The chain is the key element of the bike's transmission assembly. Sequentially passing through the teeth of the drive sprockets, 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 over time leads to its wear.

On singlespeeds, as a rule, the chain is designed for the entire life of its operation: when moving along the stars, it walks smoothly and straight, without deviations. Chains are more complicated on multi-speed bicycles: there is no right angle between the front and rear sprockets, which is why it is always at an angle relative to the frame. The stresses on the chain mechanism increase several times compared to parallel transmission, which leads to periodic wear. To avoid damage to the entire transmission unit caused by wear of the chain, it must be replaced in time.

Not only do the "speed" chains need to be removed, they are often removed from single-speed bikes for periodic repairs or cleaning. We will tell you how to remove the chain from the bike and put it back in this article.

Malfunction symptoms

First of all, attention should be paid to chain malfunctions on multi-speed bikes. Traditionally, the travel time is determined by the 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, the speed, the load on the pedals and, accordingly, on the chainrings.

The first signs of a bike chain failure are inaccurate gear shifting and suspicious sounds (provided the chain has not lost its lubrication). The following method will probably help to determine the malfunction: bend it away from the largest sprocket and see the number of free teeth. If the chain comes loose from three or more teeth, then replacement is required urgently. Two prongs "warn" that wear is just around the corner, but you can still ride.

Using the same method, you can see the weakening of the chain on a single-speed bike: bend it away from the chainring and see the number of teeth.

Determination of the degree of attenuation

Another way to measure wear is to measure the length:

• 304.8 mm is the optimum chain length.
• 306.5 - 307.5 - average wear, suitability for repair. You can still ride.
• 308 mm - a high degree of wear on both the chain and the sprockets.
• More than 308 mm - damage to the entire transmission.

Measuring elongation requires removing the chain completely from the bike.

Lock and solid chain

The locking chain is equipped with a special clamping device. It is not difficult to unhook and put on it - you just need to 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 manufacturer's inscription is usually embossed on the key link. If you cannot find the lock for a long time, then either the chain is dirty, or it is lockless, or solid.

Bicycle chain with a lock

A bicycle chain without a lock simply cannot be disconnected: all the links on it look the same, however, and are hooked together too. This is a big inconvenience when cleaning, for example, it is necessary to carry out a "general cleaning" in a solvent. In the case of the keylock, everything is simple - I stole it and put it in kerosene. A solid bike chain, even when removed from the stars, will remain hanging on the frame.

In terms of removal, a chain with a lock is certainly more convenient than its counterpart. However, for some reason, the fastening may loosen: the tick fly off, and the link itself can be disengaged. On bicycle chains without such locks weak points no, and if it is torn, then the matter is solely in its quality.

Opening the lock and squeezing the link axis

It is quite simple to open the lock: use a screwdriver or other object (for example, a knitting needle) to pry on the pincer clamp. The main thing here is not to damage it, or even better - not to lose it, otherwise it will not be possible to fix the chain later. Next, we decouple 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'll talk about this a little later.

Disassembled lock

It is possible to disconnect a continuous chain only with a special tool - a squeeze. With its help, it will be possible to easily disassemble the link without damage. The procedure is simple, but you shouldn't rush:

• First, select the link for disassembly.
• We insert the chain into the position of pressing out and pressing in the pin (link axis).
• Use the handle to tighten the screw and take out the axle. The direction of extrusion is towards the pressing screw, that is, towards itself.

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

Gall chain release device

The squeeze will loosen the axle a little, so a different link should be selected when re-disengaging.
Pressing the axle into the link is carried out in the opposite order: connect the adjacent links together and press in the pin with a screw.

Elimination of defects

A common form of wear is chain slack when chain length increases from original length. Previously, the critical values ​​of the length of the bicycle chain were considered, at which it cannot be used. Everything is correct, but the chain does not have to be thrown away immediately, but it can be repaired. Under prolonged loads, the axles loosen, which causes longitudinal and lateral expansion. It is impossible to eliminate the transverse, but it is quite possible to tinker with the longitudinal.

It is necessary to remove unnecessary links in such a way that the chain calmly, without interference, passes over the large star. With the help of a squeeze, excess links are removed, the axial shafts are pulled out completely 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 its falling 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 bike pacifiers look like.

