View 2: Chain lock with 2 symmetrical parts

The most common and convenient type of locks. They are installed on almost all modern multi-speed bicycle chains. These locks are often difficult to remove. When I removed such a lock with my hands for the first time, I broke my hands into the blood, but the lock remained in place. Most often found on KMC, Sram, FSA chains. Surprisingly, Shimano does not use such locks. Used for almost any number of speeds from 1 to 11.

How to install a chain lock with 2 symmetrical parts

Setting up a lock is very easy. It does not need to be snapped in, as we will do this as soon as we press the pedal for the first time. But you can try to pull the chain in different directions to hear the click of the lock. The main thing is to make sure that all parts of the castle fit into each other.

How to remove a chain lock with 2 symmetrical parts

To remove the symmetrical lock, you will need ordinary pliers. We bend the chain so that it resembles the letter "P", where the top of the letter is our lock. In this position, we need to press the lock with pliers obliquely (diagonally) to move the two parts of the lock (press with pliers from the sides where the pin comes out of the cheek). The method works perfectly! And the hands are intact, and the time takes 15 seconds.

See the video for more details:

There is another way to remove it with your hands 🙂, a rope or a cable - this is when the pins are wrapped with a rope and then pulled together, but usually “tight” locks do not open in such ways.

Type 3: Chain lock with spring-loaded jaw

One of the most difficult locks to install and remove, it causes a lot of problems. This lock is found mainly on Shimano chains in the following models: HG91, CN-HG70, CN-HG50, CN-UG51, CN-HG40, CN-UG51, and KMC Z610RB also has such locks.

Design

The castle consists of two parts. The first part is two pins located on one cheek, and another cheek (bar) with a hole in the middle, which keeps the chain links from opening.

How to install a spring-loaded chain lock

After we connect the chain with the first part of the lock with two pins, we must secure the bar. There is a hole in the bar where you can put one of the pins. We push the 1st pin and shift the bar with a hole to the 2nd pin. Next, we need to bend the chain with both hands so that the pin goes into the hole for the pin in the bar. As soon as the pin enters the hole, you will need to bend the chain back a little so that the pin is in its working position. At the beginning I was afraid to bend, I thought I would break it, but everything worked out!

More details can be seen in the video:

How to remove a spring-loaded latch

This is the most difficult stage, it is not always possible to do it with bare hands. We need a screwdriver to remove the lock. As in the case of installation, you need to bend the chain so that the pin comes up to a place on the bar where it can come out, but without a screwdriver this does not happen. It is necessary to help the pin to free itself from the bar, so in one of the hands you need to hold a screwdriver and bend the chain, pressing on the pin with a screwdriver at the moment it approaches the expansion in the bar. As soon as the pin comes out, you will hear a click - this means that everything worked out for you correctly.

These locks are not intended to be reused, they usually bend after being removed. But you can always try to bend back and put the lock again if there is no other lock at hand.

View 3.1: Spring-loaded jaw with two holes

There is another type of lock with a spring-loaded cheek. This is when the cheek itself has not one hole, but two, but the principle of installation and removal does not differ from type 3.

How this type of lock opens and closes can be seen below:

It is important to note that depending on the number of stars on your cassette or ratchet, the width of the chain changes, and, accordingly, the lock itself. Therefore, you need to pay attention when buying a lock so that it is the same width as the chain.

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The chain is a key element of the bicycle transmission unit. Sequentially passing through the teeth of the drive stars, it transmits torque to the rear wheel, thanks to which the bike rides. In the process of movement, the chain mechanism is subjected to dynamic loads, which eventually leads to its wear.

On single speeds, as a rule, the chain is designed for the entire period of its operation: when moving through the stars, it runs smoothly and straight, without deviations. The situation is more complicated with chains on multi-speed bicycles: there is no right angle between the front and rear stars, which is why it is always located at an angle relative to the frame. The impact on the chain mechanism increases several times compared to parallel transmission, which leads to periodic wear. To avoid damage to the entire transmission assembly caused by chain wear, it must be changed in a timely manner.

Not only do "speed" chains need to be removed, it is quite common to remove them from single speed bikes for periodic repairs or cleaning. How to remove the chain from the bike and put it back, we will tell in this article.

Symptoms

First of all, it is worth paying attention to the malfunction of the chain on multi-speed bikes. Traditionally, travel time is determined by mileage, but these values are too approximate, because it all depends on the conditions of cycling: the quality of the roads, the selection of gears, speed, the load on the pedals and, accordingly, on the front stars.

