Over time, your mountain bike chain will become worn and need replacing. Worn chains will slip on the rear cassette and affect shifting. Worn chains are also susceptible to mechanical failure. The last thing you want is to be out on the trial with a broken chain. Replacement chains come in one length and must be sized to your specific bike. Bike frame size, front chain ring size, cassette size and derailleur length all affect chain length. There are a couple of easy methods to ensure you utilize the correct chain length.
Step 1
Inspect your current chain to see if it is broken or if you are unsure that the correct-size chain was on your bike to begin with. Take your old chain and straighten it out on the floor. Line up the new chain next to the old. Count links on the old chain and then count out the same number of links on the new chain. Ensure that you start with a roller end on both chains and end your count with a plate end on the other.
Step 2
Place the new chain in the chain tool to remove the pin. Recheck to ensure that the new and old chains are the same length.
Step 3
Position the new chain on the bike. At this point, the chain likely will be too long.
Step 4
Run the chain over the large chain ring on the crankset and the smallest cog on the rear cassette. Pull the two chain ends together until the rear derailleur is vertical. Align one end of the chain with its opposite on the other end and remove the excess chain. Ensure that you end up with a roller end and a plate end to properly join the chain.
Things You'll Need
- Chain tool
References
- "The Complete Book of Road Cycling and Racing"; Will Peveler, Ph.D.; 2009
- Park Tool: Chain Length Sizing
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