Using pacifiers as protection is fine, but it’s better to consider changing the circuit.

Fitting the chain to the bike

To put the chain on the singlespeed, it is enough to hang it on both stars, press in the pin or click the lock. With high-speed bikes it will be a little more difficult:

• Fix switches to small stars.
• With regard to the position of the tensioning rollers, slide the chain over the sprockets.
• Align the links.
• Clamp the chain and press in the axle. If the bike chain is with a lock, we do without squeezing.

After the installation is completed, it is necessary to check the course of the chain: rotate the pedals several times. If there is no sagging or obstruction during twisting, then the chain is of the optimal length and is installed correctly.

Every owner of a two-wheeled horse will be able to cope with the removal and installation of a bicycle chain. An uncomplicated and simple procedure will not take much time, but it will perfectly help on further trips!

If you ride a bike for many kilometers, then the spare parts, sooner or later, will wear out. After a long run, the bike chain will “stretch” and need to be replaced.
Technically, the chain doesn't 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 toothed chain rings on the sprocket, so get a new chain when the stretch is already noticeable - 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 sprocket sprockets.

The chain repair and shortening information below will be very helpful.

Bicycle chain parts and necessary tools

Chain wear indicator: A typical chain wear indicator engages 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 out 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 your bike is 9-speed, you need to buy a 9-speed chain. Better chains include a special coating to delay the appearance of rust, or they are already made of stainless steel.

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

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

Squeeze: If you have a chain with standard links, you will need a compatible squeeze to make it easy to 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 disconnect and connect the connecting link.

How to check a bicycle chain

To test the chain for significant tension, use. Hook one end over a roller or pin in the chain. The other end will either come on the drive wheel by itself, or you can place it in the gap between the 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 to indicate the amount of chain wear. A value between 0.5 and 0.75 indicates the circuit needs to be replaced. A value of 0.75 or higher means that it is necessary not only to replace it, but also to check the condition of the cassette and drive sprockets, since stretching the chain could cause significant damage to the cassette and drive sprockets.

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

Removing the chain from a bike

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 start, move the chain to the smallest guide sprocket and the smallest prong.

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

If you have a standard chain without a connecting link: Position the squeeze so that the pin of the squeeze is aligned with the pin in the chain. Rotate the wringer handle 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 noticeably different from the others.

This is where the chain can be broken.

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

Using a pair of pliers, squeeze the connector on both sides so that it opens.

How do I determine the length of a new chain?

Usually the new chain is too long and 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 derailer and drape it over the large sprocket in the front and over the large prong in the back. Do not run the chain through the rear derailer yet. Connect the two ends of the chain tightly. If the chain connects, and there are still 2 whole links on the floor (half of the link still remains at the end - the place where you connect the chain), the length of the chain is selected 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 traveling through the suspension. it is called " chain growth". To adapt to the chain's growth, you will need to compress the rear suspension a lot using the method above.

Make sure the two ends of the chain will connect before removing unnecessary links. The chain can only connect if the outside of the link connects to inside connecting link. Then detach the remaining links.

Fitting the bike chain

It's time to thread the chain through the rear derailer and connect it. Pay attention and make sure that the chain runs accurately through the drive wheel on the rear derailer.

Using pins: If the chain does not have a connecting link, use a squeeze to connect the chain to the pin 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 using a squeeze, then pull it out on the other side using pliers.

Using connectors: If you are connecting a chain to 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 tools. Connect it and pull the chain in opposite directions to block the connecting link as tightly as possible. Then loosen the clutch of the derailer, if equipped, crank the pedals so that the connecting link is on the top of the drive chain. Using the brakes, step firmly on one pedal, the tension will go to the chain, and it will snap into place.

How to replace a chain on a bicycle - video

It happens that 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 with a lock

Examine the chain: if you find a link that is different from all the others, then you are in luck - you have a chain with a lock. In order to disconnect it, slide the pins (pins, axles) on each half-link (cheek). The circuit will open. The whole operation will take just a minute. You do not need any special equipment: if you suddenly cannot move the pins with your hands, use the pliers. The 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, it 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 using a squeeze and reconnect the chain.

