changing the chain on my roadbike?
Submitted by admin on June 12, 2009 – 2:01 am4 Comments
bikerchick1578 asked:
i’m fairly new to cycling. i’m replacing the chain on my bike. i’ve never done it before. i got a chain tool, and removed the extra links and have gotten it to the right length… what now?
how do i put the pin they gave me with the chain in? does it just slide in?
thanks for the help! mission accomplishe!!! = )
Yes – ish!!
You will need your chain tool to insert the new pin, (you may have to snap the end off afterwards though,depending on your chain, with a set of pliers.)
Job done!
Time for a cup of tea!
.
Mr G is right. you use the same tool to push the pin in. Shimano usually has a nub that you push on with the tool that must be snapped off. (it’s in the directions) Many times you have to push a little from the other end to loosen the link before use. If you use your new chain with a tight link it will skip on the cassette.
I do all my own repairs. New chains come with a chain rivet spot welded to a pin used to insert the rivet into the chain and chain tool. The pin then breaks of with pliers after the rivet goes all the way though the links.
If all you have is a chain rivet, then use tweezers to hold it in place until you can tighten it between the chain and chain tool. Be careful. I broke my chain tool by going too fast and not lining everything up properly.
Being careful means having the piece of chain you are working on being slack. If you are alone, tie the chain together somehow, or use a bungee chord to pull the rear derailleur forward to create slack. Ask someone for a 3rd hand to hold the chain together.
In the future when you take your chain off, be careful not to push the rivet out all the way.
The extra pin does just slide in, but it requires the force of the chain tool to make it slide. As others have stated, you then break off the extra section with pliars as shown in the directions. If the link is tight compared to its neighbors, be sure you have pressed it in the right distance. If you pushed too far, you can back it out a hair by putting the tool on the other side of the chain. If you didn’t push it far enough, use the tool to press it slightly further. If it is perfectly aligned and still tight, gently flex the chain sideways a bit to loosen it up.
You may also want to consider getting some SRAM Power Links. These hold the chain together without requiring you to push in the long pin and break it off. Power Links are compatible with both Shimano and SRAM chains. Many of my friends swear by them.
Hope this helps you out.