Installing a bike chain and rear wheel is easiest when you have the bike up in a bicycle work stand. As an alternative, turn the bike upside down, balancing it on its saddle and handlebars. Remember to reverse the instructional directions as appropriate. Another option is to work with a partner who can lift the rear of the bike off the ground while you work. Additional considerations apply if you are installing a wheel or chain on a single-speed or fixed-gear bicycle.
Chain Installation
Step 1
Shift the front derailleur into the lowest gear. Put one side of the chain through the front derailleur cage and over the smallest front chain ring. If one end of the chain has a protruding rivet, use that end for this step, and orient the rivet so that it points out from the bike.
Step 2
Shift the rear derailleur into the gear corresponding with the middle rear sprocket. Pull the rear derailleur cage down so it is perpendicular to the chain stays. Wrap the chain counterclockwise around the bottom of the middle rear sprocket, clockwise around the right side and bottom of the top pulley wheel of the derailleur cage and then counterclockwise around the left side and bottom of the bottom pulley wheel. Keep the chain inside any chain guards on the derailleur cage.
Step 3
Bring the chain ends together under the chain stays between the rear sprockets and front chain rings. If you have a master link on your chain, insert each rivet into the hole on the other end of the chain and pull to link the chain.
Step 4
If there is no master link, place the chain ends in the chain tool, inserting the inner links end between the outer links. Align the new replaceable rivet if required for your chain, or the attached protruding rivet with the holes in the inner links. Screw in the handle, pushing the rivet until it protrudes an equal amount---or not at all---from each side of the chain.
Wheel Installation
Step 1
Shift the rear derailleur into the highest gear.
Step 2
Pull the rear derailleur cage down perpendicular to the chain stays. Slide the rear wheel between the chain stays, placing the top side of the chain over the smallest rear sprocket.
Step 3
Slide the rear wheel axle into the dropouts, keeping any loose washers outside the dropouts. Pull apart the chain stays if necessary to fit the axle between them; you may need a partner to help you. Center the rear wheel between the left and right chain stays and check that it does not touch the frame or fenders.
Step 4
Tighten the axle nuts or clamp down the quick release, keeping the wheel centered as you do so. Loosen the nuts or quick release and readjust the wheel alignment as necessary. Former "Bicycling Magazine" technical editor Jim Langley advises that you tighten the axle nuts equally on each side of the dropout for even pressure on the wheel hub's bearings.
Step 5
Reattach the rear brake calipers or cantilever arms if necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Chain tool
Member Comments