How to remove a chain without squeezing? And is it worth doing?

How to remove a chain without squeezing is a burning question. 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 the squeezing of the chain.

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

Suppose the chain is laid correctly. Now gently rotate the handle. The effort may have to be significant, so try to work carefully so that the link in the squeeze does not skew, otherwise it can be damaged. Make sure that the tip of the squeeze is pressing 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, as it can roll away in an unknown direction and get lost.

When assembling, you do not need anything other than the same squeeze. 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 many times, then each new time choose a new link: if you squeeze the same pin over and over again, this will worsen the strength of the chain.

After using the bike for a long time without maintenance, the chain often begins to sag. How to shorten your bike chain at home? What is required to determine the correct length? Let's look for answers to these and other questions in the presented material.

What factors affect bike chain lengthening?

A number of factors lead to wear of the axles, the so-called pins, of the bicycle chain. Firstly, deposits in the form of old oil accumulate between the structural elements, on which dust and small impurities adhere. In addition, stretching can cause excessive stress on the chain when climbing 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 figuring 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 over the largest sprockets, both in the area of ​​the 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 driving.

Preparation for dismantling

To make it easier to work with the chain, it is worth cleaning it first. The simplest way- wipe it with a regular piece of material soaked in kerosene. You can also use a special wash, such as AB-80 or WD-40.

Instruments

How to shorten the chain on a speed bike or mountain bike? Several tools can be used to sever links. First of all, you should pay attention to the special pomace. The latter is a simple device resembling a manual bed with a rod, which exerts pressure on the axles (pins) of the links. You can buy such a tool at any point of sale. sports equipment... Its purchase will cost from 500 to 1000 rubles.

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

How to shorten a bicycle chain using a squeeze?

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

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

Once you've figured out how to shorten your bike chain, 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 fit completely into the bore of the hub. Next, you need to assess the mobility of the links. If it is insufficient at the junction, the hinge can be worked out with pliers.

How to shorten a bicycle chain without squeezing?

The lack of a dedicated tool for disconnecting chain links is not critical. As mentioned above, a metal pin, nail, etc. can serve as an alternative to squeezing. You will also need a hammer here, 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, sloppy, 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 first resorting to shortening a bicycle chain without using a special squeeze, it is recommended to practice first. For this purpose it is worth using old chain or separate, unnecessary links. Such work requires a certain skill. Therefore, before acting on a serviceable chain with a hammer and a punch, you need to perform the above steps several times and evaluate the result of your own labors.

Finally

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

What could be better than a day out of town cycling! However, the pleasure can be overshadowed by unexpected circuit breakage. If domestic bicycles for the most part consist of split sections of the chain, the locks between which can be divided without much difficulty, then the chains are often one-piece. Today we will talk about how the chain is removed, and what devices exist for this.

When is the chain removed from the bike?

Seasoned cyclists remove the chain regularly. For example, in the case when the replacement of the system or only the cassette entailed 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 solid oil;
• replace (if repair is no longer possible).

Instructions for self-replacement of the squeeze chain

Removing the chain with a squeeze.

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

1. Decide on the section of the chain for parsing. In case of re-disassembly of the chain, it is preferable to take the non-repairable section of the chain.
2. Insert the chain into the squeeze so that the pin is opposite the clamping axis.
3. Secure the chain with the knurled screw.
4. Twist the handle, squeezing the pin out.
5. Remove unnecessary links using a squeeze, pressing out the entire pin.
6. Connect the chain links. In this case, the pin in the cheek should point outward towards you. First you need to run the chain through the rear and front derailleurs. Then place the chain links one on top of the other so that the pin aligns with the bushing.
7. Unclench the "cheeks" with pliers. Once the ends of the chain have found their place, the outwardly extending pin will prevent the links from separating.
8. Insert a squeeze into the link so that the pin and stem axes match perfectly, and rotate the funnels by pressing the pin into the hole.
9. Check the symmetry of the position of the pin and the "cheeks" of the links. Correct their position if necessary.
10. Check the links for mobility relative to each other. Increase mobility with pliers if necessary.

Important! On a high-speed bike, the chain is installed along the switch rollers at the back in accordance with the feed pattern. It is best to lock the chain in order to be able to change the chain many times in the future.