The first signs of bike chain failure are inaccurate gear changes and suspicious sounds (provided that the chain has not lost lubrication). The following method will surely help to determine the malfunction: bend away from the largest star and see the number of free teeth. If the chain freely moves away from three or more teeth, then replacement is required urgently. Two teeth “warn” that wear is not far off, but you can still ride.

Using the same method, you can see the weakening of the chain on a single-speed bicycle: we bend it from the front star and look at the number of teeth.

Determination of the degree of attenuation

Another way to determine wear is to measure the length:

304.8 mm is the optimal chain length.
306.5 - 307.5 - average wear, suitability for repair. As long as you can ride.
308 mm - a high degree of wear and tear of both the chain and stars.
More than 308 mm - damage to the entire transmission.

Measuring elongation requires the chain to be completely removed from the bike.

Lock and continuous chains

The lock chain is equipped with a special clamping device. Unhooking and putting it on is not difficult - just disconnect the lock. To find it, we carefully examine the chain on both sides and find a detachable link. In principle, it will not be difficult to find it on a clean chain: a tick is put on top, which fixes the link and does not allow it to move apart. Also, the inscription of the manufacturer is usually stamped on the lock link. If you can’t find the lock for a long time, then either the chain is dirty, or it is lockless, or solid.

Bike chain with lock

You can’t just disconnect a bicycle chain without a lock: all the links on it look the same, however, they are also hooked together. This causes great inconvenience during cleaning, for example, it is necessary to carry out a “general cleaning” in a solvent. In the case of the lock, everything is simple - he pulled it off and put it in kerosene. A solid bike chain, even removed from the stars, will remain hanging on the frame.

In terms of removing a chain with a lock, of course, it is more convenient than its counterpart. However, for some reason, the fastening may become loose: the tick will fly off, and the link itself will disengage. On bicycle chains without such locks weaknesses no, and if it is torn, then it is solely in its quality.

Opening the lock and squeezing the axis of the link

Opening the lock is quite simple: with a screwdriver or other object (for example, a knitting needle), we pry off the tongs. The main thing here is not to damage it, and even better not to lose it, otherwise it will not work to fix the chain later. Next, we disengage the entire link. That's it, you can remove the chain and do whatever you want with it: clean it, throw it away or shorten it. However, we will talk about this a little later.

Lock in disassembled state

You can only disconnect a continuous chain with a special tool - squeeze. With its help, it will be easy to disassemble the link without damage. The procedure is simple, but you should not rush:

First, select the link for disassembly.
We insert the chain into the position of pressing out and pressing in the pin (link axis).
Turn the screw with the handle and pull out the axle. The direction of extrusion is towards the squeeze screw, that is, towards itself.

You should not remove the pin completely, as it will not be easy to return it later to its place.

Gall chain release device

The squeeze slightly loosens the axle, so when re-disengaging, you should choose another link.
Pressing the axis into the link is carried out in the opposite order: connect adjacent links to each other and press the pin with a screw.

Elimination of defects

A common type of wear is chain slack, when the length of the chain increases from its original length. Previously, the critical values \u200b\u200bof the length of the bike chain were considered, at which it cannot be used. That's right, but the chain does not have to be thrown away immediately, but can be repaired. Under prolonged loads, the axles become loose, which causes longitudinal and transverse expansion. It is impossible to eliminate the transverse one, but it is quite possible to tinker with the longitudinal one.

It is necessary to remove the extra links in such a way that the chain runs calmly, without tension, along the large star. With the help of a squeeze, excess links are removed, the axial shafts are completely pulled out from the removed elements. The main thing here is not to make a mistake and not pull out too many links.

If you have to ride with a stretched chain, then in order to avoid it coming off, you can install the so-called parts that prevent the chain from flying off when driving. There are several types of such devices:

Roller with two clamps.
With wide rollers.
Frame (or rollerless).

This is what bicycle dampers look like

Using dampers as protection is, of course, good, but it would be better to think about changing the chain.

Installing the chain on the bike

To put the chain on single speed, just hang it on both stars, press in a pin or snap the lock. With high-speed bikes it will be a little more difficult:

Fix the switches on the small stars.
Put the chain on the sprockets, taking into account the location of the tension rollers.
Combine links.
Clamp the chain and press in the axle. If the bike chain is with a lock, we do without squeeze.

After the installation is completed, it is necessary to check the course of the chain: cycle the pedals several times. If there is no slack or difficulty in twisting, then the chain is of the optimum length and is installed correctly.

