When installing a new chain on your bike, you often need to correctly determine the length or number of links. A chain that is not long enough can make it difficult to shift gears with large sprockets. Not short enough - to excessive sagging and spontaneous dropping of links from the stars.
It is necessary
- - bicycle chain;
- - tool for disassembling chain links;
- - additional teeth (if necessary);
- - pin - the connecting link of the chain
Instructions
Step 1
To correctly determine the correct chain length, always take into account not only the design of the bike, but also the geometry of the frame, as well as the dimensions of the sprockets and cassette. In most cases, you can simply compare the new chain with the old one and shorten (lengthen) it to the correct size by adding or removing extra links.
Step 2
If it is decided to install new sprockets on the bike, it will no longer work to set the required number of links in the described way. To determine the correct length of the chain, install it on the largest sprockets and tension it, moving the rear derailleur to the full forward position.
Step 3
Having measured the desired length of the chain in the put on position, add 2 more links to it. Note that on bikes, when sizing the chain, be sure to set the rear shock so that the cassette is farthest from the gearshift system. It is not necessary to run the chain through the tensioner foot.
Step 4
In addition, you can determine the length of the chain and install it on the larger front and smaller rear sprockets. At the same time, using the rear derailleur, tighten the links so that its frame is directed straight down, that is, the line connecting the centers of the tensioner rollers is vertical.
Step 5
For road bikes equipped with Shimano equipment, the manufacturer recommends determining the chain length by pulling it over the smallest sprockets. At the optimum length, the tensioner should not have any binding when moving.
Step 6
It is often recommended to shorten the chain by 1-2 links if the rear derailleur has a short frame. Be extremely careful when following this advice. There is always a chance to make a mistake with such a shortening, and the price of an error is possible damage to the chain and the speed switch when switching to large sprockets.