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

Pomace is a useful tool. However, it is not always at hand. What then is to be done? 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. It will not be easy to do it yourself, but it is quite possible. Let's consider in detail the options for parsing a chain with and without a lock.

Model with a lock

How to check if the chain has a lock? As easy as pie! 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 sliding the pins on each of the links with your hands or pliers. To assemble the chain, you need to do the same in reverse order.

Model without lock

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

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

Important! In order to open the circuit, it is not enough to free 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 squeezing is an irreplaceable thing on the road for every cyclist. And if a broken chain with a lock can still be removed from a bicycle without this device, then, as for a chain without a lock, it will be difficult to do without it. However, in case of form major circumstances, you can use the instructions above.

Edited: 10.03.2017

In the last article, we looked at how.

One way involved removing the chain from the bike. A natural question arises - how to quickly and easily remove the chain from the bicycle.

The first thing I want to say right away is that it is best to work with the chain with gloves - there is less chance of getting your hands dirty with oil and then washing them for a long time. But, in general, this advice is not for everybody.

Here you need to understand the following: there are chains with a special lock and chains without a lock.

Locks and chains differ in the type of lock. In a multi-speed chain, the rivets should hardly protrude above the side plates, otherwise they will get in the way. The locking link for a multi-speed chain consists of two halves, each of which is a cheek with a pin pressed on one side.

Even if your chain does not initially have a lock, it is better to put it on the first time you remove the chain, when you decide to wash it. Believe me, it will be much easier in the future to remove and install the chain. There are many separately sold locks on the Internet for a wide variety of chains, both for single-speed and multi-speed models.

Removing the chain, which has a special lock

Removing such chains is easy and simple, it takes 1-2 minutes. You simply open the lock and the chain is removed.

There are even special tools for this and they can be purchased on the Internet or in specialized bike shops... They work both for opening and for compression, so that they can be removed and put on the lock.

But our man is not looking for easy ways, and not every bicycle lover agrees to spend money on such tools, so all this can be done with the help of ordinary pliers or round-nose pliers with narrow noses.

If the lock is tight and does not lend itself just like that, you can try to remove it using an old cable from the brakes or gear shifting, strong rope or wire. To do this, a wire is threaded between the locking links, as shown in the figure. With a pair of pliers, grab both edges and pull sharply in opposite edges, unclenching the lock.

Video how to remove the chain lock with a rope

Some chains are removed by hand altogether. How this is done is shown in this video.

Removing the chain without a lock using a chain release

Here, everything is not as simple as in the previous case, although the same is not very difficult.

In this case, a special tool called chain squeezing (cycling)... They come in both a separate version and in a form, which is much more convenient when traveling or at home.

We will now consider how to use the chain squeeze.

First, we select the link that we will disassemble. If the chain is being disassembled for the first time, it can be any link, but it is better to look for the link with which the chain was assembled at the factory when assembling the bicycle. Usually this pin stands out from the rest. If the chain has already been disassembled in this way, then it is better to choose a different link, and not what was the last time. This is due to the fact that the squeeze loosens the pin a little.

Now we just slowly turn the handle, squeezing out the pin. And here's the most important thing: constantly check that the pin does not pop out completely. If it pops out, it is very difficult to insert it back (even using all the possibilities of the great and powerful Russian language).

Another small point: be careful not to lose the video from the link in which the pin was squeezed out. Otherwise, there will be problems later.

The chain is assembled in the reverse order. You connect the links, insert the pin, not forgetting about the roller, and press the pin back with the squeeze screw.

Video how to remove a chain using a chain squeeze.

Can the bike chain be removed without squeezing?

Sure. Nothing is possible for our person. In early childhood, when all these devices and tools were not available, in order to remove the chain or link from the bicycle chain, we used an ordinary hammer and a thin bolt or nail.

The chain was placed on a nut or so that the axle was in a narrow gap between the stones on the curb (so that it had a place to squeeze out), the nail was placed against the axle and, slowly tapping on it with a hammer or just another stone, knocked out the pin. The main thing was not to knock out the pin completely. The chain was also assembled back.