Every owner of a two-wheeled horse can cope with the removal and installation of a bicycle chain. A simple and simple procedure will not take much time, but it will help a lot on further trips!

If you ride a bike for many kilometers, then the parts will wear out sooner or later. After a long run, the bike chain will "stretch" and will need to be replaced.
Technically the chain does not stretch, but the pins that connect the links wear out, which increases the length of the chain.

stretched chain accelerates the wear of the cassette and the chainrings on the sprocket, so get a new chain when the stretch is already noticeable - a good idea. It is recommended to replace the chain every 1000-1500 kilometers. By the way, replacing a chain is much cheaper than replacing cassettes or gear chain rims on an asterisk.

The information on repairing and shortening the chain below will be very helpful.

Bicycle chain parts and necessary tools

Chain wear indicator: A typical chain wear indicator hooks onto a pin in the chain while the other end is inserted between two pins or rollers. The numbers on the tool will show how worn the chain is and whether it is time to change it.

New chain: The type of chain depends on the number of speeds of the bike. So, for example, if the bike is 9-speed, you need to buy a 9-speed chain. More advanced chains include a special coating that will delay the appearance of rust, or they are already made of stainless steel.

Replacing pins or connecting link: New chains immediately come with a new pin or special link called a connecting link that connects the 2 ends of the chain together.

If you are repairing an existing chain, you will need to buy replacement pins or connecting links separately - they must be compatible with the chain speed and brand.

pomace: If you have a chain with standard links, you will need a compatible clutch that will allow you to easily remove the old pin and put in a new one when disconnecting and connecting the chain.

Pliers: If you have a chain that connects to a connecting link, you will need pliers to make it easier to separate and connect the connecting link.

How to check a bicycle chain

To test the chain for significant stretch, use. Hook one end to a roller or pin in the chain. The other end will either come to the drive wheel itself, or you can place it between two rollers. If it falls out of this gap, then the chain is so stretched that it should be replaced.

The chain wear indicator has numbers showing the amount of wear on the chain. A value between 0.5 and 0.75 indicates that the chain needs to be replaced. A value of 0.75 or higher means that not only should it be replaced, but the condition of the cassette and sprockets should also be checked, as stretching the chain could cause significant damage to the cassette and sprockets.

You can check the chain in another way - measure the chain with a ruler or tape measure. On unworn or new chain, 12 full links (measured pin to pin) should equal 12 inches (30.48 cm). If the 12 links are 31 cm long or more, then the chain needs to be replaced.

How to remove a chain from a bicycle

To remove the chain from the bike, you will need to disconnect (break) it. There are several ways to do this, depending on whether the chain has a connecting link or not.

Before you begin, move the chain to the smallest sprocket and smallest cog.

It will be even better if you remove the chain from the front drive sprocket or remove the rear wheel from the bike. Both of these methods will take the tension off the chain.

If you have a standard chain without a connecting link: Install the squeezer so that the pin of the squeezer aligns with the pin in the chain. Rotate the squeeze knob so that the pin is pulled out far enough to break the chain.

If you have a chain with a connecting link: To find a connecting link, look for a link that is markedly different from the others.

This is where you can break the chain.

The connecting link has a pin on one side, inserted into a notch on the other side.

Use pliers, squeeze the connecting link on both sides so that it opens.

How to determine the length of a new chain?

Usually the new chain is too long, so it will have to be shortened by removing the links. There are several ways to do this. The easiest and best way to determine the length of a new chain- attach it to the old chain. Then you just need to shorten it to match the old one (to be sure, you should count the number of links).

Another variant. Pass the chain through the front derailleur and drape it over the large sprocket in front and over the large cog in the back. Do not run the chain through the rear derailleur yet. Tightly connect the two ends of the chain. If the chain connects and there are still 2 whole links on the overlap (the floor of the link is still left at the end - the place where you connect the chain), the chain length is chosen correctly.

Note: Many full-suspension mountain bikes use a scheme to move the rear axle further away from the bottom bracket while the bike is in motion, through the suspension; it is called " chain growth". To accommodate chain growth, you will need to compress the rear suspension hard when using the method above.

Before removing unnecessary links, make sure that the two ends of the chain will connect. The chain can only connect if the outside of the link connects to the inside of the connecting link. Then disconnect the remaining links.

Installing a bicycle chain

It's time to thread the chain through the rear derailleur and connect it. Pay attention and make sure that the chain goes exactly through the drive wheel on the rear derailleur.

