Step-by-step Guide on How to Fix a Mountain Bike Chain
The first thing to do is to inspect your drivetrain. Look for bent or broken sections on your chainring and cogs. Replace them if you find any. Also, check the derailleur and see if it still shifts properly.
Additional Tips on How to Fix a Mountain Bike Chain
This might sound simple, but this is a very important skill every mountain biker should know. Improper shifting strains your drivetrain and can stretch your chain too much.
Conclusion
Knowing the correct way on how to fix a mountain bike chain will save you a lot of hassle on the trails. This will also help you save money and time because you can fix it by yourself. You also become less dependent on in-shop mechanics.
How to change a mountain bike chain?
First, turn your bike upside down or place it in a bike rack. Look for a master link in your chain, which is a special link with a slot in it to connect the 2 ends of the chain.
How to put a chain on a mountain bike?
Insert your chain into the gear mechanism. For more complex mountain bike, you may need to consult the picture you took of how the old chain feeds through the gear mechanism to do this properly. Simple mechanisms may be more intuitive. Pull the chain through the entire drivetrain until both ends terminate at the bottom midpoint between your wheels.
How to fix stiff links on bike chain?
The chain should move smoothly. If you notice stiff links, these are often caused by a protruding link pin, and can be fixed by resetting the pin with your chain tool and pliers.
What is a master link on a bike chain?
A master link is a special link in your bike chain that has a pin/slot configuration that will allow you to easily remove your chain from the bike. Two popular kinds of master links are Connex and SRAM Powerlink. Knowing where your master link is ahead of time will make chain replacement go smoother.
How to shorten a bike chain?
This is likely the case if you were not able to measure your chain. Shift your bike to its lowest gear, and then use your chain tool to remove links one at a time to shorten the chain until it is taut in the drivetrain.
How to check for wear on bike chain?
If inspecting your chain with a wear indicator or a physical gap check aren't an option, or if your chain is already off the bike, you can also check for wear by trying to touch the ends of the bike chain. Lay your chain on a clean surface so that the holes in the chain are oriented up and down. Then:
What is the drivetrain of a bike?
The drivetrain of your bike is the part that transfers the energy you put into the pedals through the chain to your gears to move the wheels. You'll want to pay extra close attention to how the chain feeds into the gears. Knowing how the chain fits in the mechanism will allow you to replace it with greater ease.
How to put a broken chain back together?
Pull the broken link off the pin and discard it. Remove the broken link while keeping the pin in the chain. This pin will attach to the open link on the other side of the chain to put everything back together.
What to do if your chain breaks?
Add a new link as soon as possible to return your chain to its normal length. If your chain breaks, you can remove the broken link and reattach the chain for a temporary fix. However, the shorter chain won't be able to fit around all of your gears, severely limiting your range.
How to get a broken pin out of a chain?
Use a chain breaker tool to carefully push the pin halfway out of the broken link. This tool, resembling a medieval torture device, is actually easy to use. Each link of the chain has 2 round pins in it which attach it to the other links. Find the broken link and note the pin that is keeping it attached to the rest of the chain. Slowly turn your chain breaker tool so the poker pushes the pin out of the link about halfway. Do not push it completely through.
What does it mean when a bike chain breaks?
Know that, in the end, a broken chain usually means you need a brand new one. While you can fix the chain in a variety of ways, as noted, a broken chain usually needs a replacement. Beyond breaking, old chains expand as the pins inside wear down. This might not sound like much in theory, but it matters when riding. The chain handles and transfers all of the force from your feet to the wheels, and a loose chain means you're doing a lot more work for a lot less speed.
What are the pins on a bike chain?
Pins in the chain are specific to the number of speeds your cassette has. Ask at your local bike shop if you have any questions about this.
How to prevent chain binding?
Loosen up the connection to prevent binding. Grab the chain on each side of your newly connected links and move it from side to side to loosen up the new connection. It can also help to move the chain tool to the other side of the joint just made, and push the pin very slightly to free the 2 outside plates of the link from the central section, preventing binding.
How many holes do you need to put a chain in?
Fit the 2 ends of the chain into one another so the holes line up. The link with the pin in it should be on the outside so that you can push it through all 4 holes (2 on each link) to complete your chain.
What to do if a chain breaks on a trail?
Also, if a chain breaks out on the trail, it’s generally a good idea to replace it as soon as possible, making sure to keep your power link for future emergency use. Not much is known about Corey Maddocks, though the legend grows each day.
What does a broken chain do?
A broken chain is a surefire way to turn an epic ride into an epic hike. Fortunately, with the right tools, it is a quick and easy fix, getting you cranking again in no time.
Where does the chain go when the cassette comes down?
Basically when the chain comes down off the back of the cassette, it goes over and in front of the top idler pulley, and then behind and under the bottom one.
Can a broken chain be hung in place?
Depending on what you were doing when it snapped, it may fall off into the dirt, wrap around the bottom bracket, or most likely, just hang in place. Either way, get off the trail and find a clean place to work in case any small parts get dropped during the repair.
How to fix a broken bike chain?
Fixing a broken bike chain requires a chain tool—a compact, universal multi-tool. Once you have your chain tool on hand , flip your bike upside down so that its wheels face up and it is resting on the seat and handlebars. Examine your chain and determine which end needs to be removed.
How to get a slipped chain back on a bike?
Pick up the slipped chain and position it to the top of the correct gear while pedaling. Once the chain teeth are locked in place, slowly release the derailleur and push the pedal forward to move the back wheel. Continue pedaling until the rest of the chains are fit back into their original positions. Before you get back on your bike, shift to the lowest gear and continue pedaling. This movement should realign your chain and lock it back into place. Changing gears without pedaling can cause the chain to bind up, and should be avoided.
How to inflate a bike tire?
Starting at a point next to the valve, push the tire bead inside the rim, and proceed along the entire wheel. The tire bead is the edge of a tire that sits on the wheel. Once the wheel and tube are on the wheel, inflate your tire slowly. As you inflate, make sure that the tire bead remains in place and that the valve stays straight. It is helpful to first inflate to 10-15 PSI, then go around the tire rocking it slightly back and forth. This will help the bead seat in its proper location. Finally, reinstall the bike wheel.
How to inflate a tire that is round?
Once you are sure the tire is safe, take your new tube and inflate it until it is round in shape and confirm it holds air. Line up the valve of the tire and valve stem of your tube, then place the tube inside of the tire.
How to replace a tire tube on a bike?
If one of your wheels needs its tube replaced, remove the entire wheel from your bike , deflate the tire, and pull out the tube. You will need a tire lever, which is a small, mostly flat, plastic tool with a curved end. The tire lever will allow you to hook the bead, which is a thin wire cable embedded in the bottom of the tire that helps to seal the tire to the wheel.
How to pull a tire off a rim?
Pull the tire to one side at the point completely opposite the valve, and try to hook the bead from underneath. Once hooked, you can slide the lever radially around the tire to pull it over the rim. Once one entire side is off, pull the other side off in the same direction. For large tires, this will be pretty easy, and it might be a bit difficult for smaller ones. You can pull the tube out from just one side at this stage to give yourself some more room to work with.
How to replace a spoke on a broken wheel?
Begin by removing the wheel and tire. Move the rim tape to one side. From there, unscrew one side of your broken spoke from the rim. Remove the other end of the spoke by sliding it through the hub eyelet.