This is one of the main elements of the transmission unit. It transmits torque to the rear wheel from the drive sprocket. It is thanks to this that the bike rides. During trips, it clogs up, stretches, wears out. It must be removed periodically for cleaning and lubrication. And if it is stretched, then you will need to replace the chain on the bike.

Removing the bike chain with a lock

On singlespeed and multi-speed bikes, the dismantling process is identical. If the bike has a lockable bike chain, it is not difficult to remove it for cleaning, shortening or replacing it. The entire withdrawal process only takes a few minutes.

How to remove a bicycle chain with a lock? To do this, you first need to find a link with a clip. To do this, you need to carefully examine it from both sides. If it is not very dirty, the key link is found almost immediately. An inscription is embossed on it and a special clip is put on top, which holds the adjacent links. If, upon close examination, the castle was not found, then it is solid.

The locks vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the removal process is similar. It is necessary to close the adjacent axles together and remove the clamp. You can pry the lock with a screwdriver or any other pointed object. If you still cannot pry the latch, then you can also use special pliers to open the locks. Here it is important not to damage the clip and not lose it, otherwise it will not work to install the bike chain back.

Lockless is removed much more difficult. To do this, you need a special puller - a chain squeeze. You can, of course, remove without tools. For example, placing the axle on the edge of something solid. Next, using a regular knitting needle, tap the axle (pin) and separate the links. However, it will not work to connect them. To do this, you still need a puller.

To do this, select any link, insert it into the puller, placing it directly opposite the release axle, fix it with a screw. Next, slowly turn the screw, thereby squeezing out the pin. It is important not to extrude the axle completely. Otherwise, it is almost impossible to install it in place later.

If you are installing a new bike chain, you should first check to see if it fits your bike in length and width. If it does not fit in width, then it will not work on this bike. But the length is easy to adjust. To do this, it is enough to remove unnecessary links using a squeeze.

If you have, then for installation it is necessary to fix the rear and front speed derailleurs on the smallest sprockets. Then thread the chain through the derailleur tension frame so that the upper roller passes it to the right and the lower to the left. Then connect the extreme links, insert the pin. After putting on the chain, insert the axle into the squeeze, fix it with a screw and press in the pin. When properly installed, it should be completely flush with the edges of the chain. After that, take it out of the squeeze and break off the end of the axle (if there was one).

It is very important to check the chain travel after installing the pin in place. It should not sag, the pedals should rotate freely. If it walks tightly, does not bend well, then using the same puller, using the second seat, it is necessary to adjust the axis.

If you urgently need to remove the bike chain, but there is no puller - no big deal. You can use the old "old-fashioned" way - rivet, and then rivet it back.

When removing a solid chain repeatedly, make sure to use different links each time, as the process of pressing them loosens a little.

If you plan often, it is easier to install a lock on it. So you will greatly facilitate the process of removing and installing it back.

On almost all domestic road bikes, chains are made in such a way that they can be split. One section of such a chain has a special lock. And on sports bicycles it will not work to produce a chain with a split cell, because this lock will interfere with gear shifting. However, in recent times split chains are made specifically for sports bicycles.

The need to remove the chain occurs quite often - for example, to replace it or complete cleaning. If, after replacing the cassette or the entire system, the number of teeth on them has changed, then in this case the chain will have to be increased (by installing additional ones) or vice versa - shortened (by removing the extra links). Under any circumstances, this will require the axle to be secured with chain links. As in the whole business, some nuances must be taken into account. If everything is done correctly, then in the future it will be possible to avoid certain problems with the chain. And you can see how to do it correctly from the small instructions below.

The figure shows how to properly remove the chain using a chain pull. The sequence of actions consists of the following:

You need to select a chain segment

To remove the one-piece chain, we first need to extrude one line from the bushing. For this purpose, we need a special tool - chain squeezing. And to remove the detachable chain, no other special tools or devices are required.

We select the segment of the chain that we will disassemble. It should be noted that during the secondary dismantling of the bicycle chain, it is preferable to use a different segment, since after each operation (disassembly / assembly) the chain link loosens a little, reducing its strength.

Given the design of the squeeze itself, you need to insert the desired element into the bore hole

We insert the chain into the release device, fix it with a screw with a grooved surface.