Use of pins: If the chain does not have a connecting link, then use a pry to connect the chain to the pin that is already in the new chain.
If you are repairing an old chain, always use a new pin instead of the old one. The new pin must be compatible with the chain, its speed and brand. The new pin must be inserted halfway with a squeeze, then pulled out from the other side with the help of pliers.

Using connectors: If you are connecting a chain with a connecting link, put one half on each end of the chain, connect the ends of the chain, assemble the connecting link with a tool to put it in place.

It is also possible to connect the connecting link without a tool. Connect it and pull the chain in different directions to block the connecting link as much as possible. Then loosen the derailleur clutch, if equipped, pedal so that the connecting link is on top of the drive chain. Using the brakes, stand firmly on one pedal, the voltage will go to the chain, and it will fall into place.

How to replace a chain on a bicycle - video

It happens that you need to remove a bicycle chain - for example, to clean it, replace it, or adjust the length (the latter is done if your new cassette has a different number of teeth, and you need to change the length of the chain accordingly by adding or removing a certain number of links) .

How to remove a chain lock

How to remove a chain without a lock

How to remove the chain without squeezing? And is it worth it?

There are two types of pomace, most have two seats. One of them is for assembling and disassembling the chain, the second is for adjusting the position of the axle in the chain link bushing. If your squeeze is just that, with two seats, then insert the chain link so that it is on the side closest to the adjusting screw. If you lay the chain in the wrong place, you can accidentally break out the partitions between the squeeze seats during operation or crush the cheeks of the link.

When assembling, you will not need anything other than the same pomace. I remind you again: be careful, do not get carried away, so as not to squeeze the pin out of the link.

Two important notes:

If your chain is equipped with a lock, then you should not disassemble it with a squeeze
If you have to disassemble the same chain repeatedly, then each time choose a new link: if you squeeze out the same pin over and over again, this will degrade the strength of the chain

After using the bike for a long time without maintenance, it is not uncommon for the chain to begin to sag. How to shorten a bicycle chain at home? What is required to determine its correct length? We will look for answers to these and other questions in the presented material.

What factors affect the elongation of a bicycle chain?

A number of points lead to the wear of the axles, the so-called pins, of a bicycle chain. Firstly, deposits in the form of old oil accumulate between the structural elements, on which dust and small contaminants stick. In addition, stretching can cause on the chain in case of steep climbs on the bike. Another reason is the end of the chain's service life, the destruction of its elements as a result of impacts, metal corrosion. To avoid discomfort during the operation of the bike, you need to figure out

How to determine the optimal length?

Before you figure out whether it is possible to shorten the chain on a bicycle with your own hands, you need to find out how long it should have for comfortable movement. To understand this issue, it is enough to throw the chain on the largest stars both in the area of \u200b\u200bthe rear and front chassis of the bike. Next, you need to open one of the links. Finally, tighten the chain as much as possible. It is enough to add a couple of centimeters to the resulting length so that the chain is not overstressed during the ride.

Preparation for dismantling

To make it easier to work with the chain, you should first clean it. The easiest way is to wipe it with a regular piece of material soaked in kerosene. You can also use a special wash, in particular AB-80 or WD-40 liquid.

Instruments

How to shorten the chain on a speed bike or mountain bike? There are several tools you can use to break the links. First of all, you should pay attention to the special pomace. The latter is a simple device resembling a manual frame with a rod that exerts pressure on the axes (pins) of the links. You can buy such a tool at any point of sale. sports equipment. Its acquisition will cost in the amount of 500 to 1000 rubles.

If it is not possible to buy a pomace, in this case you will have to use improvised means. We are talking here about a hammer and a metal bar, which will serve as a punch to extract the axes of the links. You will also need a couple of nuts that will fit under the chain links.

How to shorten a chain on a bicycle with a squeeze?

To do the job, resorting to the operation of a special tool, you need to perform the following sequence of actions:

Set the squeeze to a position in which its rod will be in the center of the axis of the chain link.
Perform rotational movements with the tool until the axis is almost completely out of the link.
Disconnect the chain and, if necessary, perform similar operations with its remaining sections.
Remove unnecessary links and connect the structure.

Having figured out how to shorten the chain on a bicycle, you need to figure out how to connect it. A narrow half-link must be inserted between the cheeks of a wide one. Then the axle should fully enter the hole in the hub. Next, you need to evaluate the mobility of the links. If it is insufficient at the junction, the hinge can be developed using pliers.

