Bicycle Chain

"Bicycle Chain Maintenance and Repair..."

...Nothing is more frustrating then to have a flat tire or bicycle chain break in the middle of your ride.  We can't help with the flat, but a little preventive maintenance will keep your bicycle chain continue clicking happily in your bike’s sprockets.

Now, chains don't often break, but they do if you allow them to become worn and loose. To keep wear to a minimum, wipe the chain with a solvent- soaked cloth whenever dirt builds up on the links. Even better, it's a good idea to take the chain off now and again for cleaning and lubrication.

I am sure you don't need to be reminded to store your bike in a garage or a place out of the weather and rain. Water will cause your bicycle chain to rust, causing you to replace it faster.

Before every ride get in the habit of checking the bike chain tension on one and three speed bikes. You can tighten a loose chain at the rear wheel. If there is no more room for adjustment at the rear axle, it's a signal that the chain is worn and stretched. Out with the old and on with the new whenever this happens.

If your bicycle's chain clatters or grinds when you are pedaling check it carefully for wear. Good links should fit firmly between the teeth of the sprocket.  If the chain is always falling off after you have adjusted it, get rid of it. 

To take off the bicycle chain, do the follow: Locate the chain connector and, with pliers, disengage the clip or other fastener holding the side plate of the clip in place. Remove the side plate. Then pull the connector free so you release the chain ends. Now you can remove the chain from front and rear sprockets. 

You can buy replacement chains in stainless steel or aluminum alloy. The aluminum bicycle chains are lightweight and designed for racing bikes. Stainless steel chains are best for all terrain bikes, because they won't rust and are stronger than the aluminum alloy bicycle chains.

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Here's another test for your bike chain.  Pull on any two adjacent links with your hands. If you feel a lot of play, replace the chain, or at least clean it.  Then loosen the rear wheel nuts and move that wheel forward as far as possible in its slots. As you hold it there, replace the chain.

Next pull the chain tightly over both sprockets. If needed your can shorten the chain by removing the proper rivet. Center the rivet over the hole in a small nut and drive it out with a punch. If the rivet is hardened you may have to grind off its head.

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Now you are ready to replace the chain, the connector and the side plate. Crimp the fastener in place. The closed end of the fastener must face in the direction of travel.  Next you can slide the wheel backwards until the bicycle chain has only 1/2 inch of play.  At that point tighten the wheel nuts.  Make sure the axle is even to prevent wheel wobble.

To thoroughly clean the chain it is best to remove it and soak it in kerosene for an hour or two. Then clean off dirt and residue with a stiff wire brush. Now that the chain is clean and dry you can get it back onto your bike.  Finally, drip chain oil into the links as you turn the chain through two complete cycles. Turn the wheel carefully so as not to splatter oil over everything. Always wear safety glasses when working on your bike to avoid injury.  

That's it.  Now you are ready for carefree riding!  

Bicycle Maintainence >>

Ride for Life...
Chip Clark
Famous Bike Guy 

    Bicycle chain