(see image - retention screw shown on the right).

An important detail - Many pushers have two chain seats. In other words, the insertion of the chain into the squeeze can be done in two ways.

First method: The seat, which is located closer to the fixing screw, is intended for pressing in or pressing out the axle. In particular, it is necessary to refuel there in order to remove or install the chain.

Second method: The other seat is used solely to adjust the position of the axle of the inner part of the bushing. If you try to press out the axle when the chain is tucked in this seat, then there is the possibility of damage to the squeeze or the chain.

Just do not forget that after this point of work, you need to use the clamping bolt, otherwise the squeeze can turn into a one-time squeeze.

It is necessary to carefully squeeze the axle towards the reinforcing screw.

You can safely start tightening the squeeze screw with the handle, while squeezing the axle inside the fixing screw.

Make sure that the axle does not have defects during work, because it will have to be pressed in again when the link is reassembled.

If in the future you plan to assemble a link with the same axle, then turn the handle slowly, in order not to squeeze the axle out to the end. Otherwise, it will be difficult to reinsert it later. If you do not have experience in disassembling and assembling chains, then it is necessary to periodically remove the chain from the release mechanism and inspect the axle.

The open link itself should look like the one shown in the image. The chain has been removed.

Sometimes there are times when you just need to remove the bike chain. This, for example, if it is stretched and you need to dismantle one or more links. Or you just decided to thoroughly clean it of dirt (which we will do today). And it's not difficult if she has a special removable chain lock, but here's what to do with a chain that does not have one? Today we will look at how to remove the chain with an example.

Chain components

Before we talk about how to remove the chain, it is necessary that you understand what in question... For this, below, we will give an explanatory picture with the constituent elements.

We clean the chain before removing

We put the chain on the middle stars (for example, 2 - 5). We take an old dirty rag. Wrap the chain around and pedal back. It will not be possible to achieve perfect cleaning, because part of the oil and dirt is on the stars and when rotating it again adheres to the chain. Therefore, we stop pedaling and clear a small gap (10-20 cm) between the stars. This is where we will disconnect the bike chain.

Squeeze out a pin with a squeeze

I use the cheapest squeeze chain (price about $ 4) and it does its job perfectly.

We insert the link into the grooves (as in the picture), tighten it with a clamping bolt (it has a spring-loaded rod in the middle, where the pin will come out) and squeeze out the pin. Care must be taken to ensure that the release rod hits the pin clearly. Do not rush and in case of failure, you should correct the chain and repeat the procedure.

After you have set everything correctly, we begin to gently rotate the handle clockwise. If you do not need to dismantle the link, but simply need to disconnect the chain, then the pin should not be squeezed out completely. Initially, there will be a tight move, then a little easier, and in the end again a tight one. At the last stage, you should slow down and act carefully so as not to squeeze out the pin completely (it will be problematic to insert it back). You can safely remove the squeeze and see how much more you need to rotate the handle.

After that, we disconnect the chain (it should be remembered that the chain is under tension, and so that it does not fly away, and does not scratch your bicycle feathers, you should hold it).

Cleaning the chain, chainrings and chainrings

After you have removed the chain, you can safely attach it to various water treatments... If soap solution is used (this also includes other detergents / cleaning agents) after cleaning, it should be rinsed thoroughly clean water... At the end of the cleaning stage, we send it for drying. With the cleansing of the stars special problems also no. Please note the following, if your bike has disc brakes, then the disc must first be removed from the wheel so that oil and dirt do not fly onto it when cleaning the cassette (if this is not done, you will also have to degrease the brake disc). We rinse everything with clean water and wait until it dries.

We put the chain back

We pass the chain between the rollers of the rear derailleur and do not forget about the front derailleur frame. In the picture, we show how the bike chain should be positioned.

We insert the links into each other (if at the stage of disconnection everything was done correctly, then the chain should hold).

After that, we inspect the junction. The pin should protrude evenly on both sides of the chain. We check the link, it should move without any effort (like everyone else). After that, all that remains is to lubricate the chain and enjoy cycling.

Conclusion

In this article, you fully learned how to remove a bicycle chain that does not have a lock. After completing all the operations, you can safely dismantle the chain without fear of wrong actions.