How to shorten a chain on a bicycle without squeezing?

The absence of a specialized tool designed to disconnect chain links is not a critical moment. As mentioned above, a metal pin, nail, etc. can serve as an alternative to squeeze. Also here you will need a hammer, with which the axles will be knocked out of the links.

With this approach to business, the main thing is to be careful. After all, inaccurate, too strong blows can lead to deformation of the link plates. To prevent this from happening, ordinary nuts must be placed under the chain elements in advance.

For those who are trying to shorten a bicycle chain for the first time without the use of a special squeeze, it is recommended to practice beforehand. For this purpose it is worth using old chain or separate, unnecessary links. Such work requires some skill. Therefore, before acting on a working chain with a hammer and a punch, you need to perform the above steps several times and evaluate the result of your own work.

Finally

So we figured out how to shorten a bicycle chain. As you can see, it is possible to cope with such a task not only with the help of a special squeeze. To do the work, sometimes it is enough to use the tools at hand, which can be found in every home.

What could be better than a day out on a bike ride! However, the pleasure can be overshadowed by an unexpected chain breakage. If domestic bicycles for the most part consist of detachable sections of the chain, the locks between which can be easily divided, then the chains are often one-piece. We will talk today about how the chain is removed, and what devices exist for this.

When is a chain removed from a bicycle?

Experienced cyclists remove the chain regularly. For example, in the case when the replacement of the system or only the cassette resulted in a change in the number of teeth, the chain will have to be shortened by removing the teeth, or lengthened by adding additional ones. In addition, the chain is removed in order to:

wash;
boil in grease;
replace (if repair is no longer possible).

Instructions for self-replacing the squeeze chain

Removing the chain by pressing.

Usually, an auxiliary tool is used to remove the chain from the bike - squeeze. With it, it is easy to remove even one-piece chain. The sequence of work in this case is as follows:

Determine the section of the chain to parse. In the case of repeated disassembly of the chain, it is preferable to take a non-repairable section of the chain.
Insert the chain into the squeeze so that the pin is opposite the clamping axis.
Secure the chain with a knurled screw.
Turn the handle, squeezing the pin out.
Remove unnecessary links with a squeeze, pressing out the entire pin.
Connect chain links. In this case, the pin located in the cheek should look outward towards you. First you need to pass the chain through the rear and front derailleurs. Then put the chain links one on top of the other so that the pin coincides with the sleeve.
Unclench the "cheeks" with pliers. After the ends of the chain have taken their place, the pin coming out will not allow the links to separate.
Insert the squeeze into the link so that the axes of the pin and the rod match perfectly, and rotate the funnel, pressing the pin into the hole.
Check the symmetry of the position of the pin and the “cheeks” of the links. Adjust their position if necessary.
Check the links for mobility relative to each other. If necessary, increase mobility with pliers.

Important! On a high-speed bike, the chain is installed along the switch rollers at the rear in accordance with the broach pattern. In order to be able to replace the chain many times in the future, it is best to lock the chain.

The sequence of actions for removing the chain from the bike without squeezing with your own hands

The squeeze is a useful tool. However, it is not always available. What then to do? The prospect of staying in the middle of pristine nature somewhere many kilometers from the city does not look attractive. You can remove the chain from the bike without squeezing. Doing it yourself will not be easy, but it is quite possible. Let us consider in detail the options for parsing a chain with and without a lock.

Model with lock

How to check if a chain has a lock? Easy peasy! A quick inspection to see if the chain has a link that is different from its neighbors. This is the castle. You can disconnect it by moving the pins on each of the links with your hands or pliers. To assemble the chain, you need to do the same steps in reverse order.

Model without lock

In this case, without squeezing it will not be easy. And the result will be unpredictable. But, if there are no other options, we choose the lesser of 2 evils. So, we remove the chain without a lock from the bike with improvised means in this order.

Screw an ordinary vise to the table.
Fix the chain in a vise by placing a nut on one side, the hole of which corresponds to the pin.
Stick on the other side a small screw with a hat.
Clamping the vise, push the pin into the nut hole with the ball.

Important! In order to open the circuit, it is not enough to release one side. You need to move the link and remove the chain, or add another ball and continue trying.

Summing up, we can confidently say that pomace is an indispensable thing on the road for every cyclist. And if a broken chain with a lock can still be removed from the bike without this device, then, as for the chain without a lock, it will be difficult to do without it. However, in case of form-major circumstances, you can use the